Irene D. Long

Irene Duhart Long (November 16, 1950 – August 4, 2020) 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.

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, and where she received her Masters of Science degree in aerospace medicine.

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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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
2010 - Strughold Award, Space Medicine Association

Notes

References
 Staff (January 2004) "Irene D. Long 1951-" Biography Today 13(1):  pp. 92–104
 
 
 
 

1950 births
2020 deaths
Physicians from Cleveland
Northwestern University alumni
Saint Louis University alumni
Wright State University alumni
NASA people