NEWSLETTER

Please forward comments to:
Secretary-General, IAASM
21 Antares Drive, Suite 112
Nepean, ON K2E 7T8
Canada

Tel: 613-228-9345
Fax: 613-228-0242
E-mail: <g.takahashi@sympatico.ca>

It is with great pride that I took over the office of President from Robert Auffret at the end of the Budapest Congress. That pride was only surpassed by a real sense of humility when I consider my predecessors. Indeed, I certainly cannot pretend to have the impressive background and wisdom of the likes of Auffret, Ernsting and White to name a few, but I certainly have the will and the energy to continue to improve the Academy along the lines that have been drawn by these visionary predecessors. The Academy has made major progress in the last several years, and with the help of our officers, committee chairpersons, and committee members, I intend to bring forth a very active and well respected Academy in the years 2000.

In my first action as President, allow me to express our gratitude to my immediate predecessor and friend, Dr Robert Auffret. Robert has been a devoted servant of the Academy for many years and in many capacities. During his tenure as President, he continued his hard work and brought the Academy to a level of which all members can be very proud.

Allow me to also voice personal thanks to Dr Silvio Finkelstein who believed I had the material to be an officer of the Academy and proposed my candidature as second Vice-President. Dr Finkelstein also deserves the President’s thanks for all his work, both past and present, on behalf of the Academy.

Let me also take this opportunity to sincerely thank Dr Gabor Hardicsay and his team for the organisation of the Budapest Congress. The Congress was a huge success in every aspect. It will hold a proud place in the Annals of the Academy. Furthermore Budapest is a wonderful city and its people most hospitable.

What about the next two years? The Academy has very limited material and financial resources. However, by definition, it has a high concentration of the best talents in Aerospace Medicine. Therefore, we should focus and limit our activities to what we can do best instead of duplicating existing efforts. What is it we can and should do best:

Foster the development of the Aerospace Medicine in all corners of the world though our:

1. - International congresses
2.- Scientific publications
3.- Scholarships

1.- Our International congresses are already well known, but, we must make sure that a large part of our efforts are directed in this area, so that we maintain a yearly presence on the international calendar. There is no substitute. Our scientific committee will work more and more closely with the organization of future congresses to assist and ensure an excellent content.

2.- Scientific publications: Thanks to Dr John Ernsting, the Academy is now on the map with its publications. This was long overdue. We must proceed cautiously but there is no doubt that we need to be more and more involved in this area. All the talent and knowledge that I mentioned earlier must be recorded and we are all responsible for this.

3.- Scholarships: The ultimate goal is to have at least one scholarship every year. Unfortunately, so far we have had to cancel a few times because of our limited financial resources. We need to find more stable sources of revenue to achieve our goal. If you have any suggestion, do not hesitate to contact George Takahashi or me.

In closing, let me remind you that our small group has a tremendous amount of potential, but every member needs to be an active participant. I trust that I can count on your advice, suggestions and support. I look forward to seeing you all in Houston.

Claude Thibeault MD

Dr. Charles A. Berry received his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley in 1945, his M.D. from the University of California Medical School at San Francisco in 1947, his M.P.H. (cum laude) from Harvard School of Public Health in 1956, and has been awarded two honorary doctorate degrees: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences-1981, University of Nancy, France-1982. He did his residency in Aerospace Medicine at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, Texas in 1951-1952. He is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in Aerospace Medicine.

Following three years of civilian family practice and twelve years of Aerospace Medicine in the USAF, he was associated with our nation’s space program beginning with the selection of the first astronauts. During twelve years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he was responsible for the medical effort to prove that man could survive and eventually work in space. He served as Director of Medical Research and Operations for the Manned Spacecraft Center (Johnson Space Center) in Houston, Texas, and as Director of Life Sciences at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. until 1974. He was the original Chairman of the Joint Working Group in Space Medicine & Biology in 1971 to establish data exchange with the USSR in this area and continued this role through 1974.

He was the first President of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston from 1974 to 1977.

He formed Preventive & Aerospace Medicine Consultants, P.A. with his son Michael, also a specialist in these fields of medicine. Together, they conduct a clinical practice in both specialties as well as consultations in Health Promotion, Wellness, and Preventive and Aerospace Medicine, including aircraft accident investigation.

Dr. Berry is a Fellow of Aerospace Medical Association, American College of Preventive Medicine, American Astronautical Society, American College of Chest Physicians and American Society of Clinical Cardiologists. He is also a member of Harris County Medical Society, TMA, AMA, AIAA, International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine and International Academy of Astronautics.

He is a past President of the Aerospace Medical Association, the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine and the American College of Preventive Medicine.

He has been a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the FAA since 1952, and an Aerospace Medical Consultant to the USAF and the FAA as well as NASA. He is the recipient of over forty national and international awards and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1979 and 1980. He has several academic appointments and has authored over a hundred scientific papers, books and chapters.

In spite of all his extensive accomplishments, not only as an early pioneer, but also as a current esteemed consultant in Aerospace Medicine, he continues to remain the always approachable warm human being.

He is truly one of the great super-stars of the Aerospace Medicine world.

Each flock of Great Northern Geese is in its own unique community.
Each flock finds its own rhythm.
The pulsating sounds of the great wings beating together excites and energizes the entire formation,
replenishing their courage and stamina.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

LESSON:
We need to make sure our honking from behind
is energizing and encouraging, and not something else.

–Great Northern Geese, Lesson III

A. WARM WINTER GREETINGS FROM CANADA

Having been in the Secretary-General’s seat now for 20 months, one of my concerns is the Membership of the Academy. In order to have a strong organization for the future, we must have active members. Because the Membership of the Academy is primarily composed of senior practitioners in the field, many of our members each year request "Retired" status, and some unfortunately are passing away. Currently, as of January 2000, there are 67 "Retired Status" members, and 174 Active members. It appears that our recruitment of new members has not kept up with members seeking "Retired Status".

This trend does not auger well for the future of the Academy. On the other hand, recruiting new members is not necessarily an easy task. Unlike other organizations which accept members merely through the payment of the Membership Dues, the Academy has strict admission requirements to become an Academician. The Academy Membership is somewhat similar to the Fellows Group of the Aerospace Medical Association. However, we do not have a large general Membership to support the organization. During the last Selectors’ Committee meeting in Budapest, there was considerable discussion on the criteria for Membership as a Full Member, and Associate Member. As you are all well aware, in order to become an Academician, one must have practised in the Aerospace Medicine field for at least 10 years, and achieved a certain level of distinction before acceptance in the Academy. The Associate Membership requires the same level of achievement in the field, but requires 5 years in the field. By the time that an individual has achieved status for consideration as a Full Member, often one is quite senior in their years. On reviewing recently-elected new members, it is noted that some are already on the brink of retirement, and being elected a Member of the Academy is a crowning achievement to a distinguished career. Therefore should the Associate Membership requirements be less stringent, thus allowing younger individuals in the field an opportunity to become a member of the Academy? and then be given an opportunity to apply for full membership as an Academician when they meet the requirements for a Full Member? As a result of these deliberations by the Selectors’ Committee, the Executive Council appointed an Ad Hoc Committee, headed by our new President, Dr. Claude Thibeault, along with the assistance of Dr. Frank Pettyjohn, the Chancellor, Dr. Charles Berry, and Dr. Geoffrey Caine, to study this issue. The Committee will review the current Membership criteria, including that of the Associate Membership. The Committee is to report back, at the Houston meeting, with recommendations to Council.

As this is your Academy, and as the future health of the Academy depends upon a strong Membership, I would recommend that as many members as possible write to the Ad Hoc Committee as soon as possible and share your views with them. In this way, the Committee will have a better idea of what the general Membership envisions for the future. It is your Academy, -let your views be heard!

As Members are well aware, the Academy offers a Scholarship of $US 10,000.00 (annually, if possible) to a deserving candidate wishing to further their studies in Aerospace Medicine. With the current level of the Scholarship Trust Fund at $US 78,242.67, and the interest rates being very low, not enough funds are being generated through the Trust Fund. In addition, with the current Active Membership at 174, the annual dues of $US 50.00 generates $US 8700.00 provided that everyone paid their annual dues. Operating costs per annum is in the range of $US 7000.00, leaving a surplus of $1700.00 dollars. From each Congress, the Academy receives approximately $US 3000.00. Therefore, from annual revenues, a surplus of approximately $US 5000.00 can be realized. At the current level of interest, the Scholarship Fund generates approximately $US 2400.00. Therefore, at the current level of financial operations, the Academy is able to award a Scholarship of $US 7500.00 annually, or

$US 15,000.00 every two years. The other option being studied by Council, headed by Dr. Claude Thibeault, is the possibility of offering a joint Scholarship annually in partnership with the Aerospace Medical Association. Another option is to raise the Annual Dues.

If you have any suggestions, or ideas regarding the Academy Scholarship, please send your suggestions to Dr. Claude Thibeault or Dr. Eric Donaldson, as soon as possible, as this item will be discussed by your Executive Council in Houston

The 47^th Congress, held in Budapest, August 22^nd - 26^th, 1999, as most of you have heard, was a great success. Congratulations and a heart-felt thanks go to Dr. Gabor Hardicsay, and his Organizing Committee. All of the arrangements, including the weather, were excellent. The Saturday night before the Congress opened, we were treated to a magnificent display of fireworks celebrating the 1000^th Anniversary of Hungarian Statehood. The beautiful and historic city of Budapest, with the stately Danube flowing through the heart of the city alongside the majestic Parliament Buildings, proved to be a wonderful venue, surpassed only by the warm hospitality of the people. Space does not allow a description of all the wonderful events that took place over the enjoyable week, both scientifically, socially and culturally. I will only mention some of the highlights. The Welcome Party on Sunday evening gave everyone the opportunity to renew old acquaintances, as well as making new friends. In addition to the delicious food, the Hungarian wine flowed generously, and those in attendance appreciated the fine quality of the wines of Hungary. The Allard Lecture was very capably delivered by Professor John Ernsting, taking us through the historical progress of hypoxia protection in flight.(On a personal note, his lecture brought back many pleasant memories of my student days in Farnborough,UK, where Professor Ernsting paced back and forth in front of the class, as he expounded the intricacies and wonders of oxygen physiology.) On Tuesday, August 24^th, the Organizing Committee instituted an Academy Luncheon, open to all Congress attendees. The Speaker was Dr. Charles Berry, who gave a fascinating account of his experiences in the early days of the space program, and his involvement internationally between the US and Russian scientists. The Academy Dinner was held in an historic authentic Hungarian Restaurant, Matyás Pince, where Academicians and their guests were treated to a regal Hungarian dinner, amidst the background of romantic gypsy violins.

On Wednesday, the Organizing Committee arranged an Alpe-Adria-CAMA luncheon, giving those who attended the CAMA meeting in Austria the previous year, an opportunity to renew acquaintances with neighbouring colleagues. Academician, and President of CAMA, Dr. John Hastings welcomed those who attended the luncheon. The Guest Speaker was Professor Attila Pók, from the Institute of History of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences . He spoke about the history of the Hungarian State, and the various political conflicts which the people of Hungary have endured over its long history. The Scientific Program included many interesting panel discussions, with topics ranging from Aviation Cardiology, Acceleration physiology, spatial disorientation, training in Aerospace Medicine, Airline medicine, Space medicine, aviation psychology, Medical Emergency/Passenger health, crew selection/performance, and a very thought-provoking session on Preventive vs Regulatory Aviation Medicine. Many issues discussed involved the operational aerospace aspects, which proved very valuable for the many attendees present.

There were many excellent tours to scenic and historic sights, too many to mention here, except to say that they were enjoyed by many. One evening tour which many of us enjoyed was a visit to the Törley Champagne Factory. After learning about the long and careful process involved in making fine champagne, we were given an opportunity to taste several different champagnes. After tasting the champagne, we were instructed to dump out the remaining champagne into a waste receptacle, before tasting the next batch. It was interesting to note that very few of us had the courage to dump out the remainder of the champagne into the waste receptacle before we tasted the next sample. The majority of us seemed to be enjoying each and every glassful! A very enjoyable evening indeed!

The Farewell Dinner, held in the Budapest Marriott, on Thursday evening was complete with a Hungarian string quartet, as we enjoyed yet another delicious authentic Hungarian dinner. Special presentations were made, and the Academy Trumpet was passed to Vice-Admiral Marco Antonio Montenegro, the President of the Organizing Committee for the 48^th Congress, scheduled for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in Sept. 17^th - 21^st, 2000. Dr. Montenegro extended a very warm welcome to everyone to attend the Congress, as he promised that everyone will have a great time in Rio. At the end of the wonderful evening, everyone remarked on what a beautiful week it was, as we all bid a fond and nostalgic farewell to old and new friends and colleagues, until the next Congress in Rio de Janeiro.

The Annual Membership Dues is now due. Those who are in "Active Status" will find a

"Statement of Account" for your Annual Dues of $US 50.00. Please fill this out immediately and mail it back to the Secretary-General as soon as possible with your payment, either with a Money Order, or Credit Card authorization, ie Amex, Diners Club, Mastercard or Visa. Leaving the Statement aside to deal with "later" usually means losing it, or forgetting it. As it is too costly for the Academy to send "reminder Statements", it would be appreciated if each member would pay their annual dues immediately upon receipt of your Statement. This will keep Academy administrative costs down, leaving more money for the Scholarship Fund.

1. Attendance: 80 members signed in at the meeting, and 24 valid proxies were received.

-The President thanked Dr. Gabor Hardicsay and his Organizing Committee for the excellent organization of the Congress.

-The President congratulated Academician Vice-Marshal John Baird, the Surgeon-General, Ministry of Defence, UK, who was elevated to Knighthood with the title "Knight Commander of the British Empire" (KBE). Congratulations, Sir John.

2. Apologies were received from 34 Academicians. All names are listed in the Minutes.

3. A Quorum was established, according to the Constitution and By-Laws.

4. Changes in Membership Status:

        8.4- Air New Zealand Donation:
        Air New Zealand again generously donated $NZ 5000.00 to the Scholarship Fund, making their donation total of $NZ
        15,000.00. The Executive Council appointed Air New Zealand an Honorary Lifetime Corporate Member in appreciation
        of their generosity to the Academy over the years.

9. Report of the Chancellor:
        As Dr. Frank Pettyjohn could not attend the Selectors Committee meeting, Dr. Geoffrey Caine, a member of the
        Selectors Committee kindly acted as A/Chancellor, and gave the report.

        The following were elected and welcomed into the Academy as Full Members:

1. Dr. Richard A. Jensen, USA:
Current position: Regional Flight Surgeon, United Airlines Medical Dept., San Francisco International Airport, California,USA.
Dr. Jensen started his career as a Captain in the US Army Medical career, and served in Korea as a Commanding Officer of the 548^th General Medical Dispensary. He then practiced Internal Medicine in Newport Beach for 15 years, after which his interest in Aviation Medicine lured him into the Airline business. He has served in many different capacities with the United Airlines Medical Department, before accepting his current position. He has been a Senior FAA Medical Examiner since 1981, a n Associate Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, and has been serving as Treasurer of the Airline Medical Directors Association for several years.

2. Dr. Warren Silberman, USA:
Current position: Manager, Aeromedical Certification, FAA, Oklahoma, USA.
Previous to his current position, Dr. Silberman enjoyed an illustrious career in the United States Army, serving as a Flight Surgeon, Board Certified in Aerospace Medicine, after serving his residency at USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas. He is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, Fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventive Medicine, Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, and still remains active as a Senior Flight Surgeon, with the rank of Major, in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

3. Dr. Samuel Strauss, USA:
Current position: Consultant in Aerospace, Diving & Occupational Medicine,Virginia Mason Medical Center,
Seattle, Washington, USA.
Dr. Strauss’s career began with the Navy, where he serve as Commander, Medical Corps, USN, providing   medical care to submarine and diving crew. He then entered private practice as an Emergency Physician, before enrolling in the residency program at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks, Texas. He later received his Board Certification in Aerospace Medicine. Dr. Strauss served in various roles in USAF as an Aerospace Medicine Specialist. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association.

Editor’s Note: Space does not permit justice to the above-mentioned highly qualified newly-elected individuals. Therefore I recommend that each Member approach them at the next opportunity, get to know them better, and personally welcome them into the Academy.

Dr. Eric Donaldson, Chair of the Scholarship Committee reported that the Committee received 10 excellent Applications, and the successful candida

Dr. Eduardo Ricaurdi, of Columbia
Dr. Ricaudi will be enrolling in the Wright State Aerospace Medicine Residency Program, under the direction of Professor Stanley R. Mohler.

Dr. Donaldson also reported that Dr. Ghosh, from India, the last winner of the Academy Scholarship, completed the D.Av Med. Program at Farnborough, UK.

Dr. John Ernsting, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the following Slate of Officers to fill vacant positions, for consideration by the General Assembly:

President: Dr. Claude Thibeault, Canada
1^st Vice-President: Dr. Ulf Balldin, Sweden/USA
2^nd Vice-President: Dr. Eric Donaldson, Australia
Director: Dr. Pekka Oksanen, Finland
Selectors: Dr. Gabor Hardicsay, Hungary; Dr. M. Antunaño-Bustamante, USA
Scientific Committee: Dr. Richard Hickman, USA; Dr. F. Rios Tejada, Spain
Scholarship Committee: Dr. Michael Mork, USA

There were no further nominations, and the above slate was approved unanimously.

Dr. John Ernsting Chair of the Scientific Committee, gave the report.

12.1- It was reported that only 75 of the 300 English copies of the Dr. Anthony Nicholson’s Allard Lecture have been sold, while 65 of the 75 French copies have been sold. More aggressive publicizing must be done.

Editor’s Comment: It is surprising that more Members have not purchased a copy to support the Academy’s endeavour. $US 15.00 is not unreasonable for a beautiful Monograph. An Order Form is attached as Appendix 3.

12.4- The Allard Lecture given by Dr. Ernsting, "The History of Protection Against Hypoxia", will be peer reviewed before publication.

12.5- A sub-committee composed of Dr. John Ernsting, Dr. Geoffrey Caine,

Dr. Jean-Pierre Crance, and Dr. Richard Hickman, will review and propose the role and relationships of the Academy’s Scientific Committee with respect to the Scientific Committees of future Congresses. These proposals will be brought forward to the Executive Council for consideration at the May meeting in Houston.

13. Report of the Secretary-General: As the Secretary-General’s report will be attached as Appendix 2 to the Newsletter, only the highlights will be mentioned here.

14. Future Congresses Sponsored by the Academy:

15. Presentation of Certificates and Pins to New Members:

One of the benefits of being a Member of the Academy is the opportunity to be in communication with fellow Members, many of whom are eminent experts in their respective areas of endeavour. Therefore being able to communicate readily with each other is very important, and thus a new Membership Directory for 2000 has been published, and is included in this mailing. Please check your listing, and if there are any errors, omissions, or changes required, please send in the appropriate changes to the Secretary-General, using the Form in the back of the Directory. Thank you to all of the Members who responded with corrections and changes since the publication of the 1999 Directory.

Whether due to modesty or lack of time, Members have been reluctant to submit interesting news about themselves or their colleagues. When one glances over the Membership Directory, which includes many of the key players in our area of interest, one cannot help but imagine all of the interesting happenings that must be occurring throughout the Aerospace Medical domain. If all happenings of Members were reported, this Newsletter, I am sure, would not have the space to include all the news. However, please do not hesitate to send forth news that should be shared with fellow Members.

H.1- RADM Daniel B. Lestage, MC, USN (Ret.)
Academician Dr. Daniel Lestage was recently awarded the Robert E. Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award, for 1999, which is awarded in recognition of emeritus Naval flight surgeons for their career contributions to promoting and advancing the knowledge and science of aerospace and operational medicine. In addition to being a Member of the Academy, Dr. Lestage is also a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Aerospace Medical Association. In addition to being a Past-President of the Aerospace Medical Association, he is currently the Chair of the Fellows Group.

H.2- Sarah A. Nunneley, M.D.
For her many outstanding contributions to the field of aerospace medicine throughout her illustrious career, Academician Dr. Sarah Nunneley, was awarded the Louis H. Bauer Founders Award at Honours Night of the Aerospace Medical Association in Detroit, last May. This award is given annually for the most significant contribution in aerospace medicine. Among her many accomplishments throughout her career, she was the first woman to complete residency and board certification in Aerospace Medicine, and the first woman to be elected President of the Aerospace Medical Association (1990-91). Dr. Nunneley is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as the Aerospace Medical Association.

H.3- Lutz Bergau, M.D.
Academician Dr. Lutz Bergau, was elected President of the Airline Medical Directors Association at their meeting last May. Dr. Bergau is currently the Director of Medical Services, Lufthansa German Airlines. Dr. Bergau holds a degree in Internal Medicine, as well as being qualified in industrial and aerospace medicine. He also gained extensive flight experience while in the German Air force, and has held a private pilot licence since 1978. Dr. Bergau is also a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association.

H.4- Air Marshal Sir John Baird, M.B., Ch.B.
Academician Dr. John Baird was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II last year with the title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). Following a very distinguished career in the Armed Forces, Dr. Baird is currently the Surgeon General to the United Kingdom Armed Forces. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Aerospace Medical Association.

H.5- George K. Anderson, MD.
Academician George K. Anderson last July was appointed President and CEO of Oceania Inc., Redwood City, California. Oceania Inc. is in the business of designing and delivering software which automates access and management of patient health care information. Before entering the world of private corporations, Dr. Anderson had a very distinguished 30 year career in the United States Air Force, and retired with the rank of Major General. He has held a Commercial Pilot Licence since 1975.Dr Anderson is a Past-President and Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association.

Congratulations to all of the above-mentioned Academicians for their honours and accomplishments.

The following Members have been lost to the Academy, either due to moving to a new address, retirement, death, or lack of interest. Mail has been returned as "No Such Person at this Address" in many cases, and in other cases no response has been received to repeated mailings and letters.

If any Members are aware of the status or new addresses of the following Members, it would be appreciated if any information could be sent to the Secretary-General. If no response is received, the following names will be removed from the Membership List. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

19. Air Mar. P. M. Sundaram, 1992
520 Jal Vayu Vihar
Hennur Banaswadi Layout
Bangalore 560084
India

20. Dr. Bang Lee Ho, 1988
Taipei Airport
Taipei
Taiwan

J. 48^th INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF AVIATION & SPACE MEDICINE, BRAZIL

It is a pleasure to report that the 48^th Congress, scheduled for September 17^th - 21^st, 2000, in Rio de Janeiro, will take place as planned. Dr. Marco Montenegro, Vice-Admiral of the Brazilian Navy, is the President of the Organizing Committee, and has assured us that the 48^th Congress will be one of the best yet. Dr. Murillo de Oliveira Villela , who originally applied for the 48^th Congress on behalf of Brazil, has retired, but has agreed to assist the Organizing Committee as Honorary President , to help make the Congress a great success.

Dr. Claude Thibeault, and I, along with Dr. Silvio Finkelstein, were invited to participate in the First Pan-American Military Medicine Congress, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, November 2^nd - 5^th, 1999. This Congress was held at the Naval College in downtown Rio de Janeiro, the site of the 48^th Congress of the Academy, and Dr. Montenegro was the President of the Organizing Committee. The visit gave us the opportunity to inspect the facilities, and meet with the Organizing Committee of the 48^th Congress.

The Naval College, situated on an island very near downtown Rio de Janeiro, has excellent facilities for our Congress. The Auditorium is fully equipped with all necessary Audio-Visual equipment, plus simultaneous translator booths, etc. The adjacent building is fully equipped for exhibits, refreshments, communication centres, etc. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, and as the entire facility is a Naval College on an island, security is totally under the capable control of the Brazilian Navy.

There will be a choice of hotels, but the Hotel Gloria, the nearest hotel to the Congress, will be the central hotel, for transportation purposes. The Organizing Committee will be providing free transportation from the Hotel Gloria to the Convention Site on a regular basis. Therefore, if you choose to stay at another hotel of your choice, you will be provided free transportation

from the Hotel Gloria. You will note the reasonable prices that the Organizing Committee has negotiated for the Congress. Hotel Gloria is one of the older hotels, but has all the necessary amenities. There are many choices of hotels in all price ranges as the Convention Site is located near to the downtown area.. I would recommend that you visit the Congress Web site which will provide you with more information. <www.icasm2000.com.br> .

Visa Requirements: Visitors from certain countries will require VISAs. Generally it is those countries that require Brazilian citizens to have a Visa to visit that country. However, many countries are exempted from visa requirements. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you contact your nearest Brazilian Consulate for further information. I would also recommend that you visit the Web site < to get additional information regarding your visit to Brazil. If you require a tourist visa, you can download the Application Form for the visa through this Web site.

Safety in Rio de Janeiro: Many members have expressed concern regarding personal safety while visiting Rio de Janeiro. I have had the pleasure of visiting Rio de Janeiro on two occasions during 1999, the first time in March 1999, and my most recent visit was in November 1999.

Yes, Rio is a large city of approximately 9 million people, with the usual problems associated with a large cosmopolitan city. Rio is also a very beautiful city with breathtaking scenery, surrounded by mountains, water and over 80 kms. of world famous beaches. The people who live in Rio are known as Cariocas, and they call their city the Cidade Maravilhosa-- the Marvellous City. They have a zest for life, and a love of romance, music, dance, fine food and conversation. However, one is advised to behave in Rio as in any other large international metropolitan city. That is, don’t broadcast and make it obvious that one is a wealthy tourist by wearing flashy jewellery and carrying an expensive camera around your neck while strolling down the crowded streets. Some common sense precautions should be taken as in any large international city. Have small bills and change in your pocket, so that you do not have to show your fat wallet stuffed with large bills. Do not walk alone in a dark area at night. These are things one does not do in any large city. I have walked the streets of Rio alone during the day, shopping, site seeing etc. and have had no problems whatsoever. So leave your expensive jewellery at home, and come and enjoy the beautiful and exciting city, the beautiful scenery, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the very friendly Brazilian people. Dr. Montenegro has assured us that all Attendees of the Congress who pre- register before the Congress, and notify the Organizing Committee of the date and time of arrival at the Rio de Janeiro International Airport, will be met at the Airport by a representative of the Organizing Committee, and assisted with transportation to guarantee safe arrival at your hotel. The Organizing Committee will also provide all necessary transportation from the Hotel Gloria to the Convention Site, and to all Congress social functions. As September is spring-time in Rio, the weather will be pleasant and warm, but not uncomfortably hot. So come and enjoy the sights and sound of exciting Rio de Janeiro at the 48^th Congress.

K. PROXY FOR HOUSTON MEETING

If you are unable to attend the Academy meetings in Houston, please complete the PROXY VOTE AUTHORIZATION, Appendix 4, and return it as soon as possible to the Office of the Secretary-General by mail or fax before May 5, 2000. Fax # 613-228-0242. As you are aware, at the beginning of each meeting, a quorum must be established, and duly signed proxies are counted in the establishment of a quorum. Therefore, your proxy is very important if you are unable to attend the meeting in person. Your cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Please note the locations and times of the Academy Meetings for Houston. Please bring the Schedules and Agendas with you to Houston, as we are trying to save on carrying extra printed matter.

1. French Translations: Dr. Jean-Pierre Crance continues to generously support the Academy by translating documents into French for our French speaking colleagues. His major contribution is the translation of the Newsletter and the Minutes of the General Assembly. This is a very time-consuming task, and his efforts are very much appreciated. Also a very warm thanks and appreciation to Ms. Françoise LORRAIN, who does an excellent job of the French transcribing.

2. Deputy Secretary-General: I wish to thank Dr. Len Thompson for his management of the Scholarship Trust Fund, the publication of the Monographs, and his timely advice when needed most. Dr. Thompson’s efforts save the Academy significant costs which would be incurred by the Academy without his efforts.

3. Academy Web site: A special thanks to Dr. Michael Berry for establishing the Academy Web-page, and modifying it as required. This Web site gives the Academy considerable exposure since its has been established, and has initiated many inquiries and interesting communication. For those of you who have not yet visited the site, please do so at <www.iaasm.org> and send your comments to Dr. Michael Berry.

Respectfully submitted,

George Y. Takahashi, MD
Secretary-General

Major General Médecin Edgard EVRARD M.D. was born in Obaix (BE) in 1911 and died July 01, 1999 in Brussels. He studied medicine at the Catholic University of Louvain, receiving his M.D. in 1935. He was awarded further degrees in hygiene and preventive medicine, by the University of Brussels in 1937 and in tropical medicine by the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp in 1949. He joined the Medical Services of the Belgian Air Force in 1936, and during the next four years he flew more than 600 hours in several types of military aircraft as an observer and as a medical researcher, studying the effects of hypoxia and the use of early prototypes of oxygen equipment for aircrews.

He fought during the invasion of Beligum and managed to escape, in June 1942, through France to Spain, crossing the Pyrénées near Andorra. After being held in a number of Spanish prisons and an internment camp he was deported to Portugal in May 1943. From there he flew to Britain and spent the rest of the war in the Medical Branch of the Royal Air Force (UK).

He was the innovative brain and the active force behind the creation of the Medical Service of the newly created Belgian Air Force (1946). He devoted his total career to the Belgian Air Force Medical Services where he was appointed Director from the beginning until 1964. During this period he created the "Centre de Médecine Aéronautique" (Institute of Aviation Medicine). He was awarded the Prix de Bruxelles Médical in 1949 for the first study undertaken by the Laboratory of this Institute- into the effects of decompression sickness during very rapid ascent to 33,000 ft (c. 10,000m).

In October 1951 General Evrard attended the USAF School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, graduating from there as a Flight Surgeon and Aviation Medical Examiner.

He was a member of the Aerospace Medical Panel 5AMP from AGARD’s inception in 1952 until 1986. He was Chairman of the Panel from 1956 to 1959, and again from 1962 to 1964. He was appointed a National Delegate for Belgium in 1967 and continued in that position until AGARD was disbanded. For his NATO activities and contributions he received the Von Karman Medal, the highest AGARD Honor. He is the only doctor, from the AGARD to have received this medal.

General Evrard was recognized by his peers in the international aerospace medical community as an expert in the fields of air crew selection, behavioural and clinical aerospace medicine. He has published nearly 100 papers in this area, including 9 AGARDographs- one of which was the second AGARDograph ever to be published by AGARD. He was the author of two books-<Hygiene de l’Aviateur-Physiologie du Vol>, 1956 and <Précis de Médecine Aéronautique et Spatial>, 1975. The latter is now one of the classical textbooks used in the teaching of aviation medicine.

As an active member of the Aerospace Medical Panel, and as its Chairman, General Evrard continuously used the weight of his influence to bolster and stimulate research and its immediate application to flying safety and the improvement of the human factor in the air forces of the Atlantic Community.

General Evrard was a member and Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association (USA) where he received in 1981 the Theodore C. Lyster Award. He was also a Member of the International Academy of Astronautics, and a founding Member of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine.

One of general’s outside interests was the History of Medicine, particularly Military Medicine and he was the author of several papers on the medical services and military surgeons at the battle of Waterloo and on the medical service in the Spanish Army in the Low Countries in the 17^th Century.

Kindly submitted by Med. Col. (ret.) Vandenbosch, Paul M.D..
Former Chairman AMP/Agard.

Addendum: As Dr. Vandenbosch was unable to attend the Budapest General Assembly, Dr. Robert Auffret, who had the privilege of knowing General Evrard since 1958, paid tribute to the memory of General Evrard at the General Assembly. Dr. Auffret stated that during the past ten years General Evrard expressed his concerns over the flexibilities of the new proposals of medical requirements for pilots, especially in the area of visual requirements, color vision and insulin-dependent diabetes.