

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 23, 2024 • 16min
Eating Your Alphabet Soup
Send us Fan MailIn between carpet upgrades to the perch of the Aerospace Medicine practice on the 18th floor of the Gonda Building, we take some time to review a number of abbreviations that are used commonly in the aeromedical certification world -- but may not be familiar to pilots.

Feb 16, 2024 • 11min
When to Say When?: The Age 67 Proposal
Send us Fan MailThe age for mandatory retirement for commercial airline pilots flying under Part 121 was raised to 65 years in 2007. A recent pitch to increase the age limit to 67 was voted down recently by the Senate Commerce Committee. What implications will this have on the pilot shortage, and what's the answer?

Feb 9, 2024 • 11min
Be Prepared
Send us Fan MailIt's second nature to pre-flight with a checklist, but what about "pre-flight checklisting" yourself? On this episode we meet one of our talented nurses dedicated to helping pilots through the process of applying for a medical certificate and passing through this part of the journey unscathed.

Feb 3, 2024 • 11min
When the Wheels Fall Off
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we pay tribute to our colleague Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn who was the master of ceremonies for the Clear Approach podcast but departed the "nest" for a better view at Delta Airlines. We launch our new format, and discuss being aware of colleagues and friends with mood issues that could lead to the unthinkable. NOTE: Potential sensitive topic of depression and suicidal ideation is discussed.

Aug 25, 2023 • 13min
Pay Attention, Its Time for ADHD.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we review a surprisingly troubling condition for many unsuspecting pilots, ADHD.

Aug 4, 2023 • 23min
EAA Airventure Recap and Well Well Wellbutrin!
Send us Fan MailGet comfy for my adventure/horror story about EAA Airventure 2023. Then we go over the newest medication approved by the FAA for the treatment of depression.

Jul 26, 2023 • 20min
Tribulation and Jet Lag
Send us Fan MailIm back after suffering a loss. After sharing my experience, I give some helpful hints for reducing the pain of Jet Lag. And then, Im off to EAA!

Mar 24, 2023 • 14min
Im Back with Back Pain
Send us Fan MailIts Podcast Reboot 3.0. And for this episode, we go over pain thats with you but behind you: back pain.

Dec 16, 2022 • 16min
Me, Myself, and COVID
Send us Fan MailMy pain is your pleasure in this week's episode. And I share some amazing new information from the FAA regarding medical certification for pilots on anxiety and depression medications.

Sep 2, 2022 • 13min
Frequent Flyer Questions
Send us Fan MailIm back from vacation! In this episode I review three frequent questions we get from pilots. And I share a fun time on a Boeing 727.


