KCOM alumnus assists in Chilean rescue
Posted: November 3, 2010
J.D. Polk, D.O., with President Barak Obama. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
James Polk, D.O., ’93, met with President Barack Obama on October 28 along with members of the NASA team and other Americans involved in the rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners.
NASA officials presented NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal to five agency employees, including Dr. Polk, who is chief medical officer at NASA, Johnson Space Center in Houston. Dr. Polk and the NASA team traveled to Chili Aug. 30-Sept. 5 to visit the mine and consult with Chilean organizations.
NASA provided technical advice to the Chilean government , as well as recommendations on medical care, nutrition, and psychological support.