FMCSA appoints first medical review board

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) appointed its first Medical Review Board, naming five medical experts who will serve on the board. The FMCSA is planning updates to physical qualifications of commercial motor vehicle drivers and the board will provide the necessary science-based guidance to establish realistic and responsible medical standards. Each medical professional brings specialties to support FMCSA's agenda: -Dr. Gunnar Andersson, senior VP for Medical Affairs, Rush University Medical Center, and professor and chair of Orthopedic Surgery; -Dr. Michael Greenberg, associate director for Medical Toxicology, Drexel University College of Medicine and director of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship Program; -Dr. Kurt Hegmann, director and associate professor of Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah; -Dr. Barbara Phillips, chair of the National Sleep Foundation and professor at the University of Kentucky College of Health in the Department of Preventive Medicine; and -Dr. Matthew Rizzo, professor of Neurology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Board members are appointed to a two-year term and are eligible for reappointment based on FMCSA's needs at the time. Criteria for appointment includes medical expertise in a medical specialty, an understanding of research methods, knowledge of transportation medical issues, experience on panels that develop medical standards, a record of scientific collaboration, professional service, and experience developing teaching programs.