Historical Ties between Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Space Medicine

Abstract

Otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons have been involved in the development of aviation and space medicine since the beginning of this century. In the late 1910s, 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 Medical Research Laboratories at Hazelhurst Field in New York. These laboratories were transformed into the School of Aviation Medicine at Brooks Field, Texas, which was relocated to Randolph Field, Texas, in 1934. 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. In 1962, Dr. Campbell served as the director. 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. Currently, many otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons serve as consultants and advisors to many of NASA's standing committees. The space environment offers a new frontier for specialty development and research in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.