A POTENTIAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE FUTURE AUSTRALIAN SPACE AGENCY AND AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL SCHOOLS

摘要

Since the recent creation of the Australian Space Agency (ASA), there is an opportunity to create programs focused on aerospace medicine if there is enough interest. Through a nationwide voluntary anonymous online cross-sectional survey, we aim to assess the level of interest amongst medical students in the area of space medicine research and to evaluate strategies on collaboration opportunities between medical schools and the ASA. The survey was distributed to all participating medical schools across Australia. 310 responses were recorded. A significant majority (92.9%) of students registered an interest in aerospace medicine and research and were keen to see future opportunities through the collaboration between medical schools and the ASA. This survey strongly suggests a high level of interest amongst medical students in the area of aerospace medicine and research. A partnership between medical schools and the ASA is likely to benefit to both parties. Further research should be done to assess the optimal strategy to support and grow this interest.