Mayo Clinic Clear Approach
Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
Mayo Clinic Clear Approach tackles medical topics important to commercial aviators, recreational pilots, or just folks interested in things that fly. Current topics from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and aviation trends are explored in a serious but sometimes humorous way. Mayo Clinic Clear Approach focuses on a perspective from "the other side of the gurney." Let us navigate the storms of aeromedical certification, medical issues that may affect pilots, and share experiences with and from other pilots to break through life's sometimes stormy clouds and focus in on a clear approach.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 9, 2025 • 15min
Spring Brings Pollen and a Push for Supercharging ATC Hiring
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we review the recently announced FAA strategy for hiring more air traffic controllers -- all while addressing the first pollen burst of the year and how pilots can navigate using antihistamines and other medications without jeopardizing their medical certificate.
May 2, 2025 • 21min
The FAA is Listening: Do You Know About the "3Es?"
Send us Fan MailAt the latest AME Grand Rounds, medical examiners heard updates from the FAA regarding a recent listening session in which a variety of aviation-related organizations provided insight into how the FAA's medical divisions could improve -- and they're listening. On this episode, we review the updates from the latest information session provided to AMEs by the agency, plus meet one of the Mayo Clinic fellows in training within the Aerospace Medicine program.
Apr 25, 2025 • 13min
FAA Certification for the "Baby Brother of Diabetes" -- Pre-Diabetes
Explore the complexities of pre-diabetes in aviation! Learn how mild blood sugar elevations can still allow for medical certification. Discover which oral diabetes medications are permissible for pilots and the specific criteria for qualification. Find out what factors can disqualify pilots and what new medications are now recognized by the FAA. Understand the necessary observation periods after starting medication and how documentation for certification works. It's a detailed look into how pre-diabetes impacts flying safely.
Apr 18, 2025 • 13min
HIMS -- Not just a Pronoun!
Send us Fan MailThe Human Intervention and Motivational Study, also known as the HIMS Program is an occupational substance abuse treatment program dedicated to helping all pilots return to the cockpit or flight deck. HIMS-trained AMEs, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists in conjunction with employers, union representatives, and other support organizations work together to evaluate and support pilots with substance disorders or dependence, or other mental health conditions. On this episode, we discuss the program as well as lessons learned from the recent Advanced HIMS Seminar held in Louisville, Kentucky.
Apr 4, 2025 • 20min
"I passed out and I have no idea what happened." Now what?
The episode delves into syncope, covering everything from simple fainting to severe brain injuries. It discusses the required documentation and tests for pilots experiencing unexplained loss of consciousness. Listeners learn about FAA policies, including the lengthy stand-down periods for various injury severities. The podcast highlights transient global amnesia, its features, and aeromedical implications. Hopeful recovery stories emphasize the possibility of returning to flying after overcoming significant challenges.
Mar 31, 2025 • 17min
Scanning the Heart with CT imaging: Good idea for pilots, or not?
Send us Fan MailOn this episode we review the technology of coronary artery CT scanning and CT angiography. Although used as an effective screening tool for certain individuals, is this imaging something that pilots should pursue? What happens if an elevated coronary calcium score is identified? Will a pilot still be able to retain their medical certificate, and how much additional testing might be required?
Mar 21, 2025 • 22min
MedXPress or MedXSlow? You Make the Call
Send us Fan MailThe FAA medical application, Form 8500-8, is completed electronically through the electronic platform called MedXPress. Are you ready for your next flight physical? What potential pitfalls are there with filling out the application form and how can you prevent those? We cover some of the most common applicant questions as well as places on the form that pilots can potentially get in trouble.
Mar 14, 2025 • 14min
What Happens if Your Kidneys Get Stoned?
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we review aeromedical certification consequences of passing kidney stones. Major issue or just a "small pebble" in the shoe of a long aviation career? Plus, we break down the new Air Force One Boeing 747 plagued by delays and cost overruns.
Feb 28, 2025 • 15min
Another AME Joins the Mayo Team
Send us Fan MailOn this episode we cover some of the topics discussed at the recent FAA aviation medical examiner grand rounds such as more information on color vision screening and CACI qualification for "low T," and we meet the newest addition to the Mayo Clinic aeromedical team.
Feb 21, 2025 • 15min
So I was Walking Along the Beach Minding My Own Business When.....
Send us Fan MailFrom stories of a pilot getting knocked out by a wild horse while walking along a beach to discussing the details of aeromedical certification with bladder cancer, this episode has a little bit of everything.
