William (Ed) Powers, MD, MS

Biography

Dr. William (Ed) Powers is a dual-board certified physician in Aerospace Medicine in Orlando and Emergency Medicine. His practice is uniquely focused on the intersection of medicine and flight, specializing in medical risk evaluation and mitigation to keep aviators and astronauts performing at their peak.

As a FAA Designated Class 1 Aviation Medical Examiner, Dr. Powers provides comprehensive medical evaluations for all classes of pilot certification. He offers specialized expertise in assisting pilots with disqualifying medical conditions, navigating the FAA appeals process, and securing Special Issuance Medical Certifications. Beyond traditional aviation, Dr. Powers is a global leader in space medicine, providing medical risk assessments and healthcare management for astronauts and all aspects of orbital medical support.

Education

• Medical School: Rush University College of Medicine, Chicago, IL
• Residency (Aerospace Medicine): Wright State University, Dayton, OH
• Residency (Emergency Medicine): Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL
• Internship (General Surgery): Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL
• Specialized Training: Private Pilot License with Instrument Rating

Background

Before joining UCF Health, Dr. Powers held several of the most prestigious roles in aerospace medicine. He served as the Chief of the Medical Operations Branch at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and was the Director of Flight Medicine for Axiom Space. His extensive regulatory experience includes serving as a Supervisory Medical Officer for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In the academic realm, Dr. Powers previously served as the Director of the Aerospace Medicine Center Clinic and Program Director for the Aerospace Medicine Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He is currently a leading faculty member for the development of UCF’s Master of Science in Aerospace Medicine.

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Board Certifications & Licensure

• Board Certified: American Board of Preventive Medicine / Aerospace Medicine
• Board Certified: American Board of Emergency Medicine
• FAA Designation: Class 1 Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
• Medical Licensure: Florida, Texas, and New Mexico

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Clinical Interests & Specialties

Dr. Powers specializes in high-stakes clinical evaluations where regulatory compliance meets advanced medical science. His areas of expertise include:

• FAA Medical Certification: Comprehensive exams for Class I, II, and III pilots.
• Special Issuance: Expert guidance on FAA medical appeals and certifications for complex conditions.
• Space Medicine: Medical risk assessments and long-term healthcare management for astronauts.
• Extreme Environment Medicine: Health optimization for individuals operating in high-stress or isolated environments.