Irene D. Long

Irene Duhart Long (November 16, 1950 – August 4, 2020[1]) was an American physician and was an official at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. She was the first female chief medical officer at the Kennedy Space Center.

Irene D. Long
Dr. Irene D. Long at work
Born(1950-11-16)November 16, 1950
Cleveland, Ohio
DiedAugust 4, 2020(2020-08-04) (aged 69)
EducationNorthwestern University (B.A., Biology)

Saint Louis University (MD)

Wright State University (MS, aerospace medicine)

Early life and education

Long, the second of two children was born to Andrew and Heloweise Davis Duhart in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from East High School in Cleveland, and in 1973, she received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Northwestern University. In 1977, Long received her medical degree from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine followed by residencies at the Cleveland Clinic, Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, as the second civilian to enter the Wright State University School of Medicine’s aerospace medicine program,[2] and where she received her Masters of Science degree in aerospace medicine.[3]

Career

In 1982 Long went to work for NASA as a physician.[4] There, she contributed to the creation of the Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program.[5] Notably, she was the medical officer on duty Jan. 28, 1986, the day of the space shuttle Challenger disaster.[6] In 1994, she was appointed director of the Biomedical Operations and Research Office at the Kennedy Space Center.[7]

In 2000, Dr. Long became the first woman and the first minority to be appointed as Chief Medical Officer and Associate Director of Spaceport Services at the Kennedy Space Center. In this capacity, she assumed responsibility for overseeing the occupational health and well-being of the center's 15,000 employees.[8] Additionally, she directed the Biomedical Operations and Research Office, where her work encompassed occupational and aerospace medicine, life science research, and environmental management.

Dr. Long's contributions extended beyond her official duties. Recognizing the need for increased diversity in the field of science, she played a crucial role in establishing the Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program at the Kennedy Space Center.[9] This program aimed to encourage female and minority college students to pursue careers in science.

Throughout her career, Dr. Long faced and overcame numerous challenges as a woman working in a field that had traditionally been dominated by men. Despite these challenges, her determination, expertise, and leadership paved the way for future generations of scientists.

Dr. Long also made significant contributions to astronaut health and safety. She staffed the biomedical console in the Launch Control Center during Space Shuttle launches, where she coordinated emergency medical support for these high-stakes missions.[10] Her dedication and expertise were instrumental in ensuring the well-being of astronauts and the success of space missions.

Late Life and Death

After dedicating 31 years to NASA, Irene Duhart Long retired in 2010, leaving a lasting legacy of achievement, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity in science.[11] Her impact on NASA and the broader scientific community continues to be felt today.

On August 4, 2020, Dr. Irene Duhart Long passed away at the age of 69. Her life and career continue to serve as an inspiration, particularly for women and minorities aspiring to excel in the field of aerospace medicine. Her pioneering contributions and unwavering commitment to science and diversity remain a testament to her enduring legacy.

Awards
  • 1986 - Kennedy Space Center Federal Woman of the Year Award
  • 1995 - Society of NASA Flight Surgeons Presidential Award
  • 1998 - Women in Aerospace Outstanding Achievement Award
  • 2001 - Ohio Women's Hall of Fame
  • 2005 - Lifetime Achievement Award, Women of Color Technology Awards Conference[12]
  • 2010 - Strughold Award, Space Medicine Association[13]

Notes
  1. "Dr. Long Remembered as a Trailblazer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center". August 20, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  2. "Space Doctor, Spring 2007, Northwestern Magazine". www.northwestern.edu. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  3. Staff (1997). "Physician of Color Highlight" (PDF). The Supplemental Instructor. 1 (March 1997): 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2003.
  4. Staff (September 1984). "Dr. Irene Long: a pioneer in aerospace medicine". Ebony. 39 (9): 61–63.
  5. Cawley, James (August 20, 2020). "Dr. Long Remembered as a Trailblazer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center". NASA. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  6. "Space Doctor, Spring 2007, Northwestern Magazine". www.northwestern.edu. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  7. Staff (August 1, 1994). "Irene Duhart Long, M.D. Named Director, Biomedical Operations and Research Office at the Kennedy Space Center". NASA News Release Online. NASA. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2007.
  8. "Dr. Long Remembered as a Trailblazer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center - NASA". August 20, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  9. "In loving memory of Irene Duhart Long - Obituary Baldwin Brothers". baldwincremation.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  10. "Space Doctor, Spring 2007, Northwestern Magazine". www.northwestern.edu. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  11. Siceloff, Steven (March 8, 2013). "ISS may provide clues in Alzheimer's fight" (PDF). Spaceport News. Vol. 53, no. 6. p. 10.
  12. Staff (Spring 2006). "Class Notes" (PDF). Universitas. St. Louis, Missouri: St. Louis University. 32 (2): 26. OCLC 37135294. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 20, 2006.
  13. Staff (August 2010). "Space Medicine Association News: Other SMA Awards". ASMA News. Aerospace Medical Association. Archived from the original on May 20, 2012.

References
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