Principles of Aviation and Space Medicine

The Principles of Aviation & Space Medicine (PASM) course at UTMB is a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic, consequential, and rapidly evolving fields in human health and performance. Designed and taught by leaders in aerospace medicine, PASM offers a comprehensive, high-yield introduction to the science, history, and operational realities of keeping humans safe and capable in the air and in space.

For the first time, this renowned course opens to a broader range of professionals—inviting nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, researchers, and others to learn alongside physicians and medical students who have long called PASM a career-defining experience.

Group of men and women wearing aviator oxygen masks connected to flight helmets

Why Attend PASM

The Full Arc of the Field

Trace the evolution of aviation and space medicine from its earliest challenges to the questions shaping today's missions. Understand how physiology, engineering, policy, and human factors intersect to support safe and successful flight.

High-Yield Foundations

Dive into the core concepts every aerospace-focused professional should know: human performance and risk in flight, environmental and operational stressors, acceleration, hypoxia, spatial disorientation, and the fundamentals of aeromedical decision-making.

Spaceflight Today and Ahead

Explore the non-commercial and the rapidly expanding commercial space sectors, unique medical considerations, and the emerging opportunities for clinicians, researchers, and industry partners. Understand what it means to support non-traditional flyers and how human access to space continues to change.

Aviation Medicine Essentials

Gain practical insight into FAA medical certification and regulatory frameworks, aeromedical standards and common disqualifying conditions, and operational aviation topics relevant to pilots, flight surgeons, and safety personnel.

Mishap Investigation and Safety Culture

Learn the basics of aerospace mishap investigation, human factors analysis, and the systems-level thinking required to understand and prevent incidents in complex operational environments.

Research at the Frontier

Discover current and emerging research topics in aerospace medicine—from microgravity physiology to human-machine integration—and identify where your expertise can contribute to the next generation of discoveries.

In-person attendees benefit from direct interaction with faculty who actively shape the field, networking with peers from around the world and across medicine and industry, and a learning environment that sparks collaboration and new ideas. Virtual seats are also available.

PASM is an entry point into a community, not just a course.

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 with aerospace-relevant work

Continuing for 2027: The course will offer both in-person and virtual seats.

Important Date	Date
Course Dates	July 1-23, 2027
Application Deadline	March 12, 2027
Registration Fee Deadline	May 1, 2027 (Registration fees must be received to secure a seat in the course.)

Course Registration Fee

Status	Virtual Attendance	In Person Attendance
Medical student (MS3 and above)	$1,450	$1,450
Physician resident and fellows	$2,150	$2,150
Practicing: aerospace physiologist, attending physician, audiologist, dentist, nurse, optometrist, pharmacist, PhD researcher, psychologist, physician assistant, physical therapist, paramedic	$2,750	$2,750

Open UTMB PASM Application Form

The Gregory G. Shaskan, MD Scholarship is open to registered course participants only and will be provided upon acceptance into the course.

Institutional group discounts are available for non‑UTMB participants who are not seeking academic credit. Please contact the program for details.

Questions about eligibility, the application process, or the scholarship? Contact the program at aerospacemed@utmb.edu or call (409) 747-6131.