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
Feb 14, 2025 • 18min
Broken Heart on Valentine's Day? How to Get Your FAA Medical With Bundle Branch Block or a Heart Transplant
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we discuss bundle branch block and what is required if a heart transplant is required for severe cardiac disease. What is bundle branch block? Is it a deal breaker? And is it even possible to get a medical if a pilot experiences a condition that requires a heart transplant?
Feb 7, 2025 • 22min
What Happens After a Valve Job?
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we discuss what pilots need to be prepared for after undergoing heart valve repair or replacement. How long is the stand down time? What tests are needed? What should the cardiologists say in their note in order to avoid sabotaging the chances for a medical certificate?
Jan 31, 2025 • 24min
My Achy Breaky Heart and the FAA
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we look at a common condition unfortunately experienced by many pilots -- whether flying recreationally or for a living -- coronary artery disease. What tests are needed and how can a pilot be adequately prepared through the process of obtaining a Special Issuance Authorization? Do you really need to get a coronary angiogram after a stent is placed? What type of stress test do I need? Are there any tricks to being ready and what is the earliest a pilot can see their AME to get a new medical?
Jan 25, 2025 • 12min
What a Headache!
Send us Fan MailIt's not just the crazy weather headaches to tackle, but some pilots deal with chronic and sometimes severe headaches that can affect aeromedical certification. On this episode, we discuss what medications are allowed by the FAA, which are not, and how best to report chronic headaches during the flight physical.
Jan 17, 2025 • 19min
The Questions Keep Coming -- New FAA Color Vision Rules for Pilots
Send us Fan MailLast month, the FAA announced changes in screening for color vision deficiency. On this episode we discuss what pilots will be directly affected and address some of the common questions being asked right now by our patients and aviation medical examiners across the country. What tests will be allowed? What happens if my AME doesn't have one of the new approved computer-based color vision screening tests? What happens if I have a color vision waiver now with a Class III medical and want to move up to a Class I or Class II certificate?
Dec 20, 2024 • 18min
There's a New Kid in Town (and it Isn't Santa!)
Send us Fan MailMayo Clinic's Section of Transportation Medicine was joined recently by U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and FAA Senior AME Dr. Sheyna Gifford. On this episode of the podcast, she discusses her philosophies and approaches to a successful flight physical -- and the importance of professionalism in pursuing an aviation career.
Dec 13, 2024 • 25min
The Eyes Have It -- Part 2
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we review changes coming to color vision screening for pilots after January 1, 2025, plus chat with Mayo Clinic optometrist Dr. Muriel Schornack to learn more about everything eyes -- from glaucoma suspects to aviators with cool glasses.
Dec 6, 2024 • 20min
Color Vision Testing Changes Are Coming Soon (and Expect More Denial Letters From the FAA on the Horizon)
Send us Fan MailThis week the FAA announced significant changes in screening for color vision deficiency, and also declared a change in how the agency will interface with pilots in the future -- expect more denial letters coming in the mail after the first of the year.
Nov 23, 2024 • 12min
Is Basic Med Really That Basic?
Send us Fan MailOn this episode we take a look at the current updates on Basic Med announced this past week by the FAA, and also look at a new "fast track" process for adjustment disorder that may allow pilots originally having to go through an extended mental health evaluation be rapidly certified by their aviation medical examiner.
Nov 15, 2024 • 14min
An "Ironic" Liver Condition
Send us Fan MailHemochromatosis is an iron storage disease that affects not only the liver, but also the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system. Although not the most common condition, it is often associated with a genetic abnormality -- and those with the gene are typically unaware of it until middle-age. The key is in screening for it -- before it becomes a significant medical problem. What about pilots who have hemochromatosis? Can they be certified? What is the process? This episode covers the details of this condition and the potential aeromedical pitfalls.
