Mayo Clinic Clear Approach

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Join aerospace medicine experts at the Mayo Clinic to learn about medical conditions that can affect your flying, grab the latest in aerospace medicine news, and hear stories from pilots with medical conditions.

Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 81 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Mayo Clinic Clear Approach

    Leading for the Future of Aerospace Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 29:25


    Send us a textOn this episode, we visit with soon-to-be retired Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association, Jeff Sventek.  His insights from more than 30 years in the United States Air Force along with 15 additional years guiding the leading specialty organization for Aerospace Medicine culminate with the annual Scientific Meeting scheduled in Atlanta the first week of June.  We will get a sneak peak of the meeting and ask about his vision for the future of the specialty.

    Cheating on the FAA Medical Application Form 8500-8 (or Just an Oversight)??

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 24:59


    Send us a textOn this episode, we discuss a pilot who was charged with making false statements on the FAA medical application form and what implications that might have including possible jail time or fines.  How does one balance the need to be complete with that of unnecessary worry about missing a non-relevant medical visit?

    Spring Brings Pollen and a Push for Supercharging ATC Hiring

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 14:53


    Send us a textOn this episode, we review the recently announced FAA strategy for hiring more air traffic controllers -- all while addressing the first pollen burst of the year and how pilots can navigate using antihistamines and other medications without jeopardizing their medical certificate.

    The FAA is Listening: Do You Know About the "3Es?"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 20:53


    Send us a textAt the latest AME Grand Rounds, medical examiners heard updates from the FAA regarding a recent listening session in which a variety of aviation-related organizations provided insight into how the FAA's medical divisions could improve -- and they're listening.  On this episode, we review the updates from the latest information session provided to AMEs by the agency, plus meet one of the Mayo Clinic fellows in training within the Aerospace Medicine program.

    FAA Certification for the "Baby Brother of Diabetes" -- Pre-Diabetes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 13:24


    Send us a textAlthough a very common condition,  the presence of glucose intolerance or what the FAA calls "pre-diabetes" can result in medical certification --  and in some cases, does not even require Special Issuance Authorization.  What are the newer drugs allowed and what is required to obtain or keep your medical certificate?

    HIMS -- Not just a Pronoun!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 12:52


    Send us a textThe Human Intervention and Motivational Study, also known as the HIMS Program is an occupational substance abuse treatment program dedicated to helping all pilots return to the cockpit or flight deck. HIMS-trained AMEs, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists in conjunction with employers, union representatives, and other support organizations work together to evaluate and support pilots with substance disorders or dependence, or other mental health conditions. On this episode, we discuss the program as well as lessons learned from the recent Advanced HIMS Seminar held in Louisville, Kentucky.

    "I passed out and I have no idea what happened." Now what?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 20:18


    Send us a textEpisodes of syncope or loss of consciousness can result from something as simple as a brief fainting episode -- up to the level of a severe head injury.  How it's documented and the testing required for FAA purposes can be critical. On this episode, we discuss the aeromedical implications of syncope and stand down times depending on the various severity of head injuries as well as a less common condition known as transient global amnesia (TGA). What testing is required and what information will the pilot with a loss of consciousness need to track down to have a successful journey towards flying again?

    Scanning the Heart with CT imaging: Good idea for pilots, or not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 17:01


    Send us a textOn this episode we review the technology of coronary artery CT scanning and CT angiography. Although used as an effective screening tool for certain individuals, is this imaging something that pilots should pursue?  What happens if an elevated coronary calcium score is identified?  Will a pilot still be able to retain their medical certificate, and how much additional testing might be required?

    MedXPress or MedXSlow? You Make the Call

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 22:16


    Send us a textThe FAA medical application, Form 8500-8, is completed electronically through the electronic platform called MedXPress. Are you ready for your next flight physical? What potential pitfalls are there with filling out the application form and how can you prevent those? We cover some of the most common applicant questions as well as places on the form that pilots can potentially get in trouble.

    What Happens if Your Kidneys Get Stoned?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 13:48


    Send us a textOn this episode, we review aeromedical certification consequences of passing kidney stones.  Major issue or just a "small pebble" in the shoe of a long aviation career?  Plus, we break down the new Air Force One Boeing 747 plagued by delays and cost overruns.

    Another AME Joins the Mayo Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 14:55


    Send us a textOn this episode we cover some of the topics discussed at the recent FAA aviation medical examiner grand rounds such as more information on color vision screening and CACI qualification for "low T," and we meet the newest addition to the Mayo Clinic aeromedical team.

    So I was Walking Along the Beach Minding My Own Business When.....

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 14:59


    Send us a textFrom stories of a pilot getting knocked out by a wild horse while walking along a beach to discussing the details of aeromedical certification with bladder cancer, this episode has a little bit of everything.

    Broken Heart on Valentine's Day? How to Get Your FAA Medical With Bundle Branch Block or a Heart Transplant

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 18:10


    Send us a textOn this episode, we discuss bundle branch block and what is required if a heart transplant is required for severe cardiac disease.  What is bundle branch block? Is it a deal breaker? And is it even possible to get a medical if a pilot experiences a condition that requires a heart transplant?

    What Happens After a Valve Job?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 22:00


    Send us a textOn this episode, we discuss what pilots need to be prepared for after undergoing heart valve repair or replacement.  How long is the stand down time?  What tests are needed? What should the cardiologists say in their note in order to avoid sabotaging the chances for a medical certificate?

    My Achy Breaky Heart and the FAA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 23:47


    Send us a textOn this episode, we look at a common condition unfortunately experienced by many pilots -- whether flying recreationally or for a living -- coronary artery disease.  What tests are needed and how can a pilot be adequately prepared through the process of obtaining a Special Issuance Authorization?  Do you really need to get a coronary angiogram after a stent is placed?  What type of stress test do I need? Are there any tricks to being ready and what is the earliest a pilot can see their AME to get a new medical?  

    What a Headache!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 12:25


    Send us a textIt's not just the crazy weather headaches to tackle, but some pilots deal with chronic and sometimes severe headaches that can affect aeromedical certification.  On this episode, we discuss what medications are allowed by the FAA, which are not, and how best to report chronic headaches during the flight physical. 

    The Questions Keep Coming -- New FAA Color Vision Rules for Pilots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 19:06


    Send us a textLast month, the FAA announced changes in screening for color vision deficiency.  On this episode we discuss what pilots will be directly affected and address some of the common questions being asked right now by our patients and aviation medical examiners across the country. What tests will be allowed? What happens if my AME doesn't have one of the new approved computer-based color vision screening tests? What happens if I have a color vision waiver now with a Class III medical and want to move up to a Class I or Class II certificate?

    There's a New Kid in Town (and it Isn't Santa!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 18:00


    Send us a textMayo Clinic's Section of Transportation Medicine was joined recently by U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and FAA Senior AME Dr. Sheyna Gifford. On this episode of the podcast, she discusses her philosophies and approaches to a successful flight physical -- and the importance of professionalism in pursuing an aviation career. 

    The Eyes Have It -- Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 24:40


    Send us a textOn this episode, we review changes coming to color vision screening for pilots after January 1, 2025, plus chat with Mayo Clinic optometrist Dr. Muriel Schornack to learn more about everything eyes -- from glaucoma suspects to aviators with cool glasses.

    Color Vision Testing Changes Are Coming Soon (and Expect More Denial Letters From the FAA on the Horizon)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 19:42


    Send us a textThis week the FAA announced significant changes in screening for color vision deficiency, and also declared a change in how the agency will interface with pilots in the future -- expect more denial letters coming in the mail after the first of the year.

    Is Basic Med Really That Basic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 11:40


    Send us a textOn this episode we take a look at the current updates on Basic Med announced this past week by the FAA, and also look at a new "fast track" process for adjustment disorder that may allow pilots originally having to go through an extended mental health evaluation be rapidly certified by their aviation medical examiner.

    An "Ironic" Liver Condition

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 13:47


    Hemochromatosis is an iron storage disease that affects not only the liver, but also the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system.  Although not the most common condition, it is often associated with a genetic abnormality -- and those with the gene are typically unaware of it until middle-age.  The key is in screening for it --  before it becomes a significant medical problem.  What about pilots who have hemochromatosis?  Can they be certified?  What is the process?  This episode covers the details of this condition and the potential aeromedical pitfalls.

    How to Keep Your Medical When You Are Dagnosed With Low T

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 12:25


    Male hypogonadism, otherwise known as "low T" is a common diagnosis received by adult males, including those who operate aircraft.  Many medical providers who prescribe testosterone supplements do not "speak airplane," making aeromedical certification challenging in certain cases.  What does it take to obtain or maintain a medical certificate when prescribed supplemental testosterone?  We discuss the details.

    The Pet Peeves of AMEs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 15:49


    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.

    Cancer Where It Counts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 13:40


    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.

    Breast Cancer and Aeromedical Certification

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 16:15


    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.

    Funnel Chest and Speech Impediments: Autumn has Arrived!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 15:34


    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.

    Whole LADA Shakin' Goin' On

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 16:06


    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.

    Pace Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 12:56


    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.

    On Track to Stop the Plaque: Psoriasis and Aeromedical Certification

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 21:25


    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. 

    Headscratching Anecdotes Solved for You

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 18:02


    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.

    Ironman Pilots

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 13:50


    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 result in significant problems.  We review the treatment and what is required of pilots with this condition.

    Time for a valve job?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 12:01


    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, aeromedical certification is a streamlined, painless process.

    Drones to Stones

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 26:41


    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 these changes come issues and a litany of considerations -- from safety to airspace congestion to cooperation of competing firms sharing the same airspace. Kidney stones are estimated to affect one in 10 individuals and are a common source of aeromedical certification questions from pilots. On this episode we also discuss what these stones are, how they are produced, and how they are diagnosed and treated. Then we cover how to prepare when it comes time to reporting a kidney stone on your FAA medical application. 

    Walking Through AirVenture, the Future of Aviation, and Hepatitis C

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 16:10


    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.

    Don't Let High Blood Pressure Bring You Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 11:55


    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.

    Back on Track

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 14:58


    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.

    Protect Your Beans -- Getting Certified With Chronic Kidney Disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 13:24


    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 your medical certificate  for individuals with kidney issues.

    Change is in the Air! Streamlining is Coming to the Certification Process

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 13:51


    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 on the horizon.

    Is it a Shakedown -- or Just Essential Tremor?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 13:21


    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.

    Ouch! The Aches and Pains of Arthritis on the FAA Medical Application

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 10:46


    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.

    Whisperings at ASMA and Updates on Weight Loss Drugs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 13:04


    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.

    Wheeze Bad

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 15:15


    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.

    Got rhythm? Atrial Fibrillation and How To Maintain Your Medical Certificate

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 31:33


    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.

    Thyroid Disease: Does this "Black Box" Gland "Box" Your Medical?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 18:47


    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 there be on the certificate?

    The ARC Sails Into New Waters of Mental Health Awareness

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 12:27


    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.

    Pour Some Sugar on Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 20:11


    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.

    What's That Sound? Drone on...........

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 8:45


    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?

    The Eyes Have It

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 26:40


    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....

    Getting Inside A HIMS Psychiatrist's Head

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 12:32


    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 evaluations and how aviators can best prepare for the process.

    The Ups and Downs of Hot Air Ballooning

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 16:05


    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.

    ups and downs class ii hot air ballooning

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