United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

The official shield of the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

The United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) is a premier institution dedicated to advancing the field of aerospace medicine. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, USAFSAM is a part of the Air Force Research Laboratory and plays a crucial role in training, research, and operational support for the United States Air Force.

History

The original USAFSAM building at Brooks Air Force Base, 1926-1931

USAFSAM was established in 1918 as the Medical Research Laboratory at Hazelhurst Field, New York. It was later moved to Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where it became known as the School of Aviation Medicine. The school has undergone several relocations and name changes throughout its history, reflecting its evolving mission and expanding scope.

In 1959, USAFSAM moved to its new facilities at Brooks Air Force Base, where it remained until 2011. During this period, the school was instrumental in supporting the United States space program, providing medical support and research for NASA's Project Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions.

In 2011, USAFSAM relocated to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, where it continues to operate today.

Mission and Functions

USAFSAM's mission is to enhance the health, safety, and performance of Air Force personnel through education, research, and operational support. The school provides training in aerospace medicine, occupational health, and environmental health for medical professionals in the Air Force and other branches of the United States Department of Defense.

Education

USAFSAM offers a variety of educational programs, including the Aerospace Medicine Primary Course, which trains flight surgeons, and the Residency in Aerospace Medicine, which provides advanced training for physicians specializing in aerospace medicine. The school also offers courses in public health, bioenvironmental engineering, and occupational medicine.

Research

Groundbreaking ceremony for USAFSAM at Brooks Air Force Base

Research at USAFSAM focuses on a wide range of topics, including human performance, environmental health, and the effects of altitude and acceleration on the human body. The school collaborates with other military and civilian research institutions to advance the field of aerospace medicine.

Operational Support

USAFSAM provides operational support to the Air Force by conducting health risk assessments, developing medical standards, and providing consultation on aerospace medicine issues. The school also supports the Air Force's global health engagement efforts by providing training and expertise to partner nations.

Facilities

USAFSAM Building 775 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

The facilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base include state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and simulation centers. These facilities support the school's educational and research missions by providing advanced tools and technologies for studying human performance and health in aerospace environments.

Notable Contributions

USAFSAM has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace medicine, including the development of medical standards for aircrew and the advancement of techniques for managing in-flight medical emergencies. The school's research has also contributed to the understanding of circadian rhythms and their impact on human performance.

Related Pages

• Aerospace medicine
• Air Force Research Laboratory
• Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
• Brooks Air Force Base

USAFSAM at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base