Physicians in Space: New Lancet publication explores doctors' vital role in deep space exploration
A new article published today in The Lancet, one of the world's leading medical journals, highlights the vital role of physicians in the future of deep space missions to the Moon and Mars.
Dr. Farhan M. Asrar, physician, researcher and Associate Dean at Toronto Metropolitan University's (TMU) School of Medicine, is the lead author of Physician-astronauts advancing deep space exploration (TheLancet-D-25-05450). The publication underscores how physicians, from the early outset of space missions, were recruited to become astronauts, uniquely equipped to support the health and success of crews on long-duration missions.
2025 marks 61 years since the first physician traveled into space. Notably, the longest single space missions by an American, and a Canadian, belong to physician-astronauts.
The paper is co-authored with four physician-astronauts, who share their firsthand experience and insight:
- Dr. Andrew Morgan (NASA)
- Dr. Marco Sieber (European Space Agency)
- Dr. Carmen Possnig (European Space Agency)
- Dr. Chiaki Mukai (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
Interview Opportunities:
- Dr. Farhan M. Asrar (Lead Author)
- Select astronaut co-authors (by request)
Media Note: Any reporting must follow The Lancet's embargo and publication policies.
To arrange interviews or for more information:
Tania Ulrich
PR & Communications
Toronto Metropolitan University
tulrich@torontomu.ca
647-785-0984
More information:
TheLancet-D-25-05450
Provided by Toronto Metropolitan University
