Study highlights value of physician-astronauts and their role in space exploration A recent study in the field of space medicine underscores the critical contributions of physicians to space exploration, emphasizing their unique expertise and the growing recognition of their role in advancing scientific and technological frontiers. Dr. Farhan M Asrar, a Canadian physician and leading space medicine researcher, has collaborated with experts and astronauts from global space agencies to explore how medical professionals have shaped the trajectory of space missions. His research, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, examines the enduring impact of physician-astronauts over six decades of space exploration. The study highlights two pivotal historical milestones: the 61st anniversary of the first physician-astronaut traveling to space for Russia and the 60th anniversary of NASA’s initial selection of physicians as astronauts. Since then, numerous medical professionals from around the world have joined space programs, contributing their skills to address the challenges of space travel. The publication presents the first comprehensive database of physician-astronauts, documenting their achievements and roles across different space agencies. Dr. Asrar explained that physicians bring a natural alignment of skills to astronaut training, as their medical expertise equips them to handle uncertainty, lead under pressure, and adapt to complex environments. These qualities are essential for space missions, which demand high cognitive, physical, and psychological resilience.#international_space_station #dr_farhan_m_asrar #journal_of_the_royal_society_of_medicine #pakistan_astronaut_mission #dr_john_mcfall
