Curriculum
Shaping the Future of Space Medicine
The future of human spaceflight is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and the expanding commercial space sector. As new mission profiles emerge and space travel becomes more accessible, the scope of medical care in space must also expand. Traditional models of aerospace medicine are shifting to accommodate longer-duration missions, a broader range of spaceflight participants, and the increasing complexity of medical challenges beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
As spaceflight advances, it is likely that passengers with previously disqualifying medical conditions will be accommodated, requiring a new approach to risk assessment, prevention of adverse events, and medical decision-making in space. This evolving landscape necessitates a highly specialized and adaptive approach to space medicine training, equipping physicians with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of microgravity, radiation exposure, altered physiology, and resource-limited environments.
Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to prepare physician-engineers to meet these future challenges. Human spaceflight introduces medical considerations far beyond those encountered in terrestrial medicine, requiring a multidisciplinary skill set that integrates aerospace engineering, emergency medicine, and cutting-edge medical technologies.
A Unique and Evolving Training Experience
Our fellowship provides specialized training in:
- Aerospace engineering and spacecraft systems – ensuring medical considerations are integrated into space vehicle design and mission planning.
- Interventional radiology, hypo-/hyperbaric medicine, regional anesthesia, and dentistry– equipping fellows with practical skills necessary for autonomous medical care in space.
- Mission integration and operational medicine – allowing fellows to develop real-world expertise in crew training, safety protocol development, and medical system optimization for spaceflight operations.
Fellows maintain clinical expertise by practicing emergency medicine in high-volume, high-acuity emergency departments, ensuring they remain skilled in rapid decision-making and complex patient management.
Additionally, fellows play an active role in research and space health studies that contribute to improving medical support for astronauts in Low Earth Orbit, lunar missions, and beyond. Through partnerships with industry leaders and space agencies, they gain hands-on experience in:
- Training crews in medical procedures and emergency response
- Developing safety and medical protocols for space missions
- Supporting mission control operations
- Participating in launch and recovery efforts
Our program is committed to continuous innovation, regularly updating training requirements and experiences to reflect the ever-changing demands of human spaceflight. By blending medicine, engineering, and mission operations, our fellows graduate prepared to lead the next generation of space medicine and support humanity’s expansion beyond Earth.