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 3, 2024 • 15min
Wheeze Bad
Send us Fan MailAsthma is a common condition in the general population and is often worse during allergy seasons in the spring and fall. Is being diagnosed with asthma a significant barrier to obtaining a medical certificate? We discuss stages of asthma severity and how FAA medical certification may be affected.
Apr 26, 2024 • 32min
Got rhythm? Atrial Fibrillation and How To Maintain Your Medical Certificate
Send us Fan MailAtrial fibrillation is the most prevalent treated heart arrhythmia. We meet with a cardiology expert to discuss assessment, treatment, and new trends in taking care of the condition -- and then review your pathway to aeromedical certification.
Apr 19, 2024 • 19min
Thyroid Disease: Does this "Black Box" Gland "Box" Your Medical?
Send us Fan MailThe thyroid is often considered the "black box" gland -- not only to patients and pilots, but also to their providers. In this episode, an expert in thyroid disease helps navigate common thyroid conditions, and we discuss the resulting aeromedical implications. Can a pilot still get a medical with thyroid problems, and, if so, what limitations will there be on the certificate?
Apr 12, 2024 • 12min
The ARC Sails Into New Waters of Mental Health Awareness
Send us Fan MailOn this episode we review current events -- from three new antidepressant medications announced by the FAA as allowable for aeromedical certification to a recent report released by the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) regarding advances in mental health disclosure and certification.
Apr 5, 2024 • 20min
Pour Some Sugar on Me
Send us Fan MailDiabetes is a condition that not only can affect your health, but also your FAA aeromedical certification. On this episode we interview an expert in diabetes who is also a pilot to learn more about detection, treatment, and ultimately, how to preserve your medical certificate.
Mar 29, 2024 • 9min
What's That Sound? Drone on...........
Send us Fan MailOperation of remote unmanned aircraft, otherwise known as drone operation, has become the fastest growing segment of aviation in the country. What does it take to become a drone pilot and do you have to have a medical certificate to fly one?
Mar 22, 2024 • 27min
The Eyes Have It
Send us Fan MailOne of the most common issues affecting pilots is that of visual acuity. On this episode, a Mayo Clinic optometrist covers the most common eye issues facing pilots. Are those aviator shades worth it? Should pilots be worried about cataracts or glaucoma, and what about monovision correction or LASIK? Listen to find out....
Mar 15, 2024 • 13min
Getting Inside A HIMS Psychiatrist's Head
Send us Fan MailAlthough almost everyone experiences ups and downs of mood and attitude, some pilots encounter mental health conditions that require detailed assessments and testing in order to qualify for their medical certificate. In this episode, we visit with Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Greg Couser to better understand what goes into these detailed evaluations and how aviators can best prepare for the process.
Mar 8, 2024 • 16min
The Ups and Downs of Hot Air Ballooning
Send us Fan MailOn this episode we dust off things in the hangar, get ready for the prime of flying season, and discuss hot air ballooning ups and downs -- from what's required in an annual inspection to the angst of "aeronauts" having to obtain a Class II medical certificate.
Mar 1, 2024 • 22min
Things That Go Bump in the Night: A Pilot's Primer on Sleep Apnea
Send us Fan MailObstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders are some of the most common conditions requiring Special Issuance Authorization clearance from the FAA. On this episode, we hear from a sleep disorders expert followed by discussion on aeromedical implications.
