asem aug09 prespage - asma

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 80, No. 8 • August 2009 751

President’s PageA seemingly trivial thing, at first thought, is the idea

of community building among those of us who are in-volved in Aerospace Medicine. The more I think aboutthis, however, the more important I think it is to both ourprofessions and to the Association, and the more I thinkwe can do a better job of it. If we build a better commu-nity, we will reap enhanced benefits from our improvedinteractions.

The puzzle involves recognizing the need in the firstplace. There is such a strong sense of community at theAnnual Scientific Meeting that you think it would lastthrough the year. People interact well. You see Army andNavy, psychologists and nurses, international membersand exhibitors, students and emeritus members – all talk-ing, and sharing ideas and perspectives. Networks areformed, friendships begun.

But what can be witnessed in abundance at theMeeting tends to fade through the rest of the year. It be-comes a one-way discussion – the journal arrives once amonth and for many members that is the limit of theircontact with our Association. Those who visit our web-site find a wealth of important information, but there isno interaction.

This need not be. There are opportunities for ongo-ing involvement and interchange among us. Getting in-volved in AsMA leadership will keep you involved year-round, but it can take a while to get on Council orbecome a Committee Chair. A good way to remain in-volved in our community is to become a committeemember.

Committee chairs can be seen on the web site (go tohttp://www.asma.org/aboutasma/committees.php).Find a committee with members you like, or a chair thatyou know, or that covers an area you would enjoy work-ing or have an interest in. Email the Chair and volunteer.In most cases you will become engaged in interactionwith other members. Be aware that some committees(like Nominating) have a fixed membership and can’ttake volunteers, but most committees are open and wel-come offers of help.

Committee membership is a great way to get toknow other members, to feel like a member of the team,and to become a part of the many things this Associationdoes, year-round.

Think about it. Aerospace Medicine needs your help,and your involvement.

**********A group of us have been discussing the whole

idea of community and how to help an AsMA commu-nity serve members better, and facilitate the interactive

flow of information. If you have any ideas on that topic,please contact me. My email address is below, or can befound in the Members section of asma.org.

**********If you have not already done so, begin thinking

about what you’ve done lately that is worthy of presenta-tion at our next Meeting. Phoenix in May 2010 seems along way off, but the abstract submission period is com-ing up very soon, and the deadline of 31 October will beon us before you know it. Dr. John Crowley and hisScientific Program Committee will be working diligentlyto get the abstracts ready for their meeting in November,to assemble the program for Phoenix.

So get going on those abstracts!

**********We recently lost one of our greats. Professor John

Ernsting has died. Elsewhere in this issue is an InMemoriam, which summarizes his life. He was an out-standing teacher, and a groundbreaking researcher. Hewas truly one of the great leaders in our field. I had theopportunity to work at the Institute of Aviation Medicinewhile he was Commandant, and will forever rememberthe time fondly, in large part due to his leadership.

On behalf of AsMA, I would like to offer our deepestsympathies and sincere condolences to his family,friends, and colleagues.

A lesson to draw from his passing is that we all needto learn what we can from each other, while we still havethat opportunity.

**********As always, if you have suggestions or concerns,

please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Robert W. Weien, M.D., M.P.H.

752 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 80, No. 8 • August 2009

Marian B. Sides, Ph.D., R.N., [Col.,USAFR(Ret)], has been elected as President-Elect of the Aerospace Medical Association attheir Annual Business Meeting, May 5, 2009,Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA.

She will succeed tothe presidency in2010. She is the sec-ond woman andfirst nurse to beelected to this posi-tion. Dr. Sides wasborn and raised inTwo Rivers, WI. Shemoved to Chicagoand attendedDePaul University,where she receiveda baccalaureate de-

gree in Nursing in 1967, a Master’s Degree inNursing from Loyola University in 1971, and aPh.D. in Higher Education with a major em-phasis in measurement and evaluation fromThe University of Chicago in 1984. Col. Sideshas been founder and President of EducationEnterprises Inc. since 1983. She has served asVice President of the University of ChicagoHospitals from 1984-1988 and was adjunct/clinical professor in Nursing at the Universityof Wisconsin from 1988 to 1996.

Col. Sides joined the Air Force Reserves andwas commissioned as a Captain in 1978. Sheserved as Officer in Charge of Training and asa flight instructor in the 63rd AeromedicalEvacuation Squadron. She was promoted tothe rank of Major and served as assistant chiefnurse from September 1984 to October 1992.She was a troop commander in OperationDesert Storm, and a Field Commander inOperation Provide Comfort in 1991, where sheflew 26 combat sorties in the C-130 aircraft andparticipated in aeromedical evacuation and in-flight care for nearly 300 enemy prisoners ofwar and allied injured. As a lieutenant colonelshe received the Mary T. Klinker Award,sponsored by the Aerospace Medical Associ-ation, for significant achievements in the fieldof aeromedical evacuation and humanitarianmission support. In 1993 she was selected asthe Commander of the 928th AeromedicalEvacuation Squadron, O’Hare InternationalAirport, IL, and was promoted to the rank ofColonel. Col. Sides has logged over 1800 fly-ing hours in the C-130, C-9, and C-141 aircraft.

In 1996 Col Sides was selected to the posi-tion of Individual Mobilization Augmentee,Prevention Division, AFMOA, Office of theSurgeon General, Bolling AFB, DC, and servedon the Air Staff, Pentagon, where she executedprograms in aerospace medicine, health pro-motion, and wellness, in support of health careneeds of over 2.5 million beneficiaries. Sheserved as instructor for more than 20 Top Starsupport tours at Lackland AFB and TravisAFB between September 2000 and May 2004training over 600 participants, integrating

principles of holistic fitness and readiness ofthe war-fighting forces.

Her military awards, honors, and decora-tions include the Meritorious Service Medalwith two oak leaf clusters, the Air ForceCommendation Medal with two oak leaf clus-ters, Air Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal,National Defense Service Medal, South WestAsia Service Medal, Humanitarian ServiceMedal, and the Combat Readiness Medal.

An AsMA Fellow, Col. Sides has devotedmuch of her spare time to the Association. Shehas served as Vice President for MemberServices, has served on the ExecutiveCommittee for 10 years, and has been on theAsMA Council since 1992. She also served asPresident of the Flight Nurse Society for 1991-92, and was awarded their Brig. Gen. E. A.Hoefly Award in 1989. She was the principalorganizer of an international research effort inspace medicine to promote astronaut healthand safety in travel beyond Earth, the BellagioConference held in October 2004 in Bellagio,Italy. She also chaired two panels in conjunc-tion with the Bellagio study and published“The Bellagio Report: Cardiovascular Risks ofSpaceflight: Implications for the Future ofSpace Travel,” in Aviation, Space andEnvironmental Medicine, September 2005. Col.Sides was the AsMA Scientific Program Chairin 1998, presented more than 20 scientific pa-pers, and designed, presented, or chairedmore than 25 panels. As chair of the Corporateand Sustaining Membership Committee ofAsMA for many years she has worked tire-lessly to recruit and maintain the support ofcorporate members and founded theCorporate and Sustaining Affiliate.

Robert W. Weien, M.D., M.P.H. has beeninstalled as the 2009-2010 President of theAerospace Medical Association (AsMA). DrWeien is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, and iscurrently an Associate Aeromedical Advisorwith the Aviation Medicine Advisory Servicein Aurora, CO. He lives in Colorado Springswith his wife and two daughters. He is anFAA certified flight instructor, and fliessailplanes for recreation. [A full biography wasprinted last year (ASEM 2008; 79:811), and isavailable on the journal page of our website.]

Other AsMA Elected Officers:The newly-elected Vice Presidents are:

Jarnail Singh, M.D., and James T. Webb,Ph.D. Warren Silberman, M.D., and CarolManning, Ph.D., continue as VPs..The electedmembers at large with terms through 2012 areFanancy L. Anzalone, M.D., M.P.H. , CharlesA. DeJohn, D.O., James R. DeVoll, M.D.,M.P.H., and Col. ret. Hans A. Pongratz, GAF,MC. In addition, Daniel J. Callan, D.O.,M.P.H.-TM, was elected to fill the member-at-large seat vacated when Dr. Webb was electedVP. Arleen Saenger, M.D., was electedSecretary, P. Glenn Merchant, Jr., M.D., con-

tinues as Treasurer, and Russell B. Rayman,M.D., remains Executive Director.

AsMA Council Meeting Highlights:May 3 and 6, 2009, Westin Bonaventure, LosAngeles, CA

Council minutes of November 19, 2008were approved as read. The issue of succes-sion for the Executive Director position wasdiscussed at length. A motion was made thatapproval of the new Executive Director can bedone by email vote. Quorum requires that 40%of the Council votes in order to make it valid.A motion to amend was made and approvedthat each Council member must respondwithin 7 days.GOVERNANCE – (WEIEN)

Home Office – (Rayman): The ED informedCouncil that the major issue at the HomeOffice has been the selection of a new IT sys-tem.

Finance – (Merchant): The 2009 budget waspreviously approved. We had an approximate$46,000 gain at the end of calendar year 2008.Our investments with Merrill Lynch are$858,000. We have done very well consideringthe state of the economy, though our portfoliois down slightly. A new CPA has been hired.The application for 501 (c)3 is now in progresswhich will allow members to deduct theirmeeting expenses as charitable.REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY –(MANNING)

ATM Committee– (Dowdall): The committeeprepared a letter regarding the high accidentrate for medevac helicopters. The Committeeis currently working on two policy documents:the medical screening of airline passengersand radiation exposure to crews.

Communications Committee– (Dervay): Dr.Dervay provided Council a review of the de-liberations of the ad hoc committee to upgradethe Home Office’s IT system. A company waschosen to work with the Home Office and theOfficers regarding requirements. A request for

Association News

Submit your 2009Scientific Meeting

Abstractwww.asma.org

Site available: September 1, 2009Deadline: October 30, 2009

New submission site!!!Online step-by-step instructions

will guide you through the process.You will receive immediate confir-

mation with a control number for on-line submissions.

Sides Elected as President-Elect of AsMA; WeienInstalled as President

See COUNCIL, p. 753.


proposal was sent to 10 companies of which4 were selected by AsMA for possible con-tract. We have since chosen ISSI Mpak as ournew membership and meeting data system.The contract was signed on June 1. CarolManning and her ad hoc committee werecongratulated by Council for their outstand-ing work.

Resolutions Committee– (Gillis): TheResolutions Committee submitted a CFITresolution which was later presented andpassed at the business meeting.EDUCATION AND RESEARCH – (ANZA-LONE)General

The ED announced that the position paperon medical standards for commercial spacepilots flying suborbital flights had been ap-proved and forwarded to all space agenciesworldwide.

Dr. Mork has completed an aerospacemedicine CME for online use but has not yetlocated a vendor.

The Cephalon grant will terminate at theconclusion of this meeting. The ED will thendetermine how much money is left in thegrant and contact the company to seewhether we can use any excess to pay for asupplement on the history of research atBrooks Air Force Base.

Editor’s Report – (Nunneley): The Editor re-ported there were 123 manuscripts in thepipeline which is much higher than the last 2years. She also informed Council that thereare a number of interesting papers in reviewnow, including one on disease transmissionand evidence-based medicine for medicalstandards. The Search Committee for a newEditor-in-Chief interviewed applicants at thismeeting. Dr. Nunneley had previously an-nounced her intention to retire in January2010. Council congratulated Dr. Nunneleyand Assistant Editor Sarah Rubio for theiroutstanding work.

Managing Editor’s Report – (Day): TheManaging Editor reported that one supple-ment has been published in May. She is alsolooking for a new abstract submission com-pany as our current company, COS, will nolonger provide this service.

Annual Meeting – (Rayman): The ED an-nounced that there were 961 advanced regis-trants, which is about 100 less than we nor-mally have. This lower number isundoubtedly due in part to the economic situ-ation worldwide and also to the H1N1 threat.It was requested that the ED survey exhibitorsto see if they would be willing to remainlonger than the customary two days. It wasalso recommended that we consider closingthe exhibit area during the lunch hour.

Scientific Program – (Scarpa): Dr. Scarpagave an overview of the process he used asChair of the Science Program Committee. 465abstracts were reviewed with a 3.2% rejec-tion rate.

AsHF Committee – (Nesthus): The commit-tee met mid-year in Alexandria and revisedtheir 3-year plan. The many contributions tothe Science and Technology column were ac-knowledged.

Aviation Safety Committee – (Angelici): Thecommittee prepared a letter urging the air-lines to retain their Aviation Safety ActionProgram (ASAP) which was sent to severalairlines, the FAA, NTSB, and ATA.

Education & Training – (Boudreau): Dr.

Boudreau announced that we had passed ourACCME survey and that our write-ups arerelatively minor and can be easily fixed. Shestated that after extensive investigation of es-tablishing a new Journal CME and MOC pro-gram, it was simply too expensive particu-larly since our members had shown littleinterest in the recent past. She suggestedjoining forces with sister organizations in de-livering CME programs. Her committee isexploring this possible avenue. TheCommittee is also working on updating theaerospace medicine slide show.

History & Archives – (Mohler): The commit-tee is to prepare a Reinhartz Historical LectureSeries to make use of funds donated years agoby the Reinhartz family.

Science & Technology – (Shender): The com-mittee has prepared 89 Watch columns so farand now has articles through September. Thecommittee suggested the collection of Power-Point/Podcast presentations for future meet-ings be made available to the membership.An Ad hoc committee will be formed to in-vestigate this.MEMBERS SERVICES – (SIDES)General

The Norwegian Aviation MedicineAssociation was approved for Affiliate mem-bership.

Awards Committee – (Holland): This year, forthe first time, the winners were listed on theAsMA website in advance of the meeting. It ishoped that more friends and family will beable to attend the ceremony.

Membership – (Silberman): AsMA currentlyhas slightly less than 2,800 members whichhas been steady for the past 2 years. About23% are international and 25% military. Dr.Sides gave a brief report of her Ad hocMembership Committee.

Corporate & Sustaining MembershipCommittee – (Sides): There was a C&S forumheld in November. The Committee is spon-soring a Hyperbaric Workshop at this meet-ing. Dr. Sides announced that she had pre-pared a 10 year progress report regarding theC&S Affiliate Group. Council congratulatedDr. Sides on her outstanding performance. OTHER REPORTS

Full reports of Constituent Organizationsare on file in the Home Office.

Foundation – (Jennings): The Foundationhas $34,000 including $10,500 in endow-ments. (This is for the Mohler Endowment,the winner of which will be announced thisweek.) In addition, the Foundation has made$1,500 available to the Fellows Group to se-lect a recipient for the coming year.

AMSRO – (Garbino): Dr. Garbino an-nounced that membership has gone up byabout 60% and their website is now active.He made a plea that members donate to thevarious student scholarships. Council ap-plauded Dr. Garbino for his outstanding ef-forts.

The lack of Affiliate Organization atten-dance and reports was noted.GOVERNANCE - (WEIEN)

On Wednesday, after the Business Meetingand Aerospace Physiology Certification exam,further governance business was reported.

Three Executive Committee Members fromCouncil: A motion was made, seconded, andcarried appointing Drs. Philip Scarpa, JosephDervay, and Charles DeJohn to the ExecutiveCommittee.

Constituent Members of Council: AerospaceHuman Factors Association--Ray King, Ph.D.;

American Society of Aerospace MedicalSpecialists--Robert Johnson, M.D.;International Association of Military FlightSurgeon Pilots--CDR Edwin Y. Park, MC,USN; Aerospace Physiology Society--CAPTVincent W. Musashe, MSC, USN; AerospaceNursing Society--Lt. Col. Nora R. Taylor,USAFR, NC; Life Sciences & BiomedicalEngineering Branch--Lloyd D. Tripp, Ph.D.;Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons--CAPTJohn R. Heil, MC, USN; Society of U.S. AirForce Flight Surgeons--Col. Margaret B.Matarese, USAF, MC; Airlines MedicalDirectors Association--Gordon S. Landsman,M.D.; U.S. Army Aviation MedicalAssociation--MAJ Justin T. Woodson, MC,USA; and Space Medicine Association--Patrick J. McGinnis, M.D.

Constituent Members of the NominatingCommittee are TBD and will be collected bythe Home Office. Report of Representatives to AerospacePhysiology Certification Board -- (Martindale):Valerie Martindale will continue as Councilrepresentative to the Aerospace PhysiologyCertification Board.

A motion carried approving the followingmembers of the Physiology CertificationBoard: Miranda Hancock, Brian Swan,Brian Musselman, and Valerie Martindale.The following candidates who passed theAsPC Board exam were approved: KarynAyers, Amber Biles, Sean Lando, NathanMaertens, and Melissa Ziarnick.

It was announced the Col. Donald Whitewould be the new Associate Fellows Chairfor the coming year and that Dr. Pete Mapeswould be the Fellows representative toCouncil. The representatives will be askedfor a report at future Council meetings.INSTALLATION OF NEW PRESIDENT

On Wednesday, CDR Bellenkes passed thegavel to Dr. Weien who announced the fol-lowing Vice Presidents: Dr. Carol Manning(Representation & Advocacy), Dr. JamesWebb (Education & Research), Dr. WarrenSilberman (Member Services), and Dr.Jarnail Singh (International Activities).

The next Council meeting is scheduled forNovember 18th in Alexandria, VA.

WELCOME RECEPTION--The Sunday eveningWelcome Reception was sponsored by theMayo Clinic.

COUNCIL, from p. 752.


55th Bauer Lecture: "Aerospace Medicine and theSpace Race" — Charles Berry,M.D.

On May 4, 2009, Charles A. Berry, M.D.,gave the opening 55th Annual Louis H.Bauer Lecture during the AsMA 80thScientific Meeting in Los Angeles, CA. Dr.Berry is a consultant in aerospace medicineand former Director of Medical Research andOperations Manned Spaceflight Center andDirector of Life Sciences for NASA. His lec-ture covered points in aerospace medicinehistory in counterpoint to the space race be-tween the United States and the U.S.S.R.,which started in October 1957 with thelaunch of Sputnik. A year earlier, Dr. Berryhad been involved in creating standards andscreening pilots at the U.S. Air Force Schoolof Aerospace Medicine. The concern after thelaunch of Sputnik was about possibleweapons in space; this was further com-pounded by the Cold War. At that time, theUnited States still had no functional rockets.

In January 1958, the United States finallymet the challenge with the launch ofExplorer 1, which led to the discovery of theVan Allen radiation belts. Explorer 1 was fol-lowed by the Vanguard 1 in March 1958. InDecember of that year, President Eisenhowerapproved the first pool of human volunteersto become astronauts. The first astronautswere selected and announced in April 1959.Also in 1959, Lunar 1 from the U.S.S.R. did aflyby of the Moon, Luna 2 crashed on theMoon, and Lunar 3 took photos. During thistime, Apollo was chosen as a name for theU.S. space program. In April 1961, YuriGagarin became the first man in space. Thisled President Kennedy to discuss how tosurpass the U.S.S.R. Driven by that chal-lenge, John Glenn made the first orbitalflight.

In 1963, the U.S.S.R. sent the first womaninto space, Valentina Tershkova, on theVostok 6. In 1964, the U.S.S.R. experiencedthree lunar probe failures, but then success-fully launched three cosmonauts, one ofwhom was the first doctor in space. Duringthat year, the United States did not have anymanned flights. However, in 1965, aerospacemedicine made several leaps forward, one ofwhich was the first spacewalk by anAmerican, Edward White. Unfortunately,none of this silenced the critics of space-flight, including from the Academy for theAdvancement of Science. In 1966, the United

States proved that docking was possible, butthen lost three astronauts to a fire. In 1968, 3astronauts made a total of 161 orbits, but thisalso marked the first incidence of in-flight ill-ness. Illness also marked the flight of Apollo8, which orbited the Moon and then re-turned. In 1969, Buzz Aldrin and NeilArmstrong successfully landed on the Moon.

Dr. Berry told a story at the end of thelecture of how he received a telegram invit-ing him to the U.S.S.R. to discuss the spaceprogram. He then got a phone call from theState Department ordering him to attend aCIA briefing; he refused to go. Later, he wasasked to address the Russian Academy ofScience. Dr. Berry also pointed out that 50years later, NASA is in a similar position asat its founding. Once the Shuttle is decom-missioned, we will be dependent on theRussians for flights into space.

44th Armstrong Lecture: "Risky Decision Making inAviation and Mountaineering"—Christopher Wickens

On May 7, 2009, Christopher D. Wickens,Ph.D., delivered the 44th Annual Harry G.Armstrong Lecture during the AsMA 80thScientific Meeting in Los Angeles. Dr.Wickens is a researcher in human factors inaviation, and his lecture focused on some ofthe parallels between mountain climbing andaviation. The similarities between mountainclimbing and aviation include a high risk ofinjury or death; gravity and weather as po-tential enemies; 3D navigational challenges;great rewards in terms of aesthetics, mentalchallenges, and adventure; and choice oflevel of risk. Other similarities betweenmountain climbing and aviation are strongmotivations and the importance of teamwork and leadership. For both, the balancebetween safety and productivity is mediatedby decision and judgment.

The differences between the two are thatwhile both are supported by technology, avi-ation is cognitive while mountaineering isphysiological. There are also few systematicrecords for climbing fatalities, but a very for-mal system for aviation. As a result, climb-ing incidents and hazards are not clear. Dr.Wickens presented a 3-stage decision modelto illustrate how decisions are made in bothfields. Cue selection and situation assess-ment lead to a decision. However, this can

be affected by biases, which are generallybad tendencies, and heuristics, which aresometimes acceptable shortcuts when timeand attention are limited. Dr. Wickens alsocovered the "evils" of decision making suchas anchoring, confirmation bias, and over-confidence.

One bias is the idea of "sunk cost," the re-luctance to walk away from something, caus-ing a sure loss, when risky action might re-coup those losses. Another problem is that offraming bias, where a choice between a surerisk and a riskier option will often lead to achoice of the riskier option. The way aroundthese problems is training or "de-biasing,"displays with visible evidence, and automa-tion (decision aids).

BAUER LECTURE--Bob Ellis (left) representingthe sponor, Wyle, presents Charles Berry,M.D., M.P.H. (right), with a plaque for the55th Annual Louis H. Bauer Lecture.

ARMSTRONG LECTURE--George K. Ander-son (left) representing the sponsor, ETC, pre-sents Chris Wickens, Ph.D., with the plaquefor the 44th Annual Harry G. ArmstrongLecture.

NEW ON THE WEB!News Online in html on the website,

ahead of the printed version!80th Annual Meeting Photo Gallery--

check out the meeting photos online!www.asma.org

MEETINGS CALENDAR 2009

August 9-14, 2009; IEA 2009—17thWorld Congress on Ergonomics; BeijingJiuhua International Conference andExhibition Center, Beijing, China.Sponsored by the International ErgonomicsAssociation, http://www.iea2009.org/.

September 6-10, 2009; 57thInternational Congress of Aviation andSpace Medicine (ICASM); Zagreb, Croatia.For more information, visitwww.wcmmkl2009.com/.

October 4-9, 2009; 38th WorldCongress on Military Medicine; KualaLumpur, Malaysia.For more information:http://www.wcmmkl2009.com/.

October 14-17, 2009; XXVI InternationalMeeting of Aerospace Medicine; HotelFiesta Inn León, León, Guanajuato, Mexico.For more information: www.amma.org.mx ore-mail [email protected].

October 18-19, 2009; Seventh AnnualMeeting of the Society for HumanPerformance in Extreme Environments;Grand Hyatt, San Antonio, TX. For more information, seehttp://www.hpee.org/.

October 19-21, 2009; SAFE Association47th Annual Symposium; Town & CountryResort & Convention Center, San Francisco,CA. For more information, contact JeaniBenton, 541-895-3012, [email protected], or visitwww.safeassociation.com/.

October 19-23, 2009; 53rd AnnualMeeting of the Human Factors andErgonomics Society; Grand Hyatt, SanAntonio, TX. For more information, please visithttp://hfes.org/web/HFESMeetings/09annualmeeting.html.

October 19-23, 2009; Orange Flag 2009;ETC, National Aerospace Training &Research Center, Southampton, PA. Oct. 19-21 will be for international person-nel and Oct. 22-23 for domestic aircrew. Forinformation, please visitwww.etcorangeflag.com/.


Opening Ceremonies--Los Angeles 2009

OPENING CEREMONIES—The introductory music wand presentation of the colorswere provided by the ROTC of the University of Southern California, under the di-rection of SSgt. Leo Ruiz, Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. CDR Daniel Hohman,USMC, sang the National Anthem at the start of opening ceremonies of theAerospace Medical Association’s 80th Annual Scientific Meeting, May 4, 2009, atthe Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. Also pictured are Drs. Berry andRayman, Drs. Sides and Nunneley, and members of the Home Office staff andJournal staff.For more Annual Meeting photos, check out the photo gallery on our website atwww.asma.org on the Meetings page.All photos by Pamela C. Day.

INTERNATIONAL RECEPTION--(left to right)Drs. Bellenkes, Rayman, and Vermeiren enjoythe reception sponsored by EnvironmentalTectonics Corp.


Honors Night Reception and Banquet

PAST PRESIDENT’S PLAQUE--Dr. AndyBellenkes (left) accepts the crystal plaquefrom Dr. Bob Weien.

PAST PRESIDENT’S PIN--Susi Bellenkes“pins” her husband, Andy, with the AsMAPresident’s pin.

HONORS NIGHT PHOTOS--1. Wing members Debra Merchant, Gail Weien, Dale Orford,Peggy Trumbo, and Nevona Schroeder; 2. Rick Bachmann and Peach Taylor; 3. Tom Tredici,Mary Cimrmanci, Mary Foley, and Marian Sides; 4. Al Moloff, Coleen Morissette, ChristineCloutier, and Les Sherman; 5. Larry and Joan Marinelli; 6. Chris Wickens and Susi Bellenkes; 7.Fran Laue and Jim Webb; 8. Julia Dehart, Dick Trumbo ,and Roy DeHart; and 9. Brent Haskelland Valerie Nicholson.Photos by Pamela C. Day.For more photos of the meeting, check out the photo gallery on our website!

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Andrew H. Bellenkes, Ph.D., 2008-09 President of the AerospaceMedical Association, presented awards to 15 outstanding physicians,nurses, and researchers during the Honors Night ceremonies at the 80thAnnual Scientific Meeting May 7, 2009, at the Westin BonaventureHotel, Los Angeles, CA. Dwight Holland, M.D., Ph.D., the Chair of theAwards Committee, read the citations. The names of the awards’ spon-sors and representatives, when present, are printed in parentheses. ThePresident’s Citations were also presented during the ceremonies.

AEROSPACE MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONHONORS NIGHT AWARDS

LOS ANGELES 2009

WON CHUEL KAY AWARDTomaz F. Kozelj, M.D.

(Dr. Oh Jung Hyub, Aerospace Medical Association of Korea)

JOHN PAUL STAPP AWARDGuohua Li, M.D., Dr.P.H.

(George K. Anderson, Environmental Tectonics Corp.)

LOUIS H. BAUER FOUNDER’S AWARDTerence J. Lyons, M.D., M.P.H.

(Clayton Cowl, Mayo Clinic)

All photos by Pamela C. Day

MARIE MARVINGT AWARDMary F. Foley, B.S.

(Alain Martin St.Laurent, French Aerospace Medical Association)

AsMA President Andy Bellenkescongratulates the award winners

during Honors Night ceremonies.


ERIC LILJENCRANTZ AWARDRichard T. Jennings, M.D.

(Bionetics Corp.)

JULIAN E. WARD MEMORIAL AWARDSerena M. Auñón, M.D., M.P.H.

(Col. Margaret Matarese, USAF, MC, Society of USAF Flight Surgeons)

THEODORE C. LYSTER AWARDKris M. Belland, D.O., M.P.H.

(Lockheed-Martin Space Operations)

HARRY G. MOSELEY AWARDKathryn G. Hughes, M.D.

(Lockheed Martin Corporation)

MARY T. KLINKER AWARDCathy DiBiase, RN, BSN

(Les Sherman, Impact Instrumentation)

BOOTHBY-EDWARDS AWARDWarren Silberman, D.O., M.P.H.

(Sean Daigre, Harvey W. Watt & Company)


JOHN A. TAMISIEA AWARDMary A. Cimrmancic, D.D.S.

(Susan Northrup, Civil Aviation Medical Association)

KENT K. GILLINGHAM AWARDBob Cheung, Ph.D.

(Wolfgang Lindlbauer, AMST)

PRESIDENT’S CITATION--Mary F. Foley, B.S.,received the President’s Citation from Dr.Bellenkes. Ms. Foley was cited for her morethan 50 years of membership and dedicatedservice to AsMA, attending 50 consecutiveannual meetings.

PRESIDENT’S CITATION--Dr. Bellenkes pre-sented a citation to Kjell Lindgren, representingthe Volunteers of AsMA, who for the past threemeetings and sometimes in between have vol-unteered their services to help the communitieswhere we meet from Habitat for Humanity tothe Red Cross.

ASMA FELLOWS CLASS OF 2009—This is the class of 2009 Fellows: Jorge Behaine, GreggBendrick, William Bernard, Thomas Bettes, Christopher Borchardt, David Kim Broadwell, TysonBrunstetter, Mark Campbell, Walter Dalitsch, Charles Doarn, Mark Edwards, Richard Folga,Karen Fox, Rene Germa, Robert Johnson, Jeffrey Jones, Mads Klokker, Phillip Parker, JebPickard, Veronika Prinzo, Jane Risdall, Diane Ritter, James Ross, Michael Russo, and RobertRyan. Those present at the Honors Night Ceremonies are pictured here with the Chair of theFellows Group, George K. Anderson (back row, center).

ABSENT AWARDEES---(top to bottom) ArnoldD. Tuttle Award to David M. C. Powell,FAFOEM, presented by Bob Ellis of Wyle;Raymond F. Longacre Award to David F.Dinges, Ph.D., sponsored by Pricewater-houseCoopers, accepted by David Schroeder,Ph.D.; Sidney D. Leverett Jr. EnvironmentalScience Award to Joseph P. Kerwin, M.D.,presented by George K. Anderson for Environ-mental Tectonics Corp., accepted by KjellLindgren.


Minutes of the Aerospace Medical Association Annual Business MeetingTuesday, May 5, 2009, Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

1. Call to Order (Bellenkes): CDR Bellenkes called the meeting toorder at 12:15pm. 2. Recognition of Past Presidents3. In Memoriam: A moment of silence was given in memoriam tomembers who have passed away during the preceding year.4. Report of the President: CDR Bellenkes thanked all those who sup-ported him during his year as President and gave a brief overview ofaccomplishments. He announced that Dr. Kim of Wright StateUniversity was the recipient of this year’s Mohler Endowment. He alsoreminded attendees that only members of AsMA were eligible to vote.5. Report of the Executive Director (Rayman):

Mr. President, officers, and members of AsMA, when I gave you myreport as required by our Bylaws at last year’s Business Meeting inBoston, I said it would be my 17th and final report to you as yourExecutive Director. I never expected to be standing in front of you atthis meeting one year later again delivering this annual report. I am atthe podium again because a new Executive Director has not yet been se-lected. Because my personal situation has changed, I have more flexibil-ity and have told the President that I will stay on board until a newExecutive Director is selected at which time I will retire from my posi-tion. However, I will say once again, this is my 18th and final annual re-port to you. Next year I expect to be sitting with you at a table enjoyinglunch and listening to the annual report of my successor.

It is my pleasure to report that the previous year has been an activeone and I would say there have been several success stories. First, itcame to our attention that three airlines had opted to discontinue theirAviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). This is a program by whichaircrew and ground personnel can anonymously report safety deficien-cies. The reason for discontinuing ASAP was the threat of disciplinaryaction even though reporting is done anonymously. In any event, theAviation Safety Committee under Dr. Arnold Angelici crafted the letterasking that the airlines continue ASAP in the interest of flying safetyand to take whatever action deemed necessary to prevent disciplinaryaction. The letter was sent to the airlines, the FAA and, the NTSB.AsMA received thank you letters from these organizations and as itwas, the ASAP program was reinstated. Certainly AsMA cannot take allthe credit for this, but we were on the winning team.

As has been known for several years, rotary wing air medical trans-port aircraft have had an unacceptable mishap rate. There are clearlyoperational reasons for this, but it is suspected that well meaning pilotsin their zeal to help sick or injured patients are flying under marginalconditions. The Air Medical Transport Committee under Dr. NigelDowdall prepared a letter stating that this aspect of rotary wing heli-copter mishaps must be investigated and medical standards determinedfor air medical transport of the sick and injured. The NTSB contactedAsMA thanking us for our input. Action on this issue has not yet beendetermined.

The President, CDR Bellenkes, requested that the Home Office forman Ad hoc Working Group to address the issue of medical certificationof commercial space pilots flying suborbital missions. The WorkingGroup met and developed a position paper. Furthermore, it was for-warded to the Space Medicine Association and Society of NASA FlightSurgeons for their input. The paper was then finalized and approved byCouncil. It has been forwarded to NASA, and the space agencies ofRussia, Japan, Canada, and Europe (European Space Agency).

Advance registration for the Los Angeles meeting was 961; onsiteregistration as of 11am today was 336 giving us a total of registrationsof 1297. There were 38 exhibit booths. As of December 31, 2008, our netgain for the year was $46,000. I am confident that the Association willcontinue to enjoy further success and that we can boldly and aggres-sively advance our objectives.6. Report of AsMA Foundation (Vanderploeg): Dr. Vanderploeg indi-cated that the Foundation has about $34,000 and that Dr. Kim was theWright State University recipient of the first Mohler EndowmentAward. Work on the Fellows Scholarship is in progress.7. GOVERNANCE (Weien)

a. CommitteesNominating (Jennings): Dr. Jennings read the proposed slate as

below. A motion to approve the slate of new officers passed:President-elect: Marian Sides; Vice-presidents: Jarnail Singh and JamesWebb; Treasurer: Glenn Merchant; Secretary: Arleen Saenger; Members-at-Large – 2012: Fanancy Anzalone, Charles DeJohn, James DeVoll, andHanz Pongratz. In addition, Dan Callan will replace Dr. Webb’s remain-ing 2 years on Council

Bylaws (Lischak): In the absence of Dr. Lischak, the Chair, Dr.Webb gave the report. [See August Online News or February issue, p.

157-8 for proposed changes to the Bylaws.] Each proposed change waspresented and discussed after which a vote was taken. All proposedchanges except that of Article X (Elections) passed by over a 2/3 major-ity. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to table Article X.

Finance (Merchant): Our investments are diversified. We had$858,000 in Merrill Lynch investments. For calendar year 2008, we were$46,000 in the black. There was a discussion about having an auditsince the last one was done in 2003. A motion carried to have an auditin the coming months. Dr. Merchant will begin the process by sendingout RFPs. 8. REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY (Manning)

a. CommitteesResolutions (Gillis): One resolution on CFIT was as follows:

Therefore be it resolved that the Aerospace Medical Associationsupports and strongly recommends:

1. the installation of terrain and obstruction warning technologythat includes a digital terrain map and obstruction database in all verti-cal lift vehicles, and

2. compliance with regulatory visibility and cloud clearance re-quirements for Visual Flight Rules mission, and

3. the use of aircraft fully equipped and certified for flight under in-strument flight rules, and

4. recurrent training of crews in advertent InstrumentMeteorological Conditions procedures, and

5. provision of satellite relayed weather data link equipment andservices to all helicopters operating in areas where this service is avail-able.

A motion was made and carried to approve the Resolution. It nowbecomes AsMA policy and will be placed on our website and sent toappropriate outside organizations.

Air Transport Medicine (Dowdall): There were no action items atthis time although the committee is exploring cabin crew medical stan-dards, inflight medical emergencies, and legal reciprocity for physiciansflying internationally.

Communications (Dervay): Dr. Dervay reported there were noopen action items. He gave a brief description of our process for obtain-ing a contract for a new IT system. A company was chosen and will bepresented to the Executive Committee for approval. It was anticipatedthe contract could be signed by June 1st. 9. EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (Anzalone)

a. CommitteesAerospace Human Factors (Nesthus): Three panels were sponsored

at this meeting. Planning has now begun for panels for the 2010 meet-ing in Phoenix.

Aviation Safety (Angelici): Several panels were sponsored for thisyear’s meeting. The committee also prepared the ASAP letter whichwas forwarded to the appropriate airlines and regulatory agencies.

Education and Training (Boudreau): AsMA was reaccredited for 4years by the ACCME. The committee is exploring internet CME andMOC.

History and Archives (Mohler): Dr. Jennings was thanked for pro-viding historical movies for our annual scientific meetings. The commit-tee is also exploring the establishment of Reinhartz lectures.Science and Technology (Shender): Five panels were sponsored at thismeeting and 89 columns have thus far been published in the Journalunder Science and Technology Watch. 10. MEMBER SERVICES - (Sides)

a. CommitteesAwards (Holland): Awards will be presented at Honors Night.Corporate and Sustaining (Sides): We now have 52 members. Two

panels were sponsored at this meeting including a Hyperbaric MedicineWorkshop.

Membership ( Silberman/Myers): Membership is at 2,890 and hasleveled off for the past several years. The committee is working on up-dating the AsMA Slide Show.11. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES (Silberman)

a. CommitteesInternational Activities (Hardicsay): The committee continues to ex-

plore possible further international activity such as joint sessions andmeetings with ESAM and AsMA. Panels for next year are now beingexplored.12. Unfinished and New Business: None13. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:00pm. Respectfully submitted,Russell B. Rayman, MD, Executive DirectorArleen Saenger, MD, MPH, Secretary


Jeff Myers YoungInvestigators AwardK. Jeffrey Myers, M.D., Chair

The Space Medicine Association Jeff MyersYoung Investigators Award (SMA JM YIA) isa competition intended for those makingtheir first major efforts into AerospaceMedicine Research. To compete for thisaward, contestants must be making their firstpresentation of a scientific paper or poster atan AsMA meeting (excluding cases presentedat Grand Rounds as a student resident); theymust appear as first author on the paper; andthey must prepare and submit a manuscriptfor judging. Finalists compete in a secondphase of competition at the AsMA Meetinginvolving further evaluation of their presen-tation and interviews. The potential applica-bility of the findings to Space Medicine andthe degree of involvement of the student inthe project are major considerations. The fi-nalists in this years’ competition, selectedfrom 153 contestants, are richly talented anddiverse (see below).

The winner of the 2009 SMA JM YIA isNicholas Mohr, M.D. His paper is entitled“Static Loading as a Model for LunarCervical Spine Injury.” Dr. Mohr graduatedwith Distinction and Honors from Iowa StateUniversity with a B.S. in MechanicalEngineering in 2002. During this time heserved as Director of the student Solar CarProject as well as lead for the student CosmicRay Observation Project. His interest in spacewas solidified when he learned about a med-ical student elective at Johnson Space Center(JSC), applied, and was accepted. Dr. Mohrearned his M.D. from Iowa UniversityCollege of Medicine in 2006. He enjoyed theresearch at JSC so much that he returned fora fellowship as a resident from IndianaUniversity in Emergency Medicine in 2007.During that tour he began work on his cur-rent project to help characterize the loading

at various points in the Lunar/Mars EVAsuits, in an effort to mitigate injury duringfalls, using design improvements. Dr. Mohr’sengineering and medical backgrounds werea near perfect combination for this effort. Butlike most of our previous intrepid YoungInvestigator explorers, he discovered that hewould need those additional componentsknown as sheer extreme determination andingenuity which complete the YIA ‘trifecta’.Unable to acquire the needed parts to buildhis experimental apparatus through the stan-dard means, he salvaged his dream projectby scrounging around in his garage for spareparts to build it. As long as people likeNicholas keep dreaming and doing, the fu-ture will be bright!

Here are some of the other candidates:The first runner up is Jennifer Law, M.D., a3rd year Emergency Medicine Resident fromthe University of California at Davis. Jenniferwas also an engineer from MIT( Honors) onthe Mars Rover projects working at JPL. Shetoo is a product of the JSC electives and fel-lowships for medical students and residents.Her paper is entitled “Planetary ProtectionConsiderations for the Space MedicalCommunity.” The second runner up is Lt.Col. Simeone Izzo, IAF, MC, from theAviation Medicine Institute of the Italian AirForce. His paper is entitled “NeurocognitivePerformance in Aircrew During Treatmentwith Antidepressant SSRIs or SNRIs.” Thesekinds of data will be very important to us aswe begin to colonize the Moon and beyond,expanding our pool of needed explorers anddeploying them into these stressful environ-ments. Receiving Honorable Mention is 1stLt. Hussein Abdullah, M.D., from the Dept.of Aerospace Medicine of the Iraqi Air Force.His paper is entitled “The Most CommonDisqualifying Conditions for the NewCandidates in the Iraqi Air Force.”

Each year working with this award seemsto bring something new, and this year’s com-petition did not disappoint. We believe that

1st Lt. Hussein Abdullah is our very first fi-nalist from Iraq. He sends a take home mes-sage that we can overcome adversity andachieve our dreams.

I would like to thank the members of theYIA committee (without whom this competi-tion would not be possible!): John Darwood,Lloyd Tripp, Smith Johnston, Dan Woodard,Lu Moreno, Jeff Jones, and VernonMcDonald.

The SMA luncheon brought another joywhen former Young Investigator ChristianOtto delivered our annual lecture, presentingdiscoveries from his explorations of MountEverest and Antarctica. A few hours later, as Isat in the AsMA Awards banquet, I had thepleasure of seeing another former YoungInvestigator, Jeff Jones, receive his Fellowsribbon. It is truly gratifying to see our formerYoung Investigators succeed in this way!

And so with another good year flowingby, I must pause and reflect, just for a mo-ment. To think is to be. But if we want to domore than just exist, we must have a dream.To dream is to really live. And if we can dareto dream, we can dare to do.

SPACE MEDICINE ASSOCIATION JEFFMYERS YOUNG INVESTIGATORS AWARD--Young Investigators Simeone Izzi, HusseinAbdullah, Jeff Myers (center, chair), JenniferLaw, and Nicholas Mohr.

Anti-Depressants in CivilAviation

Several years ago, the Aerospace MedicalAssociation (AsMA) published a positionpaper on the use of selective serotonin reup-take inhibitors (SSRIs) by aviators (Jones DR,Ireland RR. Aeromedical regulation of avia-tion using selective serotonin reuptake in-hibitors for depressive disorders. Aviat SpaceEnviron Med 2004; 75:461-70.). This highquality, well referenced position paper sug-gested that civil aviation pilots need not nec-essarily be disqualified because of a historyof depression and the use of anti-depres-

sants. Drs. Jones and Ireland argued that se-lected pilots with depression in remissionand on low-dose maintenance SSRIs causingno side effects be qualified for flying withthe proviso that they would be closely fol-lowed with an eye toward possible liberal-ization of the policy at a later date. A moreliberal policy was not unprecedented as sev-eral other national regulatory agencies hadbeen qualifying pilots on medications for de-pression. For example, the Australian regula-tory authority had granted waivers for sev-eral hundred civil aviation pilots on SSRIsfor depression and reported no aircraft acci-dents or incidents over several years amongthis cohort attributable to the diagnosis ortreatment.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) began its study of this issue severalyears ago possibly prompted by the abovecited AsMA position paper. Just recently theFAA Office of Aerospace Medicine (OAM)recommended to the Administrator that suchpilots with depression in remission and onlow doses of maintenance anti-depressants(mainly SSRIs) having no side effects be quali-fied as well. At the time of this writing, theRule had not been published. Furthermore,

the newly appointed FAA Administrator,Capt. Randy Babbitt, had just been confirmedby the Senate and has not yet reviewed thisrecommendation (although it is anticipatedthat he will be concur). If so, this would bemost welcomed by the aviation communityand would be a stark departure from priorpolicies in this regard. Although the Rule hasnot yet been published, including a list of ac-ceptable anti-depressants, it is anticipated thatthose individuals who are granted special is-suances will be followed very closely oversome period of time.

Undoubtedly, this will create an increasedworkload for the OAM in that medicationsclassified as SSRIs are very widely pre-scribed. Certainly there are many pilots whoare already on these medications or will bein the near future, particularly with the re-laxation of the policy.

This is an example of a regulatory agencyshowing some flexibility in the face of newevidence rather than holding to older poli-cies that have lost their relevance. I applaudthe FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine andI also applaud the authors of that seminalposition paper, Drs. Jones and Ireland, whoprompted this action.

ExecutiveDirector’sColumn

Rayman


Genie Bopp, 2008-09 SMA President

Thanks to everyone who joined in on theSMA activities in Los Angeles. We had an in-teresting and enjoyable meeting.

We began the week with the kick off of anew working group for Commercial HumanSpaceflight. This committee was formed atthe request of the AsMA President and Execu-tive Committee to develop position statementsfor AsMA. Members of the SMA along withrepresentatives from the Personal SpaceflightFederation and the Commercial SpaceflightIndustry participated. Chaired by Jim Vander-ploeg and Mark Campbell, this WorkingGroup will hold ongoing discussions regard-ing the health issues and standards for pilotsand passengers on both suborbital and orbitalflights.

During the SMA Executive Committeemeeting, which is open to all and is alwaysheld on Thursday morning of the annual meet-ing, several new initiatives were discussed:

The Archives committee chaired by JonClark reported on the locations where spacemedicine historic documents may be found.Kjell Lindgren and Jan Stepanek will work onthe development of a video archive of SpaceMedicine in conjunction with the efforts ofStan Mohler, chair of the AsMA History andArchives Committee. Plans for this effort areunderway for 2009.

The Executive Committee voted to developa new scholarship named in honor of Wyle torecognize their support and dedication to theSMA. This scholarship will be given begin-ning in 2010 to a student in one of the disci-plines supporting Space Medicine such as bio-medical engineering or epidemiology.

Finances for the Association are in goodshape and negotiations are underway to movesome of the funds set aside for awards andscholarships to the AsMA Foundation to fundan SMA endowment. SMA will gain the bene-fits of the AsMA Foundation organizationalstructure, investment monitoring and strategyto protect and enhance the funds for SMA ed-ucational purposes.

New Officers for the Association wereelected at the luncheon. The new SMAExecutive Committee is:President: Patrick McGinnis; President Elect:Jan Stepanek; Secretary: Karen Mathes;Treasurer: Mike Chandler; Past Presidents:Genie Bopp, Mark Campbell, and Jon Clark;History Committee Chair and Custodian of theGavel: Mark Campbell; and Members-at-Large:Scott Parazynski, J.D. Polk, Mark Edwards,Sam Strauss, Serena Auñón, and ShannanMoynihan.

Awards were bestowed to very worthy anddeserving recipients. Dr. James Vanderploegreceived the Hubertus Strughold award for hislifelong contributions to the Discipline ofSpace Medicine. In accepting the award Dr.Vanderploeg spoke of the historic focus ofspace medicine, which is to understand the ef-fects of spaceflight, develop selection criteriato optimize performance, select very healthyastronauts and cosmonauts, and mitigateevery risk possible. He described the futurechallenge of space medicine, which is to en-able people of all ages and with less than per-fect health to fly in space.

Dr. Joseph Kerwin received the SMAPresident’s award. This meeting was the fifti-eth anniversary of the first AsMA meeting at-tended by Dr. Kerwin, which was also held inLos Angeles. Dr. Kerwin was the first U.S.physician to fly in space and has been a keycontributor to the field through his individualcontributions and his mentorship of manyothers at NASA.

Alejandro (Alex) Garbino received theSMA scholarship sponsored by Jeffrey Davis.Alex is a M.D./Ph.D. candidate at the BaylorCollege of Medicine and the current Presidentof the AsMA student organization AMSRO.

Dr. John Langell received the SMA Journalaward for his article entitled ”PharmacologicalAgents for the Prevention and Treatment forToxic Radiation Exposure in Spaceflight,” pub-lished in the July 2008 issue of the ASEM jour-

nal. The Jeffrey Myers Young Investigator

award was presented to Nicholas M. Mohr forhis paper entitled “Static Loading as a Modelfor Lunar Cervical Spine Injury.”

Our luncheon speaker, Dr. Christian Otto,described some of the challenges he experi-enced in his two winters in Antarctica as thephysician for the staff and researchers at theSouth Pole. He discussed the issues of isola-tion and the resulting consequences thatwould also apply to a mission to Mars. It wasa very interesting and informative talk thatprovided data about psychological issues froman isolated environment that is an excellentanalog to an extended duration spaceflight.

SMA efforts in 2008-2009 to enhance thecontributions of the SMA to AsMA and to themembership have been well executed but per-haps not well communicated. In the past yearwe have been very active with the AsMACouncil, helping to shape AsMA positions onCommercial Spaceflight issues and standards.Our focus on education and publication re-sulted in additional awards to inspire studentsand members alike to publish in the journaland to share information. Mark Campbell hasbeen a driving force to capture SpaceMedicine history and to capture currentevents for the archives. His work on the de-velopment of the scholarship and his continu-ing work on the web site have been unsur-passed in the recent past. The Archivesactivity for 2009 will capture historic informa-tion so that the work of our predecessors isnot lost, but fully integrated into our futureprogress. The future for the organization is abusy one that will need the participation of allmembers. Please contact one of the membersof the Executive Committee if you want to bemore active in the SMA.

I would like to thank the SMA ExecutiveCommittee and all of the members of the asso-ciation for the honor of being the President in2008-2009. I also want to thank the generoussponsors of the SMA: Wyle Integrated Scienceand Engineering, Jeffrey Myers, Jeffrey Davis,Mark Campbell, Jon Clark, and Joe Kerwin.

SPACE MEDICINE ASSOCIATION NEWS

Send information for publication on this pageto: Genie Bopp

[email protected]

Space Medicine Association 2009 Annual Meeting Report

See also Young Investigator Award, p. 761.

STRUGHOLD AWARD--James Vanderploeg(left) receives the award from RichardJennings (right)

PRESIDENT’S AWARD--Joseph Kerwin re-ceives the award from Genie Bopp.

SMA DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP--Alex Garbino(center) recieves the award from Genie bopp(right) as Jeff Davis looks on (left).


ANS AWARD WINNERS:

Krakauer Junior Flight Nurse ofthe Year Award

Susan McCormick

This award, named for Dr. HansKrakauer, is sponsored by the ANS in hismemory and assumption from his originalsponsorship. His sponsorship came tofruition after his Air Force experiences andpersonal involvement with the transporta-tion of a friend. He was very impressed bythe compassion and care given by the flightnurses.

The recipient of this year’s Krakauer Ju-nior Flight Nurse of the Year award is Capt.Susan McCormick, USAFR, NC. Capt. Mc-Cormick is currently deployed again as aflight nurse at Westover Air Reserve Basewith the 439th Aeromedical EvacuationSquadron. Her nomination noted her origi-nal commitment to the nation as anaeromedical technician who received hercommission as a nurse in 2003. In her ownwords from a recent news article, “I’ll flyanywhere on any plan in order to evacuateour men and women who are sick or injuredand make sure that they get the care thatthey need.” She lives Hans Krakauer’s firmbelief that “patients are patients” and prac-tices as the admirable flight nurse who wasinitially identified at the creation of thisaward. Capt. McCormick could not be pre-sent to accept the award.

BG Anne Hoefly AwardShawn Westphal

General Hoefly was the first Chief Nurseof the Air Force to rise to the rank of a gen-eral officer. She was a supporter of the ANSuntil her death in 2003. This award is pre-sented annually to a nurse for outstandingperformance in the field of clinical nursing.

The recipient of this year’s award is Capt.Shawn Westphal, USAF, NC. Capt. Westphalis stationed at Scott AFB, IL, with the AirMobility Command Surgeon General’s team.He has not only provided expert and com-passionate nursing care to the wounded or ill

himself as a member of CCATT teams, buthas saved innumerable dollars and liveswith his dedication to the improvement ofprocess and function for CCATT and othertransporters. His ability to support the re-search and development of vital tools hasrevolutionized patient transport from thecurrent theater of operations.

Edward R. Iverson AwardLaura Perry

This award is named for New York CityPolice Detective Edward R. Iverson. Detec-tive Iverson had several episodes where hehad to be transported to the hospital byEMS. He and his family were so impressedwith the care and compassion of EMS para-medics and EMTs that they initiated andsponsor this award.

The recipient of this year’s Iverson awardis Technical Sergeant Laura Perry. SergeantPerry is from the 375th Aeromedical Evacua-tion Squadron at Scott AFB, IL, and is anAeromedical Evacuation Technician. Shecompleted initial upgrade training in record

time and subsequently became an instructorfor her unit, earning the accolades of seniornurses, including the AMC Stan/Eval OIC.She deployed to Al Udied, Qatar, flying 14combat missions and ensuring the successfultransport of 213 wounded warriors of Opera-tion Iraqi Freedom. She showcases her un-wavering dedication to her peers and theU.S. Air Force by her selection as Warrior ofthe Week by her commander, serving aspresident of the squadron’s booster club, au-thoring articles for the base magazine, andworking on base beautification projects evenin the AOR. This well rounded EMT is a ter-rific selection for the Iverson award.

Send information for publication on thispage to: Nora Taylor

301 Radcliff RoadBelleville, IL 62221 [email protected] NURSING SOCIETY NEWS

Join the Aerospace Nursing Society Today!

Dues are just $10 ($5 allied health profes-sionals). For further information, contact:

Diane Fletcher, ANS Treasurer7401 Salem Dr. Columbus, MS 39705 [email protected] or [email protected]

IVERSON AWARD--Cathy DiBiase presentsthe award to Laura Perry.

HOEFLY AWARD--Cathy Dibiase (left) pre-sent the award to Shawn Westphal (right).

ANS OFFICERS 2009-10-- (left to right) Treasurer: Lt.Col. Eileen Hadbavny, USAF(Ret); Sec-retary: Chris Cloutier, LCdr.(Ret), CF; Vice Pres./Pres. Elect: Lt.Col. Eleanor (Carolyn) Jarrett,USAFR, NC; President: Lt.Col. Nora Taylor, USAFR, NC.

ANS Garrecht Award The Brig. Gen. Claire Garrecht Award

honors an ANS member for the best scien-tific paper presented during the AnnualScientific Meeting of the Aerospace Med-ical Association. This award, sponsored byEducational Enterprises, Inc., consists of aplaque and honorarium.

Criteria: Membership in the AsMA andANS. Abstract must be submitted and ac-cepted for presentation.

Contact Charlie Tupper, the Chairper-son, Aerospace Nursing Society AwardsCommittee, for details.


LSBEB Award Winners for 2009The A. Howard Hasbrook Award

Gregory B. Ostrander

This award, presented in conjunction withthe AsMA Annual Scientific Meeting since1990, recognizes an individual who has pro-vided noteworthy data or design with respectto safety, survivability, or crashworthiness rel-evant to aircraft or space vehicles. The 2009winner is LCDR Gregory B. Ostrander, MSC,USN. LCDR Ostrander has contributed signifi-cant data and analysis in support of the U.S.Navy’s accident reduction goals, specificallyas related to aviation safety and aerospace pre-ventive medicine. This includes:• A study of hypoxia incidents in naval avia-tion over the past 20 yr, documenting and ana-lyzing frequency and distribution of events byplatform and specific causal factors. He devel-oped the first metric to analyze hypoxia fre-quency rate in the F/A-18 aircraft, which ulti-mately gave scientific credibility to ananecdotally noted upward trend in hypoxiaevents in this aircraft, and led to several work-ing groups which helped determine the vari-ous causal factors that were contributory. • His data analysis showed human error tobe the number one causal factor, contrary towhat was assumed to be a maintenance andmaterial problem. His efforts led to improvedtraining, a complete revision of the F/A-18emergency oxygen procedure, and assisted inobtaining Naval Air Systems Command fund-ing for improved hypoxia awareness trainingfor all tactical jet aviators.• Assisted with human error analysis at theNaval Safety Center using the Human FactorsAnalysis and Classification System (HFACS),leading to improved granularity in physiologi-cal events causal factor analysis and better rec-ommendations for training.• Assisted and co-authored a fleet-wide studyassessing neck pain in naval aviation, whichdemonstrated that neck pain continues to be aproblem for aircrew across all platforms. • Drafted and obtained approval for sixchanges to the Naval Aviation Survival Train-ing Program curriculum based on mishap andhazard data analyzed and compared to cur-rent training goals. Of specific note was achange to Underwater Egress (Dunker) train-ing to reconfigure the device interior to matchthe cabin of the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. Hisapproved change will allow more realisticegress training for E-2 and C-2 aircrews.

Currently LCDR Ostrander is assigned asthe Assistant Director for the Aviation SurvivalTraining Center in Norfolk, VA. He is respon-sible for overseeing aviation physiology andwater survival training to fleet personnel,training more than 5,000 students annually.

LCDR Greg Ostranders’s superior expertisein hypoxia related mishaps, coupled with hisdiligent and unrelenting efforts, provided un-precedented support to the Naval Aviationcommunity by focusing attention toward im-proving aviation readiness through increasedsafety awareness and safety program compli-ance. His exceptional insight and unsurpassedprofessional knowledge directly contributed tosome of the safest years in the history of navalaviation.

Professional Excellence AwardLarry P. Krock

This award, presented in conjunction withthe AsMA Annual Scientific Meeting since1965, recognizes an individual who has pro-duced outstanding research accomplishmentsor technical and/or research managementachievements important to life sciencesand/or biomedical engineering of a number ofyears. The 2009 winner is Dr. Larry P. Krock.

Larry Krock is a long-time LSBEB memberand a fellow of AsMA. He is currently theChief Scientist for the United States Air ForceSchool of Aerospace Medicine. As ChiefScientist, Dr. Krock oversees an operationallyresponsive $5.5M biomedical research pro-gram and is acknowledged as the principalagent for reinvigorating operational medicalresearch back into the U. S. Air Force MedicalService. As BRAC-Director, he is ensuring ac-countability and transfer of all the School’shalf-billion dollar program and assets to thenew $300M Human Performance Wing’s facil-ity now under construction at WrightPatterson AFB, OH.

Dr .Krock received a B.A. in Kinesiologyand a MA in Applied Physiology fromCalifornia State University, Northridge, in1972 and 1974. Following an 8-yr appoint-ment to the faculty of that University, he trav-eled to Texas to earn a Ph.D. in Physiologyfrom Texas A & M University, College Station,TX. He spent a year and a half as a ResearchAssociate in the Department of Medicine,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, andarrived at the School of Aerospace Medicine,Brooks AFB, TX, in 1985.

In his first assignment he investigated themetabolic requirements of ExplosiveOrdinance Disposal render-safe procedures.In 1987 he transferred to the sustained acceler-ation function and conducted many originalstudies exploring cardiovascular and muscu-loskeletal responses to sustained high-Gforces. His innovative work with rapid onsetlower body negative pressure was key in un-derstanding the fluid dynamics during +Gzand LBNP, and included collaborations withNASA in mitigating orthostatic intolerance ofmicrogravity. His important exploratory workin ground-based anti-G straining-maneuvertraining methods clarified lower extremitymetabolic requirements during the AGSM,and redefined USAF high-G exposure cen-trifuge training.

In 1994 Dr. Krock was selected to found anddirect a new research mission within the DavisHyperbaric Medicine Laboratory, ArmstrongLaboratory. His most significant achievementwas founding and guiding the developmentof a world-class in vitro immunohistochemicallaboratory—the Department of Defense’s leadlaboratory for hyperbaric medicine research.Vanguard studies conducted in his laboratoryformed the foundation of understanding ofthe influence of increased partial pressure ofoxygen on cell structure and function. Thesestudies extended the use of hyperbaric oxygento aid in the prevention of, and expedited re-covery from, a wider diversity of injuries sus-tained during combat and mass casualty sce-narios in both military and civilian sectors.Dr. Krock was responsible for co-developing,with the U.S. Navy, the deployable hyperbaricchamber system (Hyperlite) which became thebackbone of a new strategic plan to move hy-perbaric medicine into the forward theater ofoperations.

Dr. Krock has a distinguished internationalreputation as a teacher, mentor, and hasserved on several national scientific reviewpanels. He is an Academician of theInternational Academy of Aviation and SpaceMedicine and is a member of several physiol-ogy and engineering organizations. He haspublished more than 100 refereed manuscriptsand abstracts, and has received multiple pro-fessional awards.

Research and Development InnovationAward

This award, presented in conjunction with theAsMA Annual Scientific Meeting, is given toan individual who has demonstrated innova-tive life sciences and/or biomedical engineer-ing research as related to the design or devel-opment of aerospace medical equipment orsystems.

Mr. Glenn Paskoff is a nationally recognizedexpert in escape and airframe crashworthysystems research and engineering. As the lead-ing Biomechanical Engineer at the Naval AirWarfare Center - Aircraft Division, Mr. Paskoffhas led research and program engineeringsupport efforts to address broad safety andprotection issues for military aircrew and theirsusceptibility to injury, fatigue, accelerationforces, and extreme environments. He is

HASBROOK AWARD--sponsored by LSBEBand presented by Bill Ecroline; LCDR DeborahWhite accepting for LCDR Ostrander. See LSBEB, p. 765.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD--spon-sored by Eagle Applied Sciences and presentedby Guy Banta (left) to Larry P. Krock (right).


unique in his knowledge and his ability tomove easily between laboratory-based Scienceand Technology (S&T) work and the opera-tional environment. He has served as Co-Principal Investigator on the Office of NavalResearch funded Injury Prevention FutureNaval Capabilities. This multi-year, multi-dis-ciplinary project is focused on the preventionof cervical injuries in high acceleration envi-ronments. He has led research into determin-ing human limitations for head-borne weightin rotary-wing crash scenarios. He providesdirect engineering support to the Joint HelmetMounted Cueing System, and has workedwith the Special Operations Command onsmall-boat injury prevention. He is the leadTest Engineer for the Modular AircrewCommon Helmet program, which is develop-ing a common aircrew helmet that can be usedby all naval aviation platforms, and was thedeputy program manager for the AdvancedIntegrated Life Support System which devel-oped a single integrated engineering solutionfor aircrew personnel protection.

One of the most chaotic and dangerous pe-riods of an aircraft ejection sequence is theparachute opening phase. At this point thebody can assume almost any orientation andonce separated from the ejection seat, is with-out spinal support. Historically, this phase hasbeen very difficult to study given the variabil-ity of the response. Mr. Paskoff has developeda unique test fixture and methodology to emu-late parachute opening shock in a controlledlab environment using the NAWCAD hori-zontal accelerator. With the POSE, it is nowpossible to measure differences in responses

relative to orientation, size, and pulse magni-tude in order to parametrically evaluate ad-vanced and legacy helmets and flight equip-ment during ejection.

Mr. Paskoff is actively involved in his pro-fessional community. He has just submittedhis third safety product patent and has over 30technical and refereed journal publications. Hewas co-author of the inaugural 2008 ‘BestTechnical Paper Award’ by the SAFEAssociation Science and TechnologyCommittee for his work developing validatedmodels for human biodynamics during para-chute opening/ejections. He is active in nu-merous professional organizations, TTCP andNATO-RTO panels, and technology programand engineering acquisition support.

Mr. Paskoff’s work has directly enhancedthe safety of Naval aircrew today, and willcontinue to ensure the safe design of futuresystems. His exceptional insight and unsur-passed professional knowledge directly con-tributed to some of the safest years in the his-tory of naval aviation.

Ross McFarland Student Award

Savitha Shekar

This award, presented in conjunction withthe AsMA Annual Scientific Meeting since1975, is given to the author of the best studentpaper accepted by the AsMA ScientificProgram Committee that reports on a signifi-cant achievement in biomedical engineering.There are no nominations for this award. Thebest abstract from those submitted by studentseach year is selected based on scientific merit,clarity of presentation, application of findings,and scope of interest in outcome by a commit-tee. The 2009 winner is Savitha ShekarM.B.B.S., for the abstract titled “Effect ofHypoxia on Modulations of Pressor Responsesto Isometric Handgrip to Low AtmosphericPressure” (Aviat Space Environ Med 2009;80:283 [#328]). Her study examined whetherthe attenuation of pressor responses to isomet-ric muscle tensing, an important constituent ofAGSM, is modulated with/without hypoxiain a comparable pressure and thermal envi-ronment. Dr. Shekar is with the Institute ofAerospace Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka,India.

AsHFA Stanley N. Roscoe Award

Melanie LeGoullon

The Aerospace Human Factors Association(AsHFA) 2009 Stanley N. Roscoe Award, givenfor the best Doctoral Dissertation written in a

research area related toAerospace Human Factors,was presented to MelanieLeGoullon.

Dr. Melanie LeGoullon isa Human Factors Scientistat Perceptronics Solutions’Washington, D.C. office.She has extensive experi-ence conducting humanfactors and cognitive re-

search within the aviation industry. Melanie's

expertise is centered on human error in auto-mated systems. She has collaborated with sev-eral airlines to improve pilot performance inhighly automated cockpits, and is herself aprivate pilot. Dr. LeGoullon holds a B.A. inBiology from Cornell University and a M.A.and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology fromGeorge Mason University. While pursuingher Ph.D., Melanie was also a fellow inNASA's Graduate Student ResearchersProgram.

LSBEB, from p. 764.

MCFARLAND STUDENT AWARD--sponsoredby the Gentex Corporation and presented byJohn Winship; Bill Ecroline accepting forSavitha Shekar, M.B.B.S.

R&D INNOVATION--sponsored by the DavidClark Company, Inc., and presented by DanBerry; Barry S. Shender accepting for Glenn R.Paskoff.

STANLEY R. MOHLER SCHOLARSHIPPRESENTED--The first recipient of the StanleyR. Mohler Foundation scholarship is Dr. ChanKim, a student at Wright State University fromSouth Korea. Dr. Kim was unable to attendthe Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles, so hisaward was officially presented at WSU by Dr.Mohler himself. Pictured, left to right, are Drs.Farhad Sahiar, Robin Dodge, Chan Kim, andStanley Mohler.

2009 RAM BOWL--The three teams of RAMSwere set up with Al Parmet as the MC: the AirForce (top), Army/Navy (center), and UTMB(above). The UTMB team defeated both theArmy/Navy and Air Force teams to capturethe traveling Louis Bauer Trophy.


WING NEWS & NOTES

Send information for publication on this pageto: Dale Orford

15516 E. Acacia WayFountain Hills, AZ [email protected]

Hurray for HollywoodBy Dale Orford, Photos by Dale Orford

What a fantastic time we all had in LosAngeles at our annual Wing meeting! Anaward winning performance was turned inby President Peggy Trumbo and her organiz-ing committee to provide us with a delight-ful, fun-filled week. Our meeting kicked offatop the 35th floor of the Westin Hotel withour salute to tinsel town, where we wel-comed several new members and greetedfriends from around the world. Everyone en-joyed the lovely buffet and artistic decora-tions designed by Issy Jennings.

Our Tuesday tour took us on a whirlwindtour of Los Angeles. Our first stop was at thehistoric Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, themost sought-after venue for studio pre-mieres, with its numerous cement hand andfoot prints immortalizing Hollywood’sbrightest stars. We then headed across thecourtyard to the new Kodak Theatre (Photo1), home to the Academy Awards ceremony,where we enjoyed a private backstage tourled by Mr. Sergio Ruezga, the Director ofEvents for the Kodak, and Dr. Dean Gean.Dean is a Past President of the WesternOccupational Medical Assn. and the currentRegional Medical Director of Liberty MutualInsurance in Glendale, CA, but his claim toHollywood fame is as the Physician to theOscars. He had many interesting stories toshare, not only about various Hollywoodpersonalities, but also of an occupationalmedical nature. He delighted us with his taleof sewing on Clint Eastwood’s tuxedo buttonwith sutures, asking Heidi Klum if her hus-band did any voice over work (he did notrecognize her husband, the singer, Seal), andmeeting Paul McCartney as he relaxed backstage giving an impromptu performance.Sergio showed us an authentic Oscar and

then took us onto to the stage where just afew weeks ago, Hugh Jackman and Beyonceperformed their numbers for the Oscars.What a thrill to look out and see where somany famous stars had waited to hear if itwould be their turn to make an acceptancespeech!

Upon leaving the Kodak, we re-boardedour bus, and headed out to see some of the fa-mous and glamorous sights of the city. We hada quick look at Rodeo Drive, the most expen-sive shopping area in L.A., before stopping tosnap a few photos of the La Brea Tar Pits,which proved to be the last stop for prehistoricvisitors to this area (Photo 2). After a quicklunch at the Farmers’ Market (Photo 3; MarietteJones and Marilyn Brath at the Farmers’ Market),we continued our tour, passing ParamountStudios and the historic areas of Los Angelesbefore returning to our hotel.

Our annual Business Meeting was heldon Wednesday at the L.A. Athletic Club, alovely art nouveau heritage building a shortwalk from our hotel. The luncheon was deli-cious and we all raved over the dessert – achocolate heart shaped shell filled with icecream. We had a special drawing for a fresh-water pearl necklace with matching earringsgenerously donated by Sharon Meader ofSeattle, and won by Sue Hudson of England(Photo 4).

On Thursday, our group headed out for avisit to the famed Getty Center (Photos 5 and

6), and what a magnificent tour it was! TheGetty sits amidst 750 acres in the foothills ofthe Santa Monica Mountains overlooking thecity on one side and the ocean on the other.Designed by architect Richard Meier, thebuildings bridge architectural modernismwith classic material of white limestone toexpress the Getty’s roots in the past and be-lief in the future. The site with its majesticbuildings, lovely gardens, and outdoorsculptures rivaled the art inside. The collec-tions included art ranging from the old mas-ters such as Peter Paul Rubens andRembrandt to American and European pho-tographs from the 19th century to the pre-sent. This was truly a tour we will not soonforget.

Nor will we soon forget our visit toCalifornia and the very welcoming and inter-esting city of Los Angeles.

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ETC Announces Orange Flag 2009

ETC officially announced Orange Flag 2009,to be held in their National Aerospace Trainingand Research (NASTAR) Center. This eventwill host all international and domestic fast jetmilitary pilots and officials to experience thenext generation of tactical flight simulation.The event dates will be October 19 through 21for international personnel and October 22 and23 for domestic aircrew.

— For the most current information, please seehttp://www.etcorangeflag.com/.

Axiom Announces New DRX9000

Axiom Worldwide recently announced therelease of its new “DRX9000™ True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System.” Thenew DRX9000 is the result of feedback andsurvey results gathered from existing U.S. andinternational customers.

— For more information, please visit the pressrelease at: https://axiomworldwide.com/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?id=71.

Wyle Develops 2nd GenerationSound Generator

An improved second-generation soundsource used to simulate the intense noise gen-erated by space rockets during launch hasbeen developed by Wyle engineers. The WyleAcoustic Source (WAS) 5000 is a high fre-quency, high intensity sound source comple-menting the existing low-frequency system.Both are used to ensure that items can survivethe heavy vibration caused by rocket motors.

— Adapted from a press release athttp://www.wylelabs.com/news/2009/06-12.html.


NEWS OF CORPORATE MEMBERS

Send information for publication on this page to: Corporate News

Aerospace Medical Association320 S. Henry StreetAlexandria, VA 22314-3579

Spectrum Aeromed NewestCorporate Member

Spectrum Aeromed, a leading manufac-turer of air ambulance equipment, recentlybecame the newest Corporate Member of theAerospace Medical Association (AsMA).Spectrum Aeromed has worldwide recogni-tion for designing medical interiors for airambulances for hospital programs, militarybranches worldwide, multi-mission charters,private operators, and custom VIP emergencymedical interiors for executive aircraft andheads of state. They work closely with airmedical and transport crews to design solu-tions for providing superior medical carewithin the confines of an aircraft.

Located at Hector International Airport inFargo, ND, Spectrum Aeromed offers life sup-port systems for all types of aircraft. Theywere originally founded in 1991 in Wheaton,MN, and were acquired by Dean Atchinson in2007. They relocated to Hector InternationalAirport in 2008 and have 16 employees, ofwhom 5 are certified pilots. They hold 50+STCs for more than 260 aircraft.

Earlier this year Spectrum Aeromed part-nered with Project Phoenix, a Dubai-basedcompany that converts airliners for VIP andexecutive use, to develop a dedicated air am-bulance program. Spectrum will be providingProject Phoenix with custom-designed interi-ors and medical equipment. They also pro-vided a delegate to an 8-day trade mission toSouth Africa in early May.

—For more information on this company, pleasevisit their website at www.spectrum-aeromed.com.

Exhibitors at AsMA’s 80th Annual Scientific Meeting in Los Angeles, CAAsMA would like to thank all those who exhibited at our annual meeting. Pictured on this page are some of our loyal

corporate members who exhibited during the meeting. All photos are by Pamela Day.


Col. Ki-Young Chung, ROKAF, Daejeon,South Korea, was previously Commander,ROKAF Aerospace Medical Center,CheongWon. He has been prmoted toCommander of the ROKAF School of MilitaryMedicine, Armed Forced Medical Command,South Korea. Col. Chung is a Fellow of AsMA.

Tracy Smart, BM BS, MPH, MA, of the RoyalAustralian Air Force, was promoted to AirCommodore in February 2009 and posted tothe dual positions of Director General of AirForce Health Services and Director GeneralCorporate Health Management in theAustralian Defence Force's Joint HealthCommand, Canberra.

In MemoriamJohn Ernstingby Professor Michael Bagshaw

Professor John Ernsting, CB, OBE, BSc,MBBS, PhD, FRCP, FFOM, FRAeS, died sud-

denly on 2 June 2009 inFrimley, UK, after ashort illness.Characteristically hehad worked in his officeat King’s CollegeLondon on the previousday, having just re-turned from deliveringone of his inspiring lec-tures at the OtagoResidential School in

Stirling Castle Scotland. Prior to this he hadparticipated in the AsMA meeting in LosAngeles.

John Ernsting (known universally and re-spectfully as ‘JE’), the son of a London dentist,graduated in physiology (1949) and medicine(1952) from Guy’s Hospital Medical Schoolwith honors, taking the prizes for obstetricsand surgery. He then joined the Royal AirForce Medical Branch in 1954. Apart from asabbatical year at USAF School of AerospaceMedicine (1979-1980), he spent the whole ofhis military career at the Royal Air ForceInstitute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough,UK, retiring as Commandant with the 2-starrank of Air Vice-Marshal in 1993. He was theRoyal Air Force Consultant Adviser inAviation Medicine from 1971 to 1990, andserved as the Dean of Air Force Medicine andthen as Senior Consultant (RAF) from 1990 to1993. On his retirement from the Royal AirForce, Professor Ernsting was appointedHonorary Civil Consultant in AviationMedicine to the RAF.

Professor Ernsting’s wide range of basicand applied research in altitude physiologyand protection established the modern physio-logical requirements for aircrew breathing sys-tems. His involvement in the design and eval-uation of integrated protection systems formilitary aircrew included research into the res-piratory and cardiovascular effects of expo-sure to acceleration, whole body vibration,and immersion in water. Much of the currentaircrew protective and life-support equipment

has evolved directly from the pioneering de-velopment work performed by JE and theteams he led on both sides of the Atlantic. Onthe civilian side, he was closely involved withthe research and development of the crew life-support systems for the Concorde supersonictransport aircraft.

Professor Ernsting was convinced of the im-portance of extending the test environment foraircrew equipment from the laboratory to theaviation environment, and the RAF Instituteof Aviation Medicine was unique in havingdedicated and instrumented fast jet aircraftflown by medical officer pilots. Although ithas been said apocryphally that JE believed anaircraft was a device for taking an oxygen sys-tem to altitude for experimental purposes, hewas a great supporter of the IAM Flight Re-search Dept., which he directed for 15 years.

Whilst still serving in the RAF, JohnErnsting was appointed Visiting Professor inApplied Physiology at King’s College Londonin 1987. He was Director of the M.Sc. course inHuman and Applied Physiology and on hisretirement from the Royal Air Force beganteaching and conducting research full-time atKing’s College London. He established ahuman respiratory research laboratory and in1998 was appointed Head of the HumanPhysiology and Aerospace Medicine Group inthe School of Biomedical Sciences based on thecampus of Guy’s Hospital, his medical AlmaMater. He was instrumental in establishing thecourse for the Diploma in Aviation Medicineat King’s College London following the clo-sure of the RAF Institute and the School ofAviation Medicine at Farnborough. He wasalso Director of the courses for the M.Sc. inAviation Medicine and the M.Sc. inAeromedical Research at King’s CollegeLondon, and established a popular interca-lated B.Sc. course in aerospace physiology forundergraduate medical students.

As a teacher, JE gained the respect and affec-tion of generations of students. Despite hisidiosyncratic teaching style (involving the useof ancient overhead projection acetates andmuch jingling of keys and loose change in hispocket), he ensured that his students under-stood the complexities of human physiologyand its application to the aviation environ-ment. He maintained a personal interest in thelives and careers of his students and colleaguesthroughout the world and it gave him particu-lar pleasure when the John Ernsting Labora-tory was named for him in Brazil in 2008.

Another highly-acclaimed eponymous hon-our was the naming from 2001 of the JohnErnsting Panel at the International Congress ofAviation and Space Medicine. He served asPresident of the International Academy ofAviation and Space Medicine from 1995 to1997. He became a member of the AerospaceMedical Association in 1960 and was elected aFellow in 1972; he served as a Vice-Presidenton two occasions. He was elected toFellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Societyin 1978 and was President of the UK Chapterof SAFE (Europe) from 1984 to 1994. ProfessorErnsting’s name and influence will also live on

in the standard textbook, Ernsting’s AviationMedicine, now in its 4th edition and interna-tionally recognised as the authoritative text.

His honors and awards included Officer ofthe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire(OBE, 1959) and Companion of the MostHonourable Order of the Bath (CB, 1992). TheAerospace Medical Association honored himwith the Eric Liljencrantz Award (1974), theHarry G. Moseley Award (1992), and the LouisH. Bauer Founder’s Award (2002). He also re-ceived the Scientific Achievement Award ofthe Advisory Group for Aeronautical Researchand Development of the North Atlantic TreatyOrganisation in 1990 and the André AllardMedal of the International Academy ofAviation and Space Medicine in 1999.

New Members

Abrams, Holly L., M.E., M.D., Boise, IDAl-Shebli, Dr. Hussien Muhaqmm, Amman,

JordanApolinar, Yasminda R., M.D., S. Laguna,

PhilippinesBeekmann, Roland T. A., Maj., RNLAF, M.D.,

Lochem, NetherlandsBergoo, Willie, M.D., Stockholm, SwedenBinnewies, Joerg, M.D., Rastede, GermanyButler, Jenny L., San Antonio, TXChristmas, William A., Lt.Col., USAF, MC,

Richmond, KYCleland, Jeffrey M., San Antonio, TXCrew, Rhonda L., RN, B.Sc.N., CD, Astra, ON,

CanadaDeGraaf, Ms. M., Harderwyk, NetherlandsDutko, Barbara, D.O., J.D., Fawn Lawn, NJEllis, Robert M., MBA, B.S., Houston, TXFriedman, Jack, M.D., Tobuca Lake, CAHarrell, Mason, LT, MC, USN, San Diego, CAHawkesworth, Greg J., D.O., Seneca, SCHursh, Steven R., Ph.D., Baltimore, MDIrmer, Thomas, M.D., Schwarzach, GermanyLedderhos, Carla, M.D., Ph.D.,

Fuerstenfeldbruck, GermanyLee, Woo Young, M.D., Seoul, Republic of

KoreaMcArthur, Christopher J., CDR, MC, USN,

Pensacola, FLMenkes, Daniel L., Col., USAF, MC, West

Simsbury, CTMohebbi, Mohammad R., M.D., Coralville, IANugent, Nathan Zene, Cold Lake, MB,

CanadaPowell, Eric D., Capt., USAF, BSC, Universal

City, TXReese, Charles A., M.D., Ph.D., Pensacola, FLRobins, Arna K., RN, Las Vegas, NVRudd, Rahel R., B.S., M.S., Beavercreek, OHSavran, Stephen V., M.D., Las Vegas, NVSelf, David A., Ph.D., Tuttle, OKSloan, Lloyd W., CDR, MC, USN,

Cantonment, FLStill, David L., Ph.D., Pensacola, FLSweet, Barbara T., Ph.D., Moffett Field, CAThomas, Dana R., MAS, Colorado Springs, COTongelidis, Vasileios, M.D., Souda, Chania-

Crete, GreeceVanDenOord, Marieke, M.Sc., GR Hank,

Netherlands

NEWS OF MEMBERS

Send information for publication on this page to: News of Members

Aerospace Medical Association320 S. Henry StreetAlexandria, VA [email protected]


Society of USAF FlightSurgeons AwardsHoward R. Unger Award

The Howard R. Unger Award was estab-lished by the Society of USAF Flight Surgeon'sBoard of Governors in 198, and seeks to en-courage and reward publication of originalwork by USAF flight surgeons. In recognitionfor the excellent article entitled “Efficacy ofEchocardiographic Screening in PilotApplicants” (ASEM 2008; 79:514-7), this year’swinner is Maj. James R. Strader from USAF-SAM.

Operational Flight Surgeon SafetyAward

Operational Flight Surgeon Safety Awardaward, approved by the Society’s Board ofGovernors in May 2002, recognizes outstand-ing safety achievements by operational flightsurgeons. This year’s recipient is Capt. RyanN. Harris from Air Combat Command.

Malcolm C. Grow Award for USAFFlight Surgeon of the Year

The Malcolm C. Grow Award is presentedannually to the most outstanding flight sur-geon in the United States Air Force selectedfrom among all of the Major Commands. Tobe thought of so highly by one’s flyingsquadron and base leadership as to be submit-ted is in itself quite an honor and to be se-lected by one’s command is truly prestigious.

The 2008 Malcolm C. Grow Award winneris from Air Combat Command:Capt. George R. Gibson III. This exemplaryyoung officer has the uncanny ability to meetthe clinical and operational demands everyday without missing a beat. He has achievedsomething that the flying squadron comman-der clearly defined as crucial to the success ofthe squadron—the complete confidence andtrust of the family members for all health carematters. He has displayed significant leader-ship capability as the disaster team chief,Public Health Emergency Officer, ClinicalLaboratory Director, and IDMT preceptor.Capt. Gibson then stepped up to the task asthe leader of Aerospace Medicine for 10months while the ADOS/CC was deployedand kept the squadron on track and runningwell. He is battle-tested and combat-proven,volunteering for an Afghanistan deploymentwhile on leave and then enroute 4 days later.There he continued to display his leadershipability by authoring strategic and disasterplans while setting records for clinic produc-tivity. This young flight surgeon flew 30 com-bat missions, responded to a Navy class Amishap and then volunteered for an in-placedeployment extension in order to keep themission going. His flying squadron comman-der summarized with “this flight surgeon hasaced every trial with peerless skill and leader-ship.”

Olson-Wegner AwardsThe Olson-Wegner Award traditionally has

been presented annually to the Air Force’soutstanding aeromedical technician of the

year. In January of 1999, the Society’s Board ofGovernors unanimously agreed to expand theaward to individuals in three categories:Airman, NCO, and Senior NCO. Ouraeromedical technicians are critical to the suc-cess of the Air Force Aerospace Medicine mis-sion. Olson-Wegner Award Aeromedical Technicianof the Year--Airman

This year’s recipient of the Olson-WegnerAward in the Airman category is from the 5thMedical Operations Squadron, Minot AFB,ND, Air Combat Command: Airman FirstClass Erika R. Jenkins. Over the past year shewas extremely busy keeping the 5th BombWing at Minot AFB flying and on-track withPRP. Her direct efforts helped gain an impres-sive 4 Staff assistance visit “Excellents” and 2NSI “Outstandings.” She expertly managedPHA scheduling for over 5000 physicals andhelped drive Minot’s IMR rate to the best inACC. She held 4 additional NCO duties dur-ing a 40% manning shortage and continued toimprove productivity in her primary job. Notresting on her achievements, she finished herCDCs early, garnered the top 4N score in theclinic, and completed 41 hours toward herCCAF degree. Olson-Wegner Award Aeromedical

Technician of the Year--NCOThis year’s recipient of the Olson-Wegner

Award in the Non-Commissioned Officer cate-gory is from the 1st Aerospace MedicineSquadron, Langley AFB, VA, Air CombatCommand: TSgt Cornelius M. Young. He hasexcelled both at home and while deployed.He has been busy supporting one of hisMAJCOM’s busiest flight medicine clinicswith meticulous attention to detail, managingover 400 active waivers. He led an AFSO21initiative that streamlined the PHA processand reduced patient waiting time in his clinicby 50%. While deployed to Iraq, he helpeddeliver needed medical care to over 12,000local nationals and helped teach a preparatoryIraqi nurse course which graduated 150 stu-dents. He further participated as a securitydetail convoy medic on numerous off basemissions. Olson-Wegner Award Aeromedical Technicianof the Year--SNCO

This year’s recipient of the Olson-WegnerAward in the Senior Non-CommissionedOfficer category is from the 48th AerospaceMedicine Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, UnitedKingdom, United States Air Forces Europe:Master Sergeant Suzanne L. Winovich. Shehas demonstrated superb aeromedical leader-ship, leading USAFE’s largest flight medicineoffice with 3 wings and 9 geographically sepa-rated units. Her shop garnered an impressive“outstanding” during a recent HSI with twoprograms being identified as benchmark pro-grams in the Air Force. She further pilotedthree new program databases despite a criticalmanning shortage. She was also hand-pickedas the 48 FW representative to the AF DLCconference in Reno and served as the subjectmatter expert on the implementation of theALC fast track program. She accomplished allthis while leading numerous conferences, ex-ercises, classes, distinguished visitor tours,and other activities too numerous to list.

George E. Schafer AwardThe George E. Schafer Award is presented

annually to an individual who has made sig-nificant long-term contributions to the AirForce and to the field of Aerospace Medicine.

This year’s winner, Dr. Quay Snyder, has de-voted an entire career to promoting and im-proving the Air Force Medical Service and thefield of Aerospace Medicine. His efforts inthese areas have positively impacted everyperson at the SUSAFFS awards ceremony.

Dr. Snyder began his illustrious career inAerospace Medicine as a DistinguishedGraduate of the United States Air ForceAcademy and Duke University School ofMedicine. He is Board Certified in AerospaceMedicine, Occupational Medicine, and FamilyPractice. He was the Command FlightSurgeon of the Year on three separate occa-sions. He has served with the Colorado AirNational Guard and as the Colorado State AirSurgeon. He also served as the senior flightsurgeon at the USAF Reserve PersonnelCenter during Operations Noble Eagle andEnduring Freedom. Dr. Snyder retired fromthe USAF Reserve in 2002. But he did not stopthere. He is an assistant professor at theUniversity of Colorado Health Science Centerin Preventive Medicine and at the Universityof Colorado Medical School in OccupationalMedicine. He is also an affiliate faculty mem-ber at the USAF School of AerospaceMedicine. He spends his spare time on theEditorial Board and as a clinical reviewer forour Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicinejournal.

He has written over 40 articles and scien-tific papers on aviation related medical issues.One of those articles earned him the UngerAward for his outstanding paper on visual sta-tus and UPT attrition.

He is also an accomplished pilot. He hasover 2400 hours of flight time in 48 differenttypes of aircraft. He was the 94th FlyingTraining Squadron’s attached instructor of theyear at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is arated commercial pilot, certified flight instruc-tor, and a designated pilot examiner. He ownsa high performance glider and takes advan-tage of the unique flying opportunities foundin Colorado.

In his real job, Dr. Snyder has become anindustry icon, providing advice to flyersthroughout the world. His business providesno-nonsense advice on all medical issues re-lated to flying and serves as the definitivesource for commercial pilots seeking counselwhen their livelihood is in jeopardy.

Based upon his many years of significantcontributions, first to the United States AirForce and second by taking the entireAerospace Medicine community to a farhigher level, Dr. Quay Snyder is awarded theGeorge E. Schafer Award.

Westphal, Shaun S., Capt., USAF, NC, Scott AFB, IL

White, Mark T., 1Lt., USAF, BSC, San Antonio, TX

INDEX TO ADVERTISERSAerospace Medical Association

Call for Papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iiiCorporate Members . . . . . . . . . . . .770Information for Authors . . . . .Cover IIIMembership Application . . . . . . . . . .ii

ETC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover IV

Members, please visit our website:www.asma.orgLog into the Members Only page to: • update your address & info • access the Blue Journal online• view Association news• renew your membership• view the Job Fair and online classifieds-- and much more!

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