This 4-week course is typically held annually in July. The goal of the course is to provide a basic introduction to and familiarization with the history of aviation, spaceflight, and the specialty of Aerospace Medicine. Topics include but are not limited to human physiology in aviation and spaceflight; human factors engineering concepts related to aviation and spaceflight; the role of Aerospace Medicine specialists in the selection, training, standards, medical certification, and health maintenance of aviation and spaceflight personnel. Evaluation is determined by participation in class and an oral presentation on an Aerospace Medicine topic.
Students who complete this course will be prepared to:
- Identify a circumstance in which human factors impose undesirable limitations on current or proposed aerospace operations
- Identify the physiologic effects of flight and spaceflight on humans
- Analyze relationships among systems that influence the health of humans in the flight and spaceflight environments
- Understand the design of air and spaceflight equipment, biomedical equipment, and vehicles to promote flight safety
The following core and specialty competencies are addressed: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, and Professionalism.
Please note that the PASM course is NOT:
- Qualification for being officially or formally trained in Aerospace Medicine, or representation as such (this includes verbal and written documentation claiming to have been trained in Aerospace Medicine, trained at UTMB, or trained as a NASA physician or Flight Surgeon)
- A substitute for formal, ACGME-accredited Aerospace Medicine training or Aerospace Medicine work experience to be used in medical practice or decision-making
Course Eligibility, Dates, & Application
Who is eligible to take the course?
- Medical Students (MS3 and above)
- Physician Residents and Fellows
- Practicing:
Physicians, Dentists, Pharmacists, Audiologists, Aerospace Physiologists, Physical Therapists, Optometrists, Nurses, Physician Assistants, and PhD Researchers (aerospace relevant)
NEW- The course will offer IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL seats in the course: July 1 - 24, 2026
UTMB PASM Application - COMING SOON
Application Deadline: April 16, 2026
Registration Fee Deadline: May 15, 2026 (Registration fees must be received to secure a seat in the course)
The Gregory G. Shaskan, MD Scholarship is open to registered course participants only and will be provided upon acceptance into the course.
Interested applicants should contact the program at aerospacemed@utmb.edu or call (409) 747-6131 for details.