Historical Ties Between Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Aviation and Space Medicine

Abstract

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons have been involved in the development of aviation and space medicine since the beginning of this century. More than 75 years ago, otolaryngologists revised the physical examination for pilots, organized “boards of medical examiners” to test pilot applicants, coined the term “flight surgeon,” and helped organize the first medical research laboratories at Hazelhurst Field in New York. These laboratories were transformed in 1922 into the School of Aviation Medicine at Brooks Field, Texas, which in turn subsequently was relocated to Randolph Field, Texas. During World War II the Director of Research at the school was Colonel Paul A. Campbell, MD, an otolaryngologist. In 1959, the school moved back to Brooks Air Force Base and was renamed the Aerospace Medical Center. Since manned space flight began in the 1960s there have been many joint research efforts between principal investigators in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and NASA. Several otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons have served or currently serve as consultants and advisors to many of NASA's standing committees. The space environment offers a new frontier for development and research in the specialty and for better understanding of vestibular function and related disorders. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:S2-S4.)

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