"Preparing Doctors for Remote Medicine in Space and on Earth"

Medical institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Baylor College of Medicine are launching space medicine fellowships to prepare doctors for the unique challenges of providing medical care during space travel and prolonged missions. As space exploration becomes more accessible, there is a growing need for physicians trained in delivering complex medical care in austere environments. The fellowship programs include training in rescue medicine, rotations at NASA and commercial spaceflight companies like SpaceX, and experiences in remote locations on Earth that simulate the conditions of space. Doctors will need specialized knowledge to address the potential medical problems and make sound decisions with limited diagnostic tools. The training will also focus on understanding the effects of space on the human body, such as changes in air diffusion, infection risks, and the impact on vision, muscle, and bone density. The goal is to find the right balance between human physiology and engineering to protect human health during long-term space missions.