Chief Medical Officer, Virgin Galactic

Dr. James Vanderploeg is an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Medicine in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. He is active in aerospace medical research as an Investigator for the FAA Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation at UTMB. His research has demonstrated that virtually all individuals of all age groups whose medical conditions are well controlled can safely withstand the acceleration forces of a space flight.

For the past twelve years he has served as the Chief Medical Officer for Virgin Galactic where he is developing the world-wide medical program for Virgin Galactic’s suborbital spaceflight program.  He also provides guidance for the Virgin Galactic pilot medical program and the emergency medical response plan.

He is an Academician and the President-elect of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine. His previous leadership activities included President of the Aerospace Medical Association, member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Medical Specialties, and Trustee and Executive Director of the American Board of Preventive Medicine.