Space Medicine

Our Fellowship

“Pioneering the Future of Medicine Beyond Earth”

The UTHealth Houston – Department of Emergency Medicine offers a first-of-its-kind two-year fellowship in Space Medicine, designed to prepare physicians for the extraordinary challenges of providing medical care beyond Earth.

Our mission is to cultivate highly skilled clinicians who can deliver acute care in space while advancing the scientific, operational, and technological frontiers of human spaceflight. Fellows gain unparalleled exposure to the full spectrum of space medicine, from managing the physiological effects of microgravity to planning medical support for long-duration missions.

Whether supporting commercial spaceflight operations, deep-space exploration, or planetary missions, fellows develop a unique combination of clinical, technical, and operational expertise. This fellowship equips physicians to respond to medical emergencies in extreme environments, contribute to aerospace research, and influence the evolving standards of care for astronauts and space travelers.

Through collaborations with NASA, SpaceX, and other industry leaders, fellows participate in mission simulations, high-fidelity training exercises, and interdisciplinary projects that span medicine, engineering, and human performance. The program is designed not only to advance your clinical skills but also to foster leadership, innovation, and a deep understanding of the complexities of healthcare in space.

Program Highlights

½ full-time faculty salary (~$140,000)
Clinical obligation: 14 shifts every other month at Memorial Hermann–TMC & Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (LBJ)
Specialty rotations:
- Major commercial spaceflight companies
- Aerospace engineering coursework
- Scuba diving / EVA simulations
- Dentistry, Interventional Radiology, Regional Anesthesia
Collaborative training: NASA, SpaceX, and other aerospace industry partners

Eligibility & Application Timeline

Application Requirements

U.S. citizen or permanent resident (ITAR regulations)
Board-Certified or Board-Eligible in Emergency Medicine
Eligible for Texas, Florida, and California medical licenses

Timeline

Submissions: August 1 – November 1 (L–92 to L–0)
Interviews: Mid-November – Mid-December
Final Selection: Late December

Apply here: Submit your application

Three Core Areas of the Space Medicine Section

Education & Training
Research & Technology Development
Commercial Spaceflight