2026 Workshops / Courses

Mental Wellness in Global Aviation:
Boundless Frontiers and Relentless Progress

This workshop convenes leaders in operational aviation medicine, peer support, safety science, and regulatory policy to explore emerging innovations that advance mental health as a core component of aviation safety, readiness, and performance. It includes sessions on the Safe Haven concept of cooperative pilot/ATCO medical qualification policies without direct regulatory involvement, incorporating SMS concepts in medical policy decisions, an initiative to mirror a medical ASAP program similar to those used to improve operational flight safety, and establishing peer support programs for all aviation safety professionals.  Together, these interactive sessions explores mental wellness not as an individual liability but as a system level safety priority requiring integrated solutions and ongoing progress. Small group discussions will synthesize lessons learned and identify practical next step actions aviation stakeholders can adopt to transform mental health into a proactive safety capability.  

Review of Space Radiation for Aeromedical Professionals

This workshop is organized to present a comprehensive foundation in space radiation principles using a topically organized, science-based approach for the aerospace medicine professional. The primary topics are basics of radiation physics, space radiation environments, acute radiation illness, brain and neurocognitive effects of chronic radiation, and radiation shielding. Practical demonstrations and facilitated discussion will provide the attendee with a working knowledge of radiation measurements, dosing, terminology, and exposure limit guidelines. Recent efforts in the application of precision medicine and medical countermeasures for space radiation hazards are included. Astronaut radiation exposure and risk mitigation considerations for an exploration class reference mission, such as a round-trip Mars journey, are highlighted. The workshop will end with a synthesis panel of reinforcing practical takeaways and facilitated discussion. Each attendee will receive a certificate of workshop completion

Virgin Galactic AME

The intent of the workshop is to train AMEs in how to become affiliated with Virgin Galactic as an AME so that they can conduct flight physicals on Virgin Galactic Customers as spaceflight commercial operations resume in 2026.  The workshop will consist of 4 morning sessions (50 minutes each with a 10-minute break interval in between sessions) from 8 am - 12 pm.  Attendees must attend all 4 morning sessions to complete the minimum AME training requirements.  Following an hour break for lunch, there will also be 2 afternoon sessions that are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.  The first afternoon session would run from 1-2 pm and the second afternoon session would run from 2-4 pm. 

Emerging Challenges in Wound Care and
Hyperbaric Medicine: Audits, Appeals, and
Payer Policy Shifts

     This workshop provides a focused, practical overview of the rapidly evolving clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement landscape in wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Through a series of expert-led sessions, participants will explore the management of atypical and complex wounds, including pressure injuries, and examine the growing role of advanced therapies such as skin substitutes and cellular/tissue-based products (CTPs).
     The course emphasizes real-world challenges related to coverage and payer policy, including private payer variability, off-label use considerations, and the divide between clinical innovation and reimbursement acceptance. Attendees will gain clarity on defining and documenting medical necessity, navigating prepayment review programs, and understanding the impact of tools such as AI and evidence-based resources on clinical decision-making.
     A key focus of the workshop is audit readiness and response. Participants will learn strategies to manage audits involving CTPs and HBOT, engage in effective payer communication and mediation, and understand the evolving stance of organizations such as UHMS. Practical insights into cost considerations, compliance, and appeals processes will equip clinicians, administrators, and revenue cycle professionals to succeed in today’s increasingly scrutinized environment.

Contemporary Issues in Diving Medicine

The 2026 UHMS Diving Medicine Pre-Course will address a range of topics affecting both divers and diving medicine specialists. Advances in understanding diver health, improvements in recreational diving capabilities, and emerging technologies continue to enhance diving safety. Course topics will include decompression sickness, diver rescue and resuscitation, immersion pulmonary edema, patent foramen ovale (PFO), oxygen toxicity, pediatric considerations, artificial intelligence applications, and diving fatality investigation, followed by expert panel discussions.