Dr. Shah joined the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 2022 and serves as the Director for the Division of Aerospace Medicine. In this role, he oversees the development and execution of academic, managerial, and strategic endeavors related to Aerospace Medicine at the University. Since joining UTMB, Dr. Shah has been instrumental in several new initiatives, including creation of a new Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Medicine, the development of an innovative 4-year combined Emergency Medicine/Aerospace Medicine physician training program, and ongoing work on an Aerospace Medicine consortium. His expertise in Aerospace Medicine is recognized both nationally and internationally, and he is frequently sought after by government, academia, and commercial space entities for his guidance.

Before joining UTMB, Dr. Shah served as the Medical Director of Clinical Services at NASA Johnson Space Center from 2017 to 2022. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing both medical and administrative aspects of clinical services provided to the astronaut corps and a campus of over 11,000 people. His contributions were significant, including the establishment of a medical home model for astronaut healthcare, advocacy for women’s healthcare in Assisted Reproductive Technology, and the groundwork for an astronaut autopsy program. Dr. Shah also played a pivotal role in Johnson Space Center’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the COVID Physicians Working Group, developing risk reduction strategies for mission operations, and serving on the NASA-JSC Pandemic Response Group, for which he was awarded the prestigious NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for his service to the agency.

Prior to his role as Medical Director, Dr. Shah provided operational support to astronauts during training in Star City, Russia and at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, Texas. He also contributed significantly to NASAs Human Research Program, serving as Deputy Element Scientist and then Element Scientist for the Exploration Medical Capability Element. 

Dr. Shah’s professional development includes participation in the prestigious Harvard Program for Chairs of Clinical Services. He graduated from the UTMB Residency in Aerospace Medicine in 2011 and previously served as the President of the Society of NASA Flight Surgeons. Dr. Shah holds dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Health and is Board Certified in Aerospace Medicine and Internal Medicine.