Aerospace Medicine - This is a relatively new branch of clinical and occupational medicine. However, it has been in existence since the time the first aircraft took off from mother earth.
What it deals with:
Aerospace medicine deals with the short term and long term problems an aviator and an astronaut face. An Aero Med Spl is a medical doctor, who has to study about physics, aerodynamics, aeronautical engineering, space and high altitude physiology, clinical medicine, psychology and medical administration. Aerospace Medicine is taught as a PG subject in Rajiv Gandhi University, Bangalore. Earlier, it was under Bangalore University. The Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), located at Vimanapura, Bangalore 560017, imparts a 3-year postgraduate course. Aerospace Medicine has mainly been dominated by Defence Service Doctors. With the expansion of aviation industry, a number of civilian doctors have undergone this course, and are flourishing in India and abroad.
What is the work of an Aero Med Spl?
Briefly, he/she does the following:
Selection of aircrew/astronauts
Periodic medical of aircrew/astronauts
Medical care of aircrew/astronauts
Aviation associated support personnel and passengers. Research in the field of aviation/space travel
Active Medical support in operation flying and space travel
Some sites to visit:
asma.org occenvmed.com
civilaviation.nic.in
icao.org nasa.gov space.com
sambrooks.af.mil
basis.delhi.nic.in/nd