KSC Medical Education Program |
|
| Contact Us Medical Education (321) 867-7462 |
|
Due to the decommissioning of NASAs Manned Flight Program, no further Student Applications will be accepted after October 1, 2010.
The Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health Branch at Kennedy Space Center offers clinical rotations in aerospace medicine. These rotations provides a unique opportunity for the medical student or resident to learn about the field of Aerospace Medicine at an operational space center.
Aerospace Medicine is a small but rewarding field that is associated with all aspects of aeronautical and aerospace research, medical support, and innovations. Aerospace Medicine had its humble beginnings in the early 1900's when a physician performed several high altitude balloon flights and studied the physiological effects the flight produced. In comparison, Aerospace Medicine today encompasses the study of and development of countermeasures for short duration missions (shuttle flights), long durations missions (space station) and, in the future, interplanetary missions (Moon and Mars). Aerospace medicine also encompasses the support of astronaut health and training, physiological effects of spaceflight, research, as well as general and commercial aviations
Specific Rotation Information
Components of the rotation include
The above components comprise a structured curriculum that is both dynamic and flexible. Some clerks will see and do things that other clerks may not. This is based on operational events and scheduling.
Eligibility
Medical Students eligible for the rotation are those that will be at the end of their third year or anytime in their fourth year prior to graduation at the time of the rotation.
Medical Residents can attend anytime during their residency.
You must be an active student or resident to attend the program.
Time Period
The rotation is offered most months of the year. March, June, July and August are closed to general applicants and are utilized for specific programs. December is closed due to the holiday shut down of the space center.
The other months not listed are open to all applicants.
Up to three applicants per month are accepted.
The rotation dates will vary but we usually start on the first Monday of the month or as close to it as possible.
The rotation is 4 weeks in length. We will rarely extend beyond 4 weeks.
When do you recommend that a medical student attend the rotation?
US Students - We recommend that you plan on performing a rotation towards the end of your third year or in your fourth year of medical school.
International Students - some of the medical school programs are set up very differently. We recommend that you plan on attending in your final year of study.
Should I schedule my rotation so that I can be there for a launch?
No. The Shuttle launch schedule is very dynamic, so that even if you scheduled your rotation during a month where a launch were to occur by the time your rotation came up the launch date will probably have changed. We offer rotations 11 months out of the year. Regrettably if we only have 6 launches in a given year there is a possibility that you will not be here during a launch. Although the opportunity to get more practical experience occurs during a launch month, the ability to learn is just as high if there is no launch. We would like everyone to also keep in mind it is a rare privilege to be able to attend a rotation here and have the opportunities to learn in this environment.
We are fortunate to have several types of unmanned rockets launched every few months from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. You may be able to see one of these rocket launches if not a shuttle.
How long is the rotation?
The rotations are the standard 4 weeks in length. Some clerks have asked if they can stay longer. This has rarely happened. Advanced approval must be received and will only be given based on the type of project/research being conducted, especially if that project will take longer than 4 weeks to complete.
Will I get to see the orbiter?
There is a possibility that during one of the tours that are set up that you will be able to see the orbiter. How close you get to the orbiter is an unpredicted variable. If you get to see the orbiter you will probably not have the opportunity to enter the inside. If this rare occurrence happens then you have been very lucky.
Will I get to meet an astronaut?
None of our students are permitted any one-on-one contact with an astronaut especially if they getting ready for a mission. The best way to meet an astronaut is during a crew return presentation. Usually one month after a shuttle mission, the crew from that mission will return to KSC to thank the people who made their launch possible. After their presentation, there may be time to get an autograph.
Will my Institution accept this as a certified elective?
Your university should accept this rotation as one of your elective courses. Several of our staff are on boards or are adjunct professors for several universities. We comply with your University/College/School's requests, as well as complete and return evaluation forms provided by your institution
Do I have to be in medical school or a resident to attend?
Yes, you must be an active medical school student or resident. Liability must be covered by your medical student or residency program.
What do the lectures consist of?
The lecture topics include: aerospace physiology (respiratory, cardiovascular, bone, nervous system), aerospace hazards (toxicology, decompression, and radiation), human factors, and clinical aerospace medicine (emergency support, shuttle dynamics).
What type of patient cases would be seen at the clinic?
The clinic performs routine physicals for various job classifications as well as the treatment of occupational injuries and emergency events. Therefore, the types of cases will vary.
Will I be bored?
Most participants tell us that this elective is not as fast paced and hectic as most clinical rotations that they have had in the past but they enjoy the slower pace and the opportunity to learn. There is a lot to do and see while you are here and being bored is low on the list. There are times when you will not have anything scheduled. This is when you will have an opportunity to work on your project, read and take the initiative to seek out your own possibilities.
What should I study before I attend the rotation?
Some very motivated clerks like to brush up and study what they can before they attend their rotation. We recommend having a general understanding of the orbiter and its systems, especially acronyms. If you have time and really want to go further, there are quite a few resources online. Just do a search for Aerospace Medicine or click on the websites on the side bar to get started.
There are two textbooks you could browse which will beavailable to you during your rotation:
What is expected of me during the rotation?
You will be expected to be prompt, attentive, professional, cooperative, and responsible. Remember you are representing your individual institution
Will I have to stand in front of a crowd to present my project?
Yes, you will present your project to the medical operations staff. This consists of 10 to 15 people, depending on the topic and availability of the staff. The program power point is used to input your data/findings. You will give your presentation during the last week of your rotation.
What if I have been studying a particular topic for a long time, can I apply that research to my KSC project?
Of course, we promote this quite frequently. If you have done a lot of work in a particular area we ask that you bring that knowledge not only to enhance your project but to enhance our understanding as well.
What if I don't know how to use PowerPoint? What is PowerPoint?
PowerPoint is a Microsoft program that is easy to use and quick to learn. PowerPoint has several tutorials to help you construct your presentation. The staff can also assist you if needed.
Once I present my project at KSC can I present it elsewhere?
Yes, however any changes to the project or presentation must be approved by the project manager at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. A disclosure form will be signed at the beginning of the rotation.
Should I work on my project in advance?
This is not necessary. You will have plenty of time to work on your project during your rotation.
What research materials will there be available to me?
We have a full service library that is capable of pulling articles that you request. We also have quite a few aerospace references available to you that may not be available in other locations.