How does NASA ensure that astronauts going into space for months at a time don’t get sick?

Question

I assume the astronauts are healthy, thoroughly vetted by doctors, trained in basic medical principles, and have basic medical supplies on board.

But what happens if they get appendicitis or kidney stones or some other acute onset problem?

In: 2048

Answer 1

Other good answers already, but FWIW a lot of NASA docs are emergency medicine physicians. They would be the best person to have on hand in case of a sudden space medical emergency. It is also another reason I’ll be applying for emergency medicine residency next year.