42 - What Does a NASA Flight Surgeon Actually Do in Russia?

What is the role of a NASA flight surgeon? And what do they do on a daily basis?

In this episode, join Ann Tsung as she takes you through her work life as a flight surgeon specializing in aerospace, particularly at NASA, one of the most prominent US government agencies. Explore her integral role as she collaborates closely with astronauts and individuals stationed in space, as well as her responsibilities as a physician working with NASA personnel in Star City. 

Key Points From This Episode:

1. What is a NASA flight surgeon?

2. Being sent to Russia to support astronaut training.

3. There are actually two physicians in Russia.

4. Maintaining inventory in the medical office is part of the flight surgeon's job.

5. One of the most important jobs of a flight surgeon is to ensure that the launch and landing run smoothly.

6. What do flight surgeons do on a daily basis?

7. Building relationships with the Russian staff who work for NASA.

8. Life in Star City and what they actually do day-to-day.

Episode Resources Links:

Aerospace Medicine Residency Programs

https://www.amsro.org/residencies

Rotations and Opportunities - 

Principles of Aviation and Space Medicine Course - July 

https://www.utmb.edu/pmph/aerospace-medicine/pasm-course

NASA Aerospace Medicine Clerkship

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/aerospace-medicine-clerkship

Organizations- 

Aerospace Medicine Student and Resident Organization 

https://www.amsro.org/

Aerospace Medical Association 

https://www.asma.org/for-students-and-residents

UTMB Seminar Series - Lectures in Aerospace Medicine

https://www.amsro.org/utmb-seminar-series

Conferences - 

Aerospace Medical Association Annual Scientific Meetings

https://www.asma.org/scientific-meetings/asma-annual-scientific-meeting

UTMB Aerospace Medi