Mayo Clinic Clear Approach tackles medical topics important to commercial aviators, recreational pilots, or just folks interested in things that fly. Current topics from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and aviation trends are explored in a serious but sometimes humorous way. Mayo Clinic Clear Approach focuses on a perspective from "the other side of the gurney." Let us navigate the storms of aeromedical certification, medical issues tha ...
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Ever wonder what can be annoying to your aviation medical examiner? On this episode, we pick a few favorites and jokingly review the top "pet peeves" on the list.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Although a relatively rare type of cancer, testicular carcinoma affects thousands of individuals each year. On this episode, we discuss what it is and what is required for aeromedical certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Breast Cancer and Aeromedical Certification
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Although breast cancer can be devastating for any individual being diagnosed with the disease, the aeromedical certification process has come full circle and allowed for pilots to obtain their medical certificates relatively easily with appropriate preparation and documentation of clinical stability.…
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Funnel Chest and Speech Impediments: Autumn has Arrived!
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On this episode, we discuss a couple of conditions not commonly seen in pilots but which can make a difference in terms of aeromedical certification. We look at pectus excavatum, otherwise known as "funnel chest," and how pilots with speech impediments can still qualify for their FAA medical certificate.…
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LADA, or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults, is often misdiagnosed and is sometimes called "diabetes 1.5." On this episode, we'll review what LADA is, what to look for, and how it affects aeromedical certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Pacemakers are amazing devices that can help regulate heart rhythms, synchronize arrhythmias, and can be career saving for certain pilots. On this episode, we discuss certification requirements for aviators who will need Special Issuance Authorization for pacemakers. A little preparation goes a long way.…
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On Track to Stop the Plaque: Psoriasis and Aeromedical Certification
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Psoriasis is a chronic and incurable condition involving the skin that is sometime associated with arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. There are a variety of treatments for this disease and we discuss aeromedical implications to minimize delays in certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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In the process of conducting dozens of flight physicals, there are questions that periodically come up when filling out the medical application form. On this episode, we review some of those head-scratching anecdotes and how to efficiently complete the process.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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On this episode, we review aeromedical certification requirements for a relatively uncommon disease called hemochromatosis -- a condition that involves elevated iron levels in the blood that can result in liver failure and may affect multiple other organs. Screened and taken care of early, it is completely controllable but left unchecked, can resul…
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In this episode, we go single pilot and cover one of the most common valvular heart issues -- mitral valve regurgitation. For stable established cases of mild severity, a pilot might not even need Special Issuance Authorization. CACI qualification is possible, and if appropriate testing is obtained ahead of the time of the flight physical, aeromedi…
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Drones, love 'em or hate 'em, are here to stay. The FAA announced groundbreaking approvals this week for commercial drone operations of delivery packages involving unmanned aircraft outside the sight line of drone operators -- paving the way for packages to be delivered remotely to your doorstep using drones operated by pilots miles away. With thes…
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Walking Through AirVenture, the Future of Aviation, and Hepatitis C
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On this episode, we reflect on EAA's AirVenture 2024, Boeing's forecast for the future of personnel needs in the field of aviation, and CACI qualification criteria for chronic Hepatitis C.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Don't Let High Blood Pressure Bring You Down
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One of the most common medical conditions encountered by pilots is elevated blood pressure. On this episode we discuss what is allowed for maximum blood pressure levels, what medications are approved, and the options available to pilots who find themselves dealing with hypertension.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Mitch and Clay return from vacation and step back up to the Clear Approach podcast microphone. On this episode, they discuss updates to the FAA's approach to "uncomplicated" anxiety and depression, review the FAA streamlining efforts for re-certifying pilots with Special Issuance Authorization related to coronary artery disease and more.…
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Protect Your Beans -- Getting Certified With Chronic Kidney Disease
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Most of us take for granted the bean-shaped organs located along our flanks that are responsible for filtering the blood and maintaining fluid balance in the body. But what happens when things go wrong with the beans? How will this affect aeromedical certification for pilots? This episode covers current requirements for obtaining and maintaining yo…
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Change is in the Air! Streamlining is Coming to the Certification Process
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Several announcements this week to FAA aviation medical examiners by the agency will significantly decrease the burden on pilots with certain uncomplicated mental health conditions, eliminate the need for exercise stress tests for renewal of Special Issuance Authorization for pilots with coronary artery disease -- and other streamlining efforts are…
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Is it a Shakedown -- or Just Essential Tremor?
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The presence of a tremor has, in the past, delayed efforts of pilots to become medically certified. Use of CACI criteria now streamlines the process. In this episode, we review what is required and touch base on the new FAA reauthorization bill that was signed into law last week.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Ouch! The Aches and Pains of Arthritis on the FAA Medical Application
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Pilots often forget to report arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries on their FAA medical application. On this episode, we walk.....er, tiptoe....through the process of reporting these common conditions and what is allowed by the FAA to maintain your flight physical.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Whisperings at ASMA and Updates on Weight Loss Drugs
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The Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) is the largest gathering of aviation and aerospace experts in the country with its recent annual meeting concluding in Chicago this week. We discuss some of the highlights and then review recent FAA updates regarding use of certain medications for weight loss.…
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Asthma is a common condition in the general population and is often worse during allergy seasons in the spring and fall. Is being diagnosed with asthma a significant barrier to obtaining a medical certificate? We discuss stages of asthma severity and how FAA medical certification may be affected.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Got rhythm? Atrial Fibrillation and How To Maintain Your Medical Certificate
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Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent treated heart arrhythmia. We meet with a cardiology expert to discuss assessment, treatment, and new trends in taking care of the condition -- and then review your pathway to aeromedical certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Thyroid Disease: Does this "Black Box" Gland "Box" Your Medical?
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The thyroid is often considered the "black box" gland -- not only to patients and pilots, but also to their providers. In this episode, an expert in thyroid disease helps navigate common thyroid conditions, and we discuss the resulting aeromedical implications. Can a pilot still get a medical with thyroid problems, and, if so, what limitations will…
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The ARC Sails Into New Waters of Mental Health Awareness
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On this episode we review current events -- from three new antidepressant medications announced by the FAA as allowable for aeromedical certification to a recent report released by the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) regarding advances in mental health disclosure and certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Diabetes is a condition that not only can affect your health, but also your FAA aeromedical certification. On this episode we interview an expert in diabetes who is also a pilot to learn more about detection, treatment, and ultimately, how to preserve your medical certificate.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Operation of remote unmanned aircraft, otherwise known as drone operation, has become the fastest growing segment of aviation in the country. What does it take to become a drone pilot and do you have to have a medical certificate to fly one?By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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One of the most common issues affecting pilots is that of visual acuity. On this episode, a Mayo Clinic optometrist covers the most common eye issues facing pilots. Are those aviator shades worth it? Should pilots be worried about cataracts or glaucoma, and what about monovision correction or LASIK? Listen to find out....…
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Getting Inside A HIMS Psychiatrist's Head
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Although almost everyone experiences ups and downs of mood and attitude, some pilots encounter mental health conditions that require detailed assessments and testing in order to qualify for their medical certificate. In this episode, we visit with Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Greg Couser to better understand what goes into these detailed evaluation…
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On this episode we dust off things in the hangar, get ready for the prime of flying season, and discuss hot air ballooning ups and downs -- from what's required in an annual inspection to the angst of "aeronauts" having to obtain a Class II medical certificate.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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Things That Go Bump in the Night: A Pilot's Primer on Sleep Apnea
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Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders are some of the most common conditions requiring Special Issuance Authorization clearance from the FAA. On this episode, we hear from a sleep disorders expert followed by discussion on aeromedical implications.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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In between carpet upgrades to the perch of the Aerospace Medicine practice on the 18th floor of the Gonda Building, we take some time to review a number of abbreviations that are used commonly in the aeromedical certification world -- but may not be familiar to pilots.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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The age for mandatory retirement for commercial airline pilots flying under Part 121 was raised to 65 years in 2007. A recent pitch to increase the age limit to 67 was voted down recently by the Senate Commerce Committee. What implications will this have on the pilot shortage, and what's the answer?By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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It's second nature to pre-flight with a checklist, but what about "pre-flight checklisting" yourself? On this episode we meet one of our talented nurses dedicated to helping pilots through the process of applying for a medical certificate and passing through this part of the journey unscathed.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
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On this episode, we pay tribute to our colleague Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn who was the master of ceremonies for the Clear Approach podcast but departed the "nest" for a better view at Delta Airlines. We launch our new format, and discuss being aware of colleagues and friends with mood issues that could lead to the unthinkable. NOTE: Potential sensitiv…
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In this episode, we review a surprisingly troubling condition for many unsuspecting pilots, ADHD.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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EAA Airventure Recap and Well Well Wellbutrin!
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Get comfy for my adventure/horror story about EAA Airventure 2023. Then we go over the newest medication approved by the FAA for the treatment of depression.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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Im back after suffering a loss. After sharing my experience, I give some helpful hints for reducing the pain of Jet Lag. And then, Im off to EAA!
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Its Podcast Reboot 3.0. And for this episode, we go over pain thats with you but behind you: back pain.
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My pain is your pleasure in this week's episode. And I share some amazing new information from the FAA regarding medical certification for pilots on anxiety and depression medications.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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Im back from vacation! In this episode I review three frequent questions we get from pilots. And I share a fun time on a Boeing 727.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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Pilots have a higher risk of skin cancer. I review what you need to know and what happens if you develop skin cancer as a pilot. Also, we review some medical news, including some interesting eye drops that correct near vision.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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There are new updates from the FAA regarding depression and CBD. Yup, you heard me right! Join me to learn what you need to know about cannabidiol and minor depression.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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Like a Cessna 150 with its 8th owner, we are back up and running! Updates from Dr. Van on the flying life and we go over all the really important details you need to know about color vision and testing.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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In this first episode for 2022, we go over the danger of steroids for pilots. Then we make sure you are in the know about masks.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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The DUI/DWI Talk and The Flying Dangers of Viagra
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In this episode, I review the dangerous side effects of Viagra and similar medications. Then, I give some important advice on what to do if you have an unfortunate lapse in judgment and get pulled over for driving after drinking.By Greg Vanichkachorn
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In this episode, we introduce the “medication moment” segment by tackling Kava Kava. Someone way more eloquent than me tells you how not to self destruct your medical certification process. And I share a story about hot starts and hazardous attitudes.By Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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Today, we go over the basic facts that pilots should know about the COVID-19 delta variant. And I make the most of being grounded.By Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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Yes, I am alive! Welcome to the reboot of the podcast. I have been completely crushed with patient care and post COVID work, and I haven’t had much time to sleep let alone record another episode. But alas, thanks to labor laws, I have some more time now, and we are back! In today’s episode, … Continue reading Under Pressure: Glaucoma →…
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Achoo! Allergy Season Tips for Pilots and a Brief Introduction to HIMS
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In this episode I go over what pilots need to know about treating allergies safely. Also, I do a brief overview of my new job in the Human Intervention Motivation Study with the FAA. To help, here are some key links to support your learning: Allergy Medicine Guidelines by the FAA The HIMS ProgramBy Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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New Guidance From the FAA If You Have Had COVID-19
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In this update, we go over some of the newest information for pilots that have had a COVID-19 infection.By Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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A Discussion with the Federal Air Surgeon & OSA
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In today’s episode, we go over some of the newest information about a topic that hopefully won’t put you to sleep: obstructive sleep apnea. And then we chat with Dr. Susan Northrup, the Federal Air Surgeon for the Federal Aviation Administration.By Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH
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