The University of Central Florida (UCF) is expanding its space medicine program to prepare students for providing healthcare to astronauts during missions. Dr. Manny Urquieta, who previously worked as chief medical officer at the Johnson Space Center, is leading this initiative. The program aims to establish a master’s degree in space medicine and a residency program for future physicians specializing in astronaut and pilot care.
Students will be involved in conducting health checks for astronauts before missions, assisting in astronaut selection, and supporting their training. Once selected, these future healthcare providers will ensure astronauts are medically ready for their missions and may even utilize telemedicine while in space. Additionally, physicians trained in this program will support astronauts during their recovery after missions.
