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
Many pilots who have visited the Mayo Clinic Section of Transportation Medicine had early Christmas presents this year when they received their medical certificates. On this episode, we review some of those cases and update listeners on the newest FAA aeromedical certification changes released this month.
As the holiday season approaches, one gift to pilots is the AME Guide available from the FAA on line as an insider resource to aviators preparing for their flight physicals. Think of preparation for a flight physical as a pre-flight inspection of yourself. Medical conditions never seem to strike at convenient times, so having an online, free, and accessible guide to understanding what tests and materials might be requ...
On this episode, we review glaucoma, one of the most common causes of visual acuity loss in older adults and gradually affects visual field of pilots if not detected early. That early detection is a key factor in preventing its effects. What about aeromedical certification implications? Is there CACI criteria available for glaucoma? Is a pilot able to hold a medical certificate with this condition?
On this episode, we access a world expert on complex cardiac arrhythmias that can result in sudden cardiac death. Can a pilot resuscitated on the flight deck or in the field actually get back to flight duty? What trends are being seen in the FAA cardiology panel when it comes to consideration of these conditions? Why is it important to perform detailed research and provide data to the FAA to help shape future aerom...
On this episode, we interview Dr. Wigdan Farah, a pulmonologist in Mayo Clinic's Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine to discuss several respiratory conditions seen commonly in pilots seeking medical certification -- then review aeromedical implications and requirements.
On this episode, we ask a few questions of an aviation attorney as it pertains to aeromedical certification. How worried do pilots need to be about falsification on on a medical application -- intended or unintended? What is the liability for using BasicMed as an alternative to aeromedical certification? What are the most common cases for which pilots contact an aviation attorney?
On this episode, we review any potential changes in flight physical reviews on the basis of the government shutdown. In addition, with the outstanding weather this fall in the upper Midwest, we review ultraviolet radiation effects as it pertains to skin cancer and how that can affect aeromedical certification.
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...
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