Education & Enrichment

Dr. Kris M. Belland, DO, MPH, MBA, MSS, FAAFP, FACOFP, FAsMA, FCAMA

     Dr. Kris Belland is a nationally recognized leader in aerospace and occupational medicine, whose career spans over three decades of distinguished service across military, federal, corporate, and academic domains. A past President of both the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) and the American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventive Medicine (AOCOPM), he currently serves as President and CEO of Aerospace Medicine Strategic Consultation, PLLC. Dr. Belland most recently held the role of FAA Southwest Regional Deputy Flight Surgeon and previously served as Chief Medical Officer and Corporate Medical Director for American Airlines, as well as an aeromedical consultant to pilot and flight attendant unions.

     A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he holds board certifications in both Family and Aerospace Medicine, along with master’s degrees in Business Administration, Public Health, and Strategic Studies. Over a full 38-year career in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Belland served as both a Naval Aviator and Flight Surgeon, amassing over 2,000 flight hours, 112 arrested carrier landings, and 25 combat missions in aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet, A-6 Intruder, EA-6B Prowler, and F-14 Tomcat.

     Dr. Belland’s groundbreaking work has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon of the Year, Sonny Carter Memorial Award, AsMA’s Lyster Award, the Collins Award for excellence in human factors research, the Graybiel Award, and the CAPT Robert E. Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, Civil Aviation Medical Association, AOCOPM, and AsHFA. Dr. Belland remains committed to advancing innovation, mentorship, and excellence in aviation safety, occupational health, and aeromedical policy worldwide.