Mayo Clinic Clear Approach
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 that may affect pilots, and share experiences with and from other pilots to break through life's sometimes stormy clouds and focus in on a clear approach.
Episodes
71 episodes
Another AME Joins the Mayo Team
On 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 Cl...
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14:55
So I was Walking Along the Beach Minding My Own Business When.....
From 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.
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14:59
Broken Heart on Valentine's Day? How to Get Your FAA Medical With Bundle Branch Block or a Heart Transplant
On 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 expe...
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18:10
What Happens After a Valve Job?
On 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 ...
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22:00
My Achy Breaky Heart and the FAA
On 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 ...
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23:47
What a Headache!
It'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 ar...
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12:25
The Questions Keep Coming -- New FAA Color Vision Rules for Pilots
Last 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 m...
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19:06
There's a New Kid in Town (and it Isn't Santa!)
Mayo 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 ph...
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18:00
The Eyes Have It -- Part 2
On 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 coo...
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24:40
Color Vision Testing Changes Are Coming Soon (and Expect More Denial Letters From the FAA on the Horizon)
This 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 ...
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19:42
Is Basic Med Really That Basic?
On 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...
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11:40
An "Ironic" Liver Condition
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 wi...
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13:47
How to Keep Your Medical When You Are Diagnosed With Low T
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 c...
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12:25
The Pet Peeves of AMEs
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.
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15:49
Cancer Where It Counts
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.
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13:40
Breast Cancer and Aeromedical Certification
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 appropr...
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16:15
Funnel Chest and Speech Impediments: Autumn has Arrived!
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 spee...
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15:34
Whole LADA Shakin' Goin' On
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.
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16:06
Pace Yourself
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...
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12:56
On Track to Stop the Plaque: Psoriasis and Aeromedical Certification
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 mi...
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21:25
Headscratching Anecdotes Solved for You
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 efficientl...
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18:02
Ironman Pilots
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 mult...
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13:50
Time for a valve job?
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 qual...
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12:01