Episode 148: Dr. Kris Belland, D.O.- Aerospace Medicine and Medical Errors- Never say "Whoops" in the OR! and what it's like to fly an F-14 Tomcat!

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Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Chris Belland, D.O., a retired Navy flight surgeon and the first osteopathic physician to serve as president of the Aerospace Medical Association. Dr. Belland was recommended by Dr. Hauler and the American Osteopathic association who together are spearheading an effort to educate physicians about patient safety, and foster a culture of transparency and responsibility.  

Dr. Belland graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has dedicated his career to improving patient safety by drawing on lessons from high-reliability industries like aviation and nuclear power. He shares his unique perspective on how these industries’ structured approaches to risk management, including the ‘Swiss cheese model’ of risk mitigation, can be applied to healthcare to prevent medical errors.

In our conversation, Dr. Belland explains the importance of occupational and preventive medicine, describing the role and responsibilities of physicians with this training. With a background in both aviation and medicine, he’s been on the frontlines of aerospace medicine, having served in combat zones, ensuring the readiness of our nation’s elite aviators, and fostering trust with his osteopathic philosophy of holistic care.

Dr. Belland continues to make waves in aerospace medicine—from advising companies on UV-C technology to reduce disease transmission in aircraft, to collaborating on global initiatives for pandemic response. His journey highlights the incredible impact that osteopathic principles can have, from taking care of aviators in high-stress environments to his leadership in advancing healthcare on a global scale.

Join us as we talk about his extraordinary career, the role of a flight surgeon, the intersection of osteopathic medicine and aerospace, and much more.