The Art of Medicine, Episode #35, Medical Challenges to Space Travel

The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner

Show Notes

William Tarver, MD, MPH

Many thanks to William Tarver, MD, MPH, for taking time from his busy day at NASA to discuss space medicine on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.”

Bill trained as an Air Force Flight Surgeon. Then, after a stint in private practice, he joined NASA over 15 years ago.

Please join us for this fascinating 25-minute interview. Bill describes his job of caring for an exceptionally healthy patient population engaged in an occupation with extraordinary environmental hazards-NASA’s astronauts. He’s cared for space shuttle astronauts and astronauts who travel to the International Space Station.

Astronauts tend to be physically fit but confront unique physiologic and psychologic stressors. The challenges of keeping astronauts healthy continue to grow as NASA prepares for extended journeys to the moon and Mars.

I’ve previously interviewed Bill for Medscape.com about spaceflight-associated acquired neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). He truly has a unique perspective to share.

About a year ago, Bill was kind enough to give me a behind-the-scenes NASA tour that included a brief visit to Mission Control. For an aging Star Trek fan, this peek into our nonfiction space program was a wonderful gift.

During our interview, Bill explained how medical students interested in space medicine can direct their careers to join the medical team at NASA someday.

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