PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE                                     
 

The Meeting at Sun City promises to be outstanding and rewarding for all who attend. Much has gone into the planning of the Congress and the local Scientific Committee have been working hard to ensure an excellent Scientific Programme. 

There has been a proliferation of Scientific Meetings which address Aerospace Medicine. The whole year could be spent attending Scientific Meetings of interest to the Aerospace Medicine practitioner. Many of these are Meetings of the National Aerospace Medical Associations and although it augurs well for the future of our discipline, time, distance and finance limit the participation for most to two or three Meetings per annum. In this environment we must continue to build on the reputation established by our Academicians. The touchstone is the quality of our scientific programme. This not only depends on researchers being encouraged to present their findings primarily at an Academy Congress but also on the receptive audience who can contribute to the discussion. Scientific Meetings are remembered by significant advances reported. The Academy Forum has several distinctive features. It is international and as prescribed in our Instructions the scientific session format although making the task of the Scientific Committee more arduous ensures a rigorous selection process. 

Money is needed to prosper the aims of the Academy. Much can be done with it and little without. As the membership is limited so is the income. To this end I have requested a small group examine sources of funding. 

Our future depends on our membership and I urge all Academicians to seek out those leaders in our discipline who you believe would support the ideals of the Academy and acquaint them with our aims and aspirations. It is only by participation of the current decision makers and researchers that the forum provided by the Academy will be as exciting and significant as it should be. The Academicians have the responsibility for providing the scientific excellence, the fellowship, the professional interaction and enthusiasm which will guarantee our future. 

 Sadly I must report that our longstanding and much admired Secretary General George Takahashi has resigned due to a protracted period of poor health. I note the heartfelt appreciation of all Academicians for all that George has done for the Academy and our hopes and prayers for his recovery. His friendliness, tact, attention to detail, resourcefulness and dedication will not be forgotten. Following the vote of the Executive Council   Dr. George Takahashi accepted the position of Deputy Secretary General. This was made possible by the resignation of Dr. Len Thompson who over many years has rendered invaluable service to the Academy and to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. Len will continue to oversee the Educational Trust in New Zealand as he has done since its establishment. 

The Executive Council voted in accordance with the Constitution and offered the position of Secretary General to Dr. Claude Thibeault. He graciously accepted. His decision will be greeted with approbation by all Academicians. Claude has served the Academy so well in the past and so recently was President that we are extremely fortunate that he has again stepped forward to accept a pivotal role in our organization. 

I look forward to meeting a goodly number of you in South Africa this year.

Eric Donaldson 

NOTES FROM THE FORMER SECRETARY GENERAL

“The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would solve most of the world’s problems.”

                                                                                    -Gandhi-

 Dear Academicians: 

Due to health reasons, I have asked the Executive Council of the Academy to appoint a new Secretary General. They have responded swiftly, and have appointed Dr. Claude Thibeault to take over immediately as the new Secretary General. As you all know, Dr. Thibeault was President of the Academy just prior to Dr. Ulf Balldin, and is therefore very knowledgeable about the Academy and its objectives and goals. I am sure that all members will support and give him the cooperation and support that I have received over the last few years. 

As I look back over the last few years, it is gratifying to see how the Academy has grown in membership, as well as the in the activities which have broadened both in scope as well as commitment. The quality of the International Congresses, the activities of the Scientific as well as the Scholarship Committees have all grown in stature. The Selectors Committee has never been busier over the last few years reviewing and electing a record number of well qualified new members. 

The Academy has become vibrant, relevant and respected in the international aerospace community. This was evident when the International Civil Aviation Organization presented the Academy with the Edward Warner Award. I am asking that each member continue to contribute a small effort in whatever area they can and if each member does so, the Academy will be guaranteed a bright and healthy future. 

I wish to thank all Past Presidents and their Executives, including Dr. Eric Donaldson and his current Executive Council, and all Academicians, for their full support and cooperation over the years and up to the present time.  I wish Dr. Claude Thibeault well in carrying out his new duties. I will continue to support the Academy in any small way I can as Deputy Secretary General. 

Sincerely 

George Y. Takahashi

NOTES FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear Academicians, 

First, I want to thank the Executive Council for the vote of confidence in offering me the position of Secretary General. I accepted the position with mixed emotions. On one hand I believe it is a great honour to be given the opportunity to be Secretary General. On the other hand, I realize that I have extremely big shoes to fill. 

As I was reading Dr. Takahashi’s note, I fully concurred with his assessment of the progression of the Academy in the last several years. As always, however, George omitted to say that he was one of the significant artisans of those positive changes. As a former president of the Academy, I witnessed George’s work from a special vantage point and cannot emphasize enough how dedicated he was and still is. I want to echo the words of our president and add my personal thanks for a job better than well done. I really look forward to continue working with him since he has accepted the position of Deputy Secretary General. With his help and guidance, I should be able to serve you and the Academy well. Obviously, I will also need your patience and support, which I have no doubt, you will give me. I look forward to meet many of you in Sun City. 

Sincerely, 

Claude Thibeault 

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS

In the Academy, we are constantly surrounded by greatness. Many of our members are true pioneers in aviation and space medicine-- men and women who have bravely led us into  unknown spheres, and now, thanks to their efforts, we are able to take for granted the knowledge that we have today. We in the Academy are very privileged to know many of our heroes, not only as colleagues, but as very good friends. Often, we are not aware of the many accomplishments and contributions made by our fellow Academicians who may be sitting next to us during a meeting. Therefore, as a small tribute to our many great Academicians, the Newsletter will, from time to time, “Spotlight” on deserving Members.

In this issue, the Spotlight has been focused on the new Academicians who have been elected to the Academy at the last Selectors Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, May 2, 2004. 

Due to the shortage of space and time, the Editor apologizes for the briefness of the member summaries, as many highlights, awards, etc. have been omitted. Members of the Academy are encouraged to welcome each new member personally at the first opportunity. 

A very warm welcome to the following new members of the Academy.

1. Dr. Tomaž K. Kożelj,         Slovenia
            Sponsors:          Dr. Hans Pongratz, Germany
                                    Dr. Frank S. Pettyjohn, USA
            Current Activities:
                                    - Colonel of Slovenian Armed Forces (Surgeon General 1998-2001)
                                    - Chief Flight Surgeon, Slovenian Armed Forces
                                    - President of Slovenian Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (Slovenia, USA, Canada, JAA)
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Slovenian Medical Association
                                    - Association of Military Surgeons of the Federal Republic of Austria
                                    - Medical Chamber of Slovenia
                                    - Yugoslav & Slovenian Society of Biophysics

 2. Dr. Glenn P. Merchant,     USA
            Sponsors:          Dr. Daniel Lestage, USA
                                    Dr. Michael Berry, USA
            Current Activities:
                                    - Assistant Professor, Aerospace and Preventive Medicine, Uniformed Services University                                                   of the Health Sciences
                                    - Military Awards Panel Member
                                    - Trustee, American Board of Preventive Medicine
                                    - US Navy Alternate Delegate to AMA House of Delegates
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Society of US Flight Surgeons
                                    - Association of Military Surgeons of United States  
                                    - US Naval Institute     
                                    - Marine Corps Association
                                    - Association of Naval Aviation
                                    - American Medical Association
                                    - American College of Preventive Medicine

3. Dr. John C. Newlands,       Australia
            Sponsors:          Dr. Ron S. Wambeek, Australia
                                    Dr. Eric Donaldson, Australia
            Current Activities:
                                    - Clinical Aviation Medical Officer for the Australian Defence Force
                                    - Senior Instructor Status, Faculty of EMST/ATLS, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine
                                    - Australian Military Medicine Association (AMMA)
                                    - Royal Aeronautical Society (UK) (Membership)
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association                                    

4. Dr. Hernando J. Ortega, Jr.          USA
            Sponsors:          Dr. Charles Berry, USA
                                    Dr. Michael Berry, USA
            Current Activities:
                                    - Commander, 374^th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan
                                    - Chief of Aeromedical Services, 374^th Medical Group
                                    - FAA Medical Examiner
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - American Medical Association
                                    - American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
                                    - American Society of Aerospace Medicine Specialists
                                    - Society of USAF Flight Surgeons
                                    - Society of NASA Flight Surgeons
                                  

5. Dr. David Powell,               New Zealand
            Sponsors:          Dr. Len Thompson, New Zealand
                                    Dr. Eric Donaldson, Australia
            Current Activities:
                                    - Chief Medical Officer Air New Zealand
                                    - Senior Lecturer, Otago University, Diploma in Aviation Medicine
                                    - Examiner/Assessor Civil Aviation Authority, New Zealand
                                    - Chair, Air New Zealand Crew Alertness Study Group
                                    - Medical Advisor, Aviation Industry Association of NZ
                                    - Honorary Medical Advisor, Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (NZ)
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - International Air Transport Association Medical Advisory Group
                                    - International Airline Medical Advisory Council
                                    - Airline Medical Directors Association
                                    - Aviation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand
                                    - Australia and NZ Society of Occupational Medicine
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Royal Aeronautical Society

6. Dr. Tarek M. Sardana,       Canada
            Sponsors:          Dr. Gary Gray, Canada
                                    Dr. Allen J. Parmet, USA
            Current Activities:
                                    -  Aerospace Medical Officer/Human Factors, Directorate of Flight Safety, National,                                                 Defence HQ, Ottawa, Canada
                                    -   Glider Instructor
                                    -  Licensed Private Pilot
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Canadian Medical Association
                                    - Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians
                                    - College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario                                                                 

7. Dr. David Schroeder,         USA
            Sponsors:          Dr. Melchor Antuñano, USA
                                    Dr. Claude Thibeault, Canada
            Current Activities:
                                    - Manager, Aerospace Human Factors Research Division, FAA Aeronautical Center,                                                     Oklahoma, USA
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - American Psychological Association
                                    - Oklahoma Psychological Association
                                    - Aerospace Human Factors Association                        

8. Dr. Ramón Dominguez-Mompell Román,             Spain
            Sponsors:          Dr. Silvio Finkelstein, Canada
                                    Dr. Luiz Amezcua, Mexico
            Current Activities:
                                    - Chief of Health Services, Iberia Airline
                                    - Medical Director Aerospace Medical Center, Iberia Airline
                                    - Aerospace Medical Examiner, Civil Aviation Authority, Spain
            Professional Memberships:
                                    - Spanish Society of Aerospace Medicine
                                    - Ibero-American Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Aerospace Medical Association
                                    - Airline Medical Directors Association

NEW APPLICANTS UNDER REVIEW 

As Academicians of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine, please review the names of the new Applicants, listed below, currently in the evaluation process by the Selectors Committee.

Any Academician member of the Academy knowing of any reason why a certain applicant should not be granted membership into the Academy is encouraged to forward such information to the Chancellor, the Chair of the Selectors Committee. The information must be in written format by e-mail or letter format. The letter must be signed. Although the information will be maintained on a confidential basis, it will be provided to the members of the Selectors Committee for consideration.

Any information regarding the following applicants listed below must be received by the Chancellor, no later than

August 27, 2004. <dandad08@bellsouth.net> 

1.      Dr. Zoran Lolic, Croatia
                       Sponsors: Dr. Rudi Debijadhi, Serbia
                                       Dr. Gabor Hardicsay, Hungary 

2.    Dr. Richard J. Delorenzo, USA
                              Sponsors: Dr. Ulf Balldin, USA
                                             Dr. Victor Manuel Rico-Jaime, Mexico  

3.       Dr. Viktor Harsch, Germany
                        Sponsors: Dr. Hans Pongratz, Germany
                                       Prof. J. Draeger, Germany 

4.       Dr. Capt. Octavio D. Amezcua P. , Mexico
                        Sponsors: Dr. Silvio Finkelstein, Canada
                                       Dr. Melchor Antuñano, USA
                                       Dr. J.M. Lareo Cortizo, Spain

ITEMS OF INTEREST TO MEMBERS 

1.         Congratulations to our members 

            The Academy wishes to congratulate the following members who have recently received awards or have been elected to important leadership positions. 

·         Dr. Melchor J. Antuñano: President of Aerospace Medical Association

·         Dr. Ulf Balldin: Recipient of the Arnold D. Tuttle Award (AsMA)

·         Dr. Michael A. Berry: Recipient of the John A. Tamisiea Award (AsMA)

·           Dr. Steve Blizzard: Recipient of the Wilbur Franks Award, Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association

·           Dr. Israel Glazer: Recipient of the Won Chuel Kay Award (AsMA)

·           Dr. John Jordan: Recipient of the Theodore C. Lyster Award (AsMA)

·           Dr. Nestor B. Kowalski: Recipient of the Boothby-Edwards Award (AsMA)

·           Dr. Ion Morrison: President of the Airline Medical Directors Association 

2.          Scholarships  

The following four residents, in the second year of the residency program at the National University of Bogota, Columbia, shared one scholarship and each has received $2500.00.  

·           Dr. Maria-Angelita Salamanca

·           Dr. Luis Felipe Arteaga Arredondo

·           Dr. Sandra C. Diaz

·           Dr. Harry L. Marin Vahos 

            In 2003, a second scholarship was allocated to: 

·           Dr. Tesfaye Tetemke is in the Wright State University, Aerospace Medicine Program since June 2003. He has completed the first term successfully and has received the first installment of $5000.00. 

3.        Proxy Authorization for South Africa Congress Meetings 

The Proxy Authorization Form is included in this Newsletter. If any Member will not be attending the Academy Meetings in South Africa, please fill out and sign the Proxy Authorization Form, and ensure that it reaches the Secretary-General’s office by August 27, 2004. Please remember that your Proxy is counted to establish a quorum, and you may also instruct your Representative on how you wish to vote on an issue. It is surprising how many Proxies are received in the Secretary-General’s office after the meetings are over. Unfortunately these late Proxies cannot be placed in the official count. Many Members have also named as their representative someone who is not attending the meetings. Therefore, please confirm with your chosen representatives that they are planning to attend the meeting. 

4.             Additional Nominations for Open Positions in the Academy for Sept. 2004 

The Chairman of the Nominating Committee will be presenting a slate of nominations for positions, opening in Sept. 2004, at the General Assembly, on September 7, 2004. However seven (7) active members may nominate a candidate for any of the positions open (shown below) as stated in the Academy By-laws, ARTICLE V, Section 1, B, 7.

POSITION VACANCIES for Sept. 2004 

Director: 1 to replace Daniel Lestage, USA 

Selectors Committee: 6 to replace:
                                1.      Per Ǻrva, Norway
                                2.      Marco Montenegro, Brazil
                                3.      Sandra Mooney, UK
                                4.      Peng Chung Mien, Singapore
                                5.      Hans Pongrantz, Germany
                                6.      Alain M. Saint Laurent, France

Scholarship Committee: 3 to replace:
                                1.      Sharon Falkenheimer, USA
                                2.      Jean-Jacques Papy, France
                                3.      James Wallace, Canada 

Scientific Committee: 5 to replace:
                                1.      Richard Hickman, USA
                                2.      Y. G. Caine, Israel
                                3.      Michael Bagshaw, UK
                                4.      Roy DeHart, USA
                                5.      Gary Gray, Canada           

5.         Sun City Congress, South Africa

The dates for the Sun City Congress are September 5 - 9, 2004. Please visit the WEB Site www.sasaem.co.za for complete information.

The Academy Dinner is scheduled to take place at the Hall of Treasures at the Entertainment Centre, at 18h30 for 19h00. Business suit / Black tie optional.  

See Annex C for time and place of the committees meetings. Please check Hotels bulletin boards for last minute changes. 

6.                   Change of address

We intend to produce a directory in 2005. Please make sure that you e-mail or fax any change of address to the Secretary General before January 2005. 

7.                  Newsletter format 

As per the Council decision of last May, this is the last paper issue of the Newsletter sent automatically to members. From now on, the Newsletter will appear on the Academy website and only those members who make a formal request by e-mail or fax to the Secretary General will receive a paper copy. This measure will reduce the cost of printing and mailing significantly.            

            8.         Reminder for unpaid annual dues

Thank you to the Academicians who have promptly paid their 2004 Annual Dues. Please forward your payment to the Secretary-General as soon as possible. Please be reminded that those who do not respond in a reasonable time period will have their names removed from the Active Membership List.  

MINUTES OF THE 90th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Hilton Anchorage Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Tuesday, May 4^th, 2004

1.         COMMENCEMENT

President Eric Donaldson opened the meeting at 15:01 hrs. He welcomed all members to the 90^th General Assembly of the Academy. There were 92 members in attendance.

            Attendance list Appendix A.           

2.         APOLOGIES (26)

            Apologies were received from the following members:
            Drs Luis Amezcua, Charles.A. Berry, Gerardo Canaveris, Donald Choisser,  Jean-Pierre Crance, J. Draeger
            John Ernsting, Harry Gibbons, Hans Hafner, Igor Jelčić, Jon Jordan, Gilbert Kabanda,  David Lam, Paul
            Ledoux, LIM Meng Kin, José L. Madrigrano, Alexander Medenkov, R.E. Mitchell, Pekka Oksanen,
            J.P.Pollard, Russell Rayman, Len Thompson, Henning VonGierke,  Ronald Wambeek, James Wallace,
            Dougal Watson.           

3.         ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM

            (Constitution article XIV & By-Laws article VI, sect 2A
            According to the Constitution, a quorum will be 20% of members entitled to vote (including valid proxies).

As at May 1, 2004, the Academy had 204 members of whom 150 were financial. The quorum is therefore 30. There are 92 members present and 12 valid proxy votes. We therefore have a quorum. 

4.         REQUEST FOR TRANSLATION SERVICES

            Members were asked if any one required French translation during the meeting. No requests were
            made, but anyone who might require translation during the meeting may ask Dr Claude Thibeault for
            assistance. 

5.         MINUTES OF THE 89th GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Oct.7, 2003.

The minutes of the General Assembly held in Madrid had been distributed prior to the meeting. There was no further comment.

            Moved by Dr. M. Berry, seconded by Dr. C. Billings that the Minutes be accepted and approved.
            Carried unanimously. 

6.         BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

            There were no matters arising from the Minutes. 

7.         CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP STATUS 

            7.1       Request for Retired Status for 2004:
                                         Dr. Jacques Pasquet, France,  joined 1978.
                                        Dr. Michel Boulange,  France, joined 1978
                                        Dr. Jean Michel Masson, France, joined 1986
            7.2       Removed to Inactive Status:
                                         Dr. Joseph A. Pursch,   USA, joined 1995, due to no response to mailings or payment of
                                         dues since 2001.
            7.3              Deceased Members: Dr. René DIEGO, France, joined 1976, deceased 2004.
                                        Dr. Marie-Paule CHARETTEUR spoke in memory of Dr. René DIEGO. The Assembly
                                        then stood in one minute silence.  <