Paralympian and surgeon John McFall is redefining the astronaut image and proving that space travel is achievable for people with physical disabilities
John McFall, a Paralympic sprinter who later became an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, has had an esteemed career fueled by his intense drive and curiosity. Now he’s adding yet another acclaimed career to the mix: astronaut.
In terms of my background: As an amputee and surgeon, I know a lot about medicine and my disability specifically—especially what is and isn’t feasible with my condition. As an athlete, I know that I’m fit and physically capable—probably an ideal person to demonstrate how capable people with physical disabilities can be. I thought I might be an ideal candidate to help answer this question.
But there’s no harm in asking the question anyway. It’s very fair because some people don’t have experience with physical disabilities, and this is where my background as a medic with a disability comes in. It’s not until you pick apart the requirements for flying to space that you look at how my disability and prosthesis might impact meeting them. The goal was to find out what we need to demonstrate to prove that they can be met.
For example, yes, you would expect fluid shifts in microgravity. Generally, fluid moves from the legs up into the abdomen and thorax—so, theoretically, your lower limbs would have less volume. There will be acute and chronic fluid shifts, as well as chronic atrophy, because while you’re still exercising on the station, you’re not going to be able to achieve the same muscle strength and bulk as on Earth.
What’s interesting is when you look at a person’s disability and how they would live and work in space, you need to consider where assistive devices play a role. If someone is dependent on assistive technology to undertake their tasks, as I am with my prosthesis, you have to make sure that this device works and is suitable for spaceflight.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Breaking is the new Olympic sensation. Here's more on its New York City roots.A form of dancing known as Breaking is breaking down barriers at the Paris Olympics.
Read more »
12-year-old Indy racer breaking barriers on the track in the Soap Box DerbyAfter graduating from Knox College in Illinois, Naja Woods started her journalism career in 2019 as a producer at ABC57 News in South Bend.
Read more »
Breaking Barriers in Optics: The Power of Coherence EntropyScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »
Breaking Barriers: First-Ever Quantum Memory for X-Rays AchievedScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »
Breaking Barriers: Aimee Barrett-Theron Set to Become First Woman to Reach 40-Test Referee MilestoneBy Priscilla Rotich The Official appointments for all three levels of the WXV Match, scheduled in Canada, South Africa, and Dubai from 27 September to 12 Octobe
Read more »
Breaking Down Barriers to Belonging for Women of Color in TechWomen of color continue to be underrepresented in the tech industry. In this article, the author describes the findings from her doctoral research on workplace belonging. The goal of the study was to measure the level of workplace belonging reported, the top belonging contributors and detractors, and to identify recommendations to increase it.
Read more »