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.
Why Attend PASM
01 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. | 02 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. |
03 Commercial Spaceflight Today and Ahead Explore the rapidly expanding commercial space sector, its 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. | 04 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. |
05 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. | 06 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 |
New for 2026: the course will offer both in-person and virtual seats.
| Course Dates July 1–24, 2026
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| Application Deadline April 16, 2026
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| Registration Fee Deadline May 15, 2026 (Registration fees must be received to secure a seat in the course.)
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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.
Questions about eligibility, the application process, or the scholarship? Contact the program at aerospacemed@utmb.edu or call (409) 747-6131.