Dr. Diego M. Garcia, MD, MSHF

Advisory Board Member – Aerospace Medicine & Human Performance

Dr. Diego M. Garcia is an award-winning physician-scientist and aerospace medicine specialist with over 15 years of expertise in high-risk operational environments. His career spans regulatory agencies, military aviation, and the aerospace industry, where he has served as a government-appointed aeromedical assessor, safety investigator, and systems safety expert.

He has conducted expert analyses in more than 30 aviation accidents — including four major incidents — providing authoritative opinions on medical causation, fitness for duty, human performance, fatigue, mental health systems design, crashworthiness, and survivability. His approach is rooted in systems thinking, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to advancing safety culture in aviation.

Beyond investigative work, Dr. Garcia is a sought-after consultant and subject matter expert in complex legal cases involving aircrew health, regulatory compliance, and human error in transportation systems. He is the 2024 recipient of the prestigious John Paul Stapp Award from the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA).

Professional Service

• Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) – Member at Large (Elected), Chair – Communications Committee, Deputy Chair – Bylaws Committee, Member – Human Performance, Safety, and Mental Health Research Committees
• ICAO Aviation Medicine Section – SME for CAPSCA, Member – MPWG & MHWG
• Aerospace Human Factors Association (AsHFA) – Publicity & Communications Chair
• Colombian Aerospace Medicine Association (ACMAE) – Vice President

Selected Publications

Dr. Garcia has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed studies on aviation mental health, human factors, and safety systems — including Methods of Aircraft Disinfection (2024), Driving Progress on Mental Health and Psychosocial Safety in Global Aviation (2024), and the 737 MAX case study Automation on the Rampage (2021).

“My mission is to advance aviation safety by integrating rigorous science, human-centered design, and evidence-based aeromedical policy.”