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
Nov 8, 2024 • 12min
How to Keep Your Medical When You Are Diagnosed With Low T
Send us Fan MailMale hypogonadism, otherwise known as "low T" is a common diagnosis received by adult males, including those who operate aircraft. Many medical providers who prescribe testosterone supplements do not "speak airplane," making aeromedical certification challenging in certain cases. What does it take to obtain or maintain a medical certificate when prescribed supplemental testosterone? We discuss the details.
Nov 1, 2024 • 16min
The Pet Peeves of AMEs
Send us Fan MailEver wonder what can be annoying to your aviation medical examiner? On this episode, we pick a few favorites and jokingly review the top "pet peeves" on the list.
Oct 25, 2024 • 14min
Cancer Where It Counts
Send us Fan MailAlthough a relatively rare type of cancer, testicular carcinoma affects thousands of individuals each year. On this episode, we discuss what it is and what is required for aeromedical certification.
Oct 4, 2024 • 16min
Breast Cancer and Aeromedical Certification
Send us Fan MailAlthough breast cancer can be devastating for any individual being diagnosed with the disease, the aeromedical certification process has come full circle and allowed for pilots to obtain their medical certificates relatively easily with appropriate preparation and documentation of clinical stability.
Sep 27, 2024 • 16min
Funnel Chest and Speech Impediments: Autumn has Arrived!
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we discuss a couple of conditions not commonly seen in pilots but which can make a difference in terms of aeromedical certification. We look at pectus excavatum, otherwise known as "funnel chest," and how pilots with speech impediments can still qualify for their FAA medical certificate.
Sep 20, 2024 • 16min
Whole LADA Shakin' Goin' On
Send us Fan MailLADA, or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults, is often misdiagnosed and is sometimes called "diabetes 1.5." On this episode, we'll review what LADA is, what to look for, and how it affects aeromedical certification.
Sep 13, 2024 • 13min
Pace Yourself
Send us Fan MailPacemakers are amazing devices that can help regulate heart rhythms, synchronize arrhythmias, and can be career saving for certain pilots. On this episode, we discuss certification requirements for aviators who will need Special Issuance Authorization for pacemakers. A little preparation goes a long way.
Sep 6, 2024 • 21min
On Track to Stop the Plaque: Psoriasis and Aeromedical Certification
Send us Fan MailPsoriasis is a chronic and incurable condition involving the skin that is sometime associated with arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. There are a variety of treatments for this disease and we discuss aeromedical implications to minimize delays in certification.
Aug 30, 2024 • 18min
Headscratching Anecdotes Solved for You
Send us Fan MailIn the process of conducting dozens of flight physicals, there are questions that periodically come up when filling out the medical application form. On this episode, we review some of those head-scratching anecdotes and how to efficiently complete the process.
Aug 23, 2024 • 14min
Ironman Pilots
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we review aeromedical certification requirements for a relatively uncommon disease called hemochromatosis -- a condition that involves elevated iron levels in the blood that can result in liver failure and may affect multiple other organs. Screened and taken care of early, it is completely controllable but left unchecked, can result in significant problems. We review the treatment and what is required of pilots with this condition.
