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Many pilots who have visited the Mayo Clinic Section of Transportation Medicine had early Christmas presents this year when they received their medical certificates.  On this episode, we review some of those cases and update listeners on the newest FAA aeromedical certification changes released this month.

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As the holiday season approaches, one gift to pilots is the AME Guide available from the FAA on line as an insider resource to aviators preparing for their flight physicals. Think of preparation for a flight physical as a pre-flight inspection of yourself. Medical conditions never seem to strike at convenient times, so having an online, free, and accessible guide to understanding what tests and materials might be required by your AME is a true gift in the process of navigating FAA medical certification.

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On this episode, we review glaucoma, one of the most common causes of visual acuity loss in older adults and gradually affects visual field of pilots if not detected early. That early detection is a key factor in preventing its effects.  What about aeromedical certification implications? Is there CACI criteria available for glaucoma? Is a pilot able to hold a medical certificate with this condition?

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On this episode, we access a world expert on complex cardiac arrhythmias that can result in sudden cardiac death.  Can a pilot resuscitated on the flight deck or in the field actually get back to flight duty?  What trends are being seen in the FAA cardiology panel when it comes to consideration of these conditions?  Why is it important to perform detailed research and provide data to the FAA to help shape future aeromedical decision making?

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On this episode, we interview Dr. Wigdan Farah, a pulmonologist in Mayo Clinic's Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine to discuss several respiratory conditions seen commonly in pilots seeking medical certification -- then review aeromedical implications and requirements.

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On this episode, we ask a few questions of an aviation attorney as it pertains to aeromedical certification.  How worried do pilots need to be about falsification on on a medical application -- intended or unintended?  What is the liability for using BasicMed as an alternative to aeromedical certification? What are the most common cases for which pilots contact an aviation attorney?

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On this episode, we review any potential changes in flight physical reviews on the basis of the government shutdown.  In addition, with the outstanding weather this fall in the upper Midwest, we review ultraviolet radiation effects as it pertains to skin cancer and how that can affect aeromedical certification.

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On this episode, we discuss items learned at the Civil Aviation Medical Association meeting (CAMA) in Spokane, Washington along with a few updates from the FAA communicated on the recent AME Grand Rounds held virtually this past week.

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A certain portion of pilots develop low platelet counts, otherwise known as thrombocytopenia.  On this episode, we look at how platelets work in the body, what happens if there are not enough platelets, and why the FAA even cares.  Having a good plan in place with your AME to deal with this condition is important when considering aeromedical certification.

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Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common forms of heart arrhythmia that require Special Issuance Authorization from the FAA.  On this episode, we review what testing is required and how difficult the challenge is to obtain a medical waiver for the condition.