USU Family Medicine

Welcome to the USU Department of Family Medicine

A Department of educators, clinicians and scholars practicing and promoting excellence in the community of federal and military Family Medicine

The Department of Family Medicine is committed to excellence and leadership in education, research, and the clinical practice of family-focused health care in the military and public health services.

Family Medicine and Flight Medicine: Partners on Sea, Land and Air

Two astronauts prepare to enter the Sonny Carter Training Facility Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) at Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston TX, to practice their extravehicular activities (EVA) for an upcoming space mission. The NBL is the closest simulation of a microgravity environment available on earth. JSC is the primary training and mission preparation location for astronauts, and they offer a 4-week Aerospace Medicine Clerkship for medical students and physicians twice a year. During the clerkship, participants get hands-on opportunities with space medicine and astronaut training experiences; observe real-time space medical operations and mission control console; receive briefings about space medicine and physiology; and complete a research project under the direction of current NASA Flight Surgeons

Four Aerospace Medicine clerks with an astronaut suited up and ready to enter the NBL for a practice EVA. (L-R: Aykan Karabudak, biosciences intern; Elizabeth Casstevens, MS IV; Dr Laura Thompson, Emergency Medicine Resident; Joshua McAllister, MS IV).

JSC Aerospace Medicine clerks at the entryway of the Sonny Carter Training Facility Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL). (L-R: Elizabeth Casstevens, MS IV; Joe Hudson, MS IV; Dr Laura Thompson, Emergency Medicine Resident; Josh McAllister, MS IV; Elisca Hicks, JSC Aerospace Medicine Clerkship Coordinator; David Phillips, MS IV; Dr Tyson DeKorse, Family Medicine Resident)

For more information on a 4th year elective in Flight Medicine/Family Medicine, contact: CDR Stephens (mstephens@usuhs.mil)