Mayo Clinic Clear Approach
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
On this episode, we discuss items learned at the Civil Aviation Medical Association meeting (CAMA) in Spokane, Washington along with a few updates from the FAA communicated on the recent AME Grand Rounds held virtually this past week.
A certain portion of pilots develop low platelet counts, otherwise known as thrombocytopenia. On this episode, we look at how platelets work in the body, what happens if there are not enough platelets, and why the FAA even cares. Having a good plan in place with your AME to deal with this condition is important when considering aeromedical certification.
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common forms of heart arrhythmia that require Special Issuance Authorization from the FAA. On this episode, we review what testing is required and how difficult the challenge is to obtain a medical waiver for the condition.
Falls, crashes, and other events resulting in head trauma are never planned but can have significant consequences for a pilot's ability to maintain a medical certificate. On this episode, we review the various levels of severity of head trauma as defined by the FAA and navigate direct paths to aeromedical certification.
On this episode, we visit with an FAA-trained neuropsychologist -- an expert in the field of testing cognitive ability -- often required as part of medical certification in pilots with conditions such as depression, ADHD, prior drug or alcohol disorders, and past head trauma. We ask what to do, and what not to do as part of these testing sessions, often cloaked in anonymity.
Many times in the process of obtaining an aviation medical certificate, pilots come across acronyms and terms typically unfamiliar to most people. On this episode, we decipher some of those terms so you can impress friends and family at the hangar or pilot domicile.
On this episode, the podcast returns Mitch and Clay from extended vacations to review highlights from one of the largest aviation events in the country held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin -- along with outlining the framework for an upcoming AME refresher seminar to be held by the FAA Education Division on the Mayo Clinic campus.
Ever wonder what an AME feels like when they have to undergo the scrutiny of a flight physical themselves? On this episode, we reflect on life from the "other side of the gurney" and how to best prepare for undergoing a flight physical before showing up.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that often involves no specific symptoms -- until it is too late. On this episode, we cover a pathway to FAA medical certification in pilots who contract this sneaky virus.
On this episode, we visit with soon-to-be retired Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association, Jeff Sventek. His insights from more than 30 years in the United States Air Force along with 15 additional years guiding the leading specialty organization for Aerospace Medicine culminate with the annual Scientific Meeting scheduled in Atlanta the first week of June. We will get a sneak peak of the meeting and...
On this episode, we discuss a pilot who was charged with making false statements on the FAA medical application form and what implications that might have including possible jail time or fines. How does one balance the need to be complete with that of unnecessary worry about missing a non-relevant medical visit?
On this episode, we review the recently announced FAA strategy for hiring more air traffic controllers -- all while addressing the first pollen burst of the year and how pilots can navigate using antihistamines and other medications without jeopardizing their medical certificate.
At the latest AME Grand Rounds, medical examiners heard updates from the FAA regarding a recent listening session in which a variety of aviation-related organizations provided insight into how the FAA's medical divisions could improve -- and they're listening. On this episode, we review the updates from the latest information session provided to AMEs by the agency, plus meet one of the Mayo Clinic fellows i...
Although a very common condition, the presence of glucose intolerance or what the FAA calls "pre-diabetes" can result in medical certification -- and in some cases, does not even require Special Issuance Authorization. What are the newer drugs allowed and what is required to obtain or keep your medical certificate?
The Human Intervention and Motivational Study, also known as the HIMS Program is an occupational substance abuse treatment program dedicated to helping all pilots return to the cockpit or flight deck. HIMS-trained AMEs, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists in conjunction with employers, union representatives, and other support organizations work together to evaluate and support pilots with substance disorders or depe...
Episodes of syncope or loss of consciousness can result from something as simple as a brief fainting episode -- up to the level of a severe head injury. How it's documented and the testing required for FAA purposes can be critical. On this episode, we discuss the aeromedical implications of syncope and stand down times depending on the various severity of head injuries as well as a less common condition known as...
On this episode we review the technology of coronary artery CT scanning and CT angiography. Although used as an effective screening tool for certain individuals, is this imaging something that pilots should pursue? What happens if an elevated coronary calcium score is identified? Will a pilot still be able to retain their medical certificate, and how much additional testing might be required?
The FAA medical application, Form 8500-8, is completed electronically through the electronic platform called MedXPress. Are you ready for your next flight physical? What potential pitfalls are there with filling out the application form and how can you prevent those? We cover some of the most common applicant questions as well as places on the form that pilots can potentially get in trouble.
On this episode, we review aeromedical certification consequences of passing kidney stones. Major issue or just a "small pebble" in the shoe of a long aviation career? Plus, we break down the new Air Force One Boeing 747 plagued by delays and cost overruns.
On this episode we cover some of the topics discussed at the recent FAA aviation medical examiner grand rounds such as more information on color vision screening and CACI qualification for "low T," and we meet the newest addition to the Mayo Clinic aeromedical team.
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