NAME: DR Mark Karlsson CairNS
ROLE: Aviation and Space Medicine consultant, CAA
Favourite Aircraft: Korabl MAket (“Caspian Sea Monster”) Ekranoplane
What is your role in aerospace medicine?
Medical assessor at the Civil Aviation Authority. In simple terms, all pilots need a medical certificate to validate their licence. At the CAA we make assessments of the significant, complex or unusual conditions which may impact on pilot health and therefore prevent safe flight. Additionally, I am involved in international collaborative efforts to develop unified public health policy in civil aviation (CAPSCA).
My recent MSc in Aerospace Medicine looked at communicable disease transmission onboard commercial aircraft, particularly focussing on Covid-19. Additionally, I am a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh).
How Did You First Get Interested in This Field?
I have a background in extreme endurance sport and found the physiological challenges of altitude drew me into the world of aviation. I still possess a very childish sense of giddiness whenever watching aircraft defy gravity. Whilst many doctors have a horizon that rarely extends outside of their hospital or surgery, it’s not uncommon in Aviation and Space Medicine to work with colleagues all over the world. I find this co-operative effort very inspiring.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?
I booked a ticket to Delhi to my first ICASM conference in 2016 on whim. This set my mind racing and made me realise the specialty was something I wanted to be involved in. I was successful in presenting posters at ASMA in 2017 and 2018, and just as my GP training finished an ASM training post came up at the CAA.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO TEN YEARS?
Winning the 5k Dick Trumbo race at ASMA 😉 Developing the first machine learning algorithms which can harness legacy data to provide accurate risks of in-flight incapacitation.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
Network, network, network. We’re a friendly bunch and love to share what we do; don’t be scared to get in touch.
What IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENTS IN AEROSPACE MEDICINE SO FAR?
Allowing someone to fly again when they’ve recovered from serious illness is very satisfying.