Wayne Derman, the flight surgeon for Mark’s mission, was born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa. He attended the Universities of Pretoria, Wits and Cape Town (UCT), where he earned his MBChB, BSc (Med)(Hons), and PhD degrees. He is also a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and was the Chief Medical Officer of the South African Olympic Team to Sydney 2000.
At present, Wayne is Associate Professor of Sports Medicine and Sport Science at the Medical Research Council/UCT Research Unit for Sport Science and Sports Medicine at the Sport Science Institute of South Africa.
The role of the flight surgeon is to assist Mark with medical testing in the run-up to the flight, ensuring that he passes all pre-flight medical evaluations. Marks tolerability for certain medications that could be used in space are also tested during this phase of preparation. During the days immediately prior to the launch, the flight surgeon has to ensure that quarantine is observed and no one with possible infections comes into contact with Mark.
During the flight, daily communications will be held between the flight surgeon and Mark, and any medical problems that arise will be discussed and hopefully solved. These problems could include space-motion sickness, nausea, inability to sleep, headaches and other minor medical complaints.
After landing, the flight surgeon will attend to Mark’s wellbeing and will ensure that there were no injuries during the landing. On return to Star City, he will oversee Mark’s rehabilitation process, which should last for not more than five days. |
