University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals (NASA) Program
Location:
Galveston, TXSpecialty:
Aerospace medicineACGME Code:
3834866118The Aerospace Medicine Residency program at the University of Texas Medical Branch has been a pioneer in training physicians in the field of Aerospace Medicine for over 30 years. This program prepares residents to address crucial aspects of healthcare in the demanding environments of aviation and space. Graduates have a track record of supporting various phases of space exploration, including missions from the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial spaceflights.
This rigorous two-year program is fully accredited by the ACGME and combines academic coursework with practical field experiences across multiple environments related to Aerospace Medicine. With a transition from a Master of Public Health curriculum, the program now offers a Master of Science degree specifically in Aerospace Medicine, encompassing essential core public health knowledge.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in both the theoretical and practical elements of Aerospace Medicine. Key components include:
- Classroom education on core public health subjects such as Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health.
- Specialized aerospace coursework addressing topics such as toxicology, global health, and principles of aviation and space medicine.
- An integrative final learning experience required to graduate.
Practicum Experience
Practicum training provides hands-on experience in various Aerospace Medicine-related activities through supervised clinical rotations. Residents are actively engaged in:
- NASA Johnson Space Center
- Commercial space sectors
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Military Aerospace Medicine
- Hyperbaric and extreme environments
Training Sites
The program leans heavily on the collaborative resources and expertise of multiple esteemed partners including NASA, thus ensuring that residents receive the highest quality training. Rotations cover a range of operational scenarios to prepare residents for real-world challenges in Aerospace Medicine, addressing not just immediate medical concerns, but also long-term health surveillance.
Research Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to critically evaluate literature and engage in academic research focused on physiological changes experienced during spaceflight. Topics of interest may include:
- Crew health issues
- Aeromedical certification
- Functional responses to microgravity
- Risk management practices in aviation and space settings
Application and Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Aerospace Medicine Residency program are required to meet specific qualifications:
- Completion of Steps 1 and 2 of USMLE or COMLEX within three attempts.
- Possession of current ECFMG certification for international graduates.
- Application through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS).
- Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
- A Texas Physician in Training (PIT) permit or a full Texas medical license is necessary.
Visa Sponsorship and Eligibility
The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, specifically sponsoring J-1 Visas for residency training. This sponsorship allows international medical graduates to participate fully in the residency program while adhering to U.S. governmental regulations.
Competitiveness
The Aerospace Medicine Residency program is regarded as highly competitive; however, it’s also known to be friendly towards DO applicants and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Applicants with various backgrounds in specialties like Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Psychiatry are encouraged to apply, as diversified medical training complements the broad scope of Aerospace Medicine.
Unique Aspects of the Program
Featuring an exceptional faculty comprised of board-certified specialists and visiting experts, the program prides itself on maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized education. Regularly scheduled Grand Rounds and seminars provide further learning opportunities beyond standard curriculum.
Conclusion
The UTMB Aerospace Medicine Residency program equips aspiring aerospace medicine specialists with comprehensive training and a robust understanding of both operational and health management aspects required in extreme environments such as space and aviation.
Website
Director
Serena M Aunon-Chancellor, MD, MPHProgram Director Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
8hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,742First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Galveston, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Galveston, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Galveston has a moderate crime rate. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, petty theft and property crime can occur.
- Fun Activities: Living in Galveston offers access to beautiful beaches, water activities, historic sites, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and annual Mardi Gras celebration.
- Climate: Galveston experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area is prone to hurricanes due to its location on the Gulf Coast.
- Races and Population: Galveston has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural atmosphere.
- Education: Galveston offers educational opportunities through schools like the University of Texas Medical Branch, providing a strong academic environment for residents and families.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Galveston is lower than in larger Texas cities like Houston. Housing is affordable, but the cost of insurance may be higher due to the city's proximity to the coast.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Galveston is located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, which can be reached by car in about an hour's drive. Houston offers a wider range of amenities, entertainment options, and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Beautiful beaches, rich history, diverse cultural scene, lower cost of living compared to some other Texas cities.
- Cons: Proximity to hurricane-prone areas, moderate crime rate, potential higher insurance costs.
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