NAME: DR Bonnie Posselt
ROLE: Aviation and Space Medicine Registrar
TWITTER BIO: @BONPOSSELT
What is your role in aerospace medicine?
I am an ST6 in Aviation and Space Medicine, currently taking an OOP in training to complete a PhD on human performance with new Helmet Mounted Display Systems used in aircraft, as well as medical vision standards.
How Did You First Get Interested in This Field?
Going all the way back, I first experienced flying in a small aircraft with the RAF cadets (CCF) at school as a teenager. During University I was an active member of the University Air Squadron, flying more and learning about the RAF. I managed to organise a selective study module at RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine for 4 weeks where I first learnt about Aviation Medicine and decided to join the RAF as a sponsored cadet. However it was during my intercalated undergraduate degree in Aerospace Physiology that I was really exposed to the scientific side of the speciality. I presented my BSc research at the international Aerospace Medical Association conference in Alaska and was awarded the young investigator award. This cemented my fascination with the speciality and I was determined to pursue a career in it.
When I started specialty training the specialty didn’t formally exist by GMC standards, but the RAF took it on risk, I followed the trial curriculum and when the specialty was recognised in 2016, I had accrued sufficient evidence to be transferred across to a training number as an ST4.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?
I pestered a lot of people along the way to find out more about the speciality and asked incessant questions. I attended conferences and lectures, often at significant personal expense. Crucial forums are the RAeS annual aerospace symposium which pretty much everyone in the business in the UK attends. It’s a small speciality so networking is really important. Hopefully the NGAM group will be able to make information about the speciality much more accessible.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO TEN YEARS?
Hopefully I will have finished my PhD (still seems a long way off) and will have CCT, becoming a consultant in Aviation and Space Medicine by 2023. I’m committed to staying in the military and am also passionate about raising the profile of the specialty across the whole UK and supporting its development and growth.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
Ask questions, pester people and find out as much as you possibly can. Also be aware that you don’t necessarily have to train in ‘pure’ ASM, but can incorporate it/sub-specialise with any other speciality.
What IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENTS IN AEROSPACE MEDICINE SO FAR?
I most enjoy flying in a variety of aircraft, learning about and experiencing the aviation operating environment. I also get a lot of satisfaction being able to help return a pilot back to flying status.