What Can a Clinical Chemist Learn from Aviation?

[摘要] Most people perceive pilots who don't fly for the commercial airlines as daredevils who always “fall out of the sky.” My acquaintances are genuinely surprised to learn that I, a medical doctor and a clinical chemist, am one of those presumed reckless individuals.Piloting an airplane is a complex task that requires dedication, practice, and commitment. Flying has been my dream since the time I was a child but I didn't start pilot training until after finishing residency and fellowship. I have been flying for 25 years and it still offers satisfaction and challenges to me (Fig. 1). It is an integral part of my life, as are practicing medicine, directing a laboratory, and teaching residents and fellows.Fig. 1. The author flying his 1968 Beechcraft Bonanza over Leadville Airport, Colorado. (Photo courtesy of Robert Bodor.)Years of flying have taught me many lessons, directly applicable to laboratory medicine. As a pilot I must comply with diverse and constantly changing regulations, must participate in recurrent training, and must prove my competency at regular intervals, similarly to the College …

[学科分类] 过敏症与临床免疫学