Shows
WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMilitary Medicine through the Lens of a Navy Optometrist and Strategic Leader- RADM (Ret) Michael Mittelman, O.D., MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHEEpisode Summary:
Meet retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman, a man of commendable vision - both figuratively and literally. With a career as a Navy Optometrist, Mike brings a unique perspective on the crucial role of vision in military readiness. We discuss the evolving regulations for aviators regarding perfect vision and how the Navy accommodates aging pilots by facilitating the necessary corrective measures to keep them active. Our discussion also touches on the importance of regular vision exams for military members and the role of Optometrists in operational scenarios. From deployments with surgical teams to treating aging av...
2023-08-1846 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMSG(R) John Dominguez: Tales of Triumph and Survival from a Special Operations Medic When you think of heroism on the frontlines, images of soldiers valiantly charging into battle often come to mind. However, there are unsung heroes whose battlefield is the human body, whose weapons are their medical equipment, and whose mission is to save lives. Master Sergeant John Dominguez, a retired Special Operations Medic, joined us on WarDocs to share his incredible journey from a family steeped in the military tradition to dedicating his life to providing care in the harshest conditions across the globe. With a career spanning elite units and austere locations around the globe, John is a true ve...
2023-08-1145 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMaj Gen (Ret) Paul Friedrichs, MD- Joint Staff Surgeon Perpectives on Operational Medicine What drives the future of Military Medicine, and how do we ensure our medics are ready for the battles of tomorrow? We guarantee you'll gain rare insights into the critical role of industry partnerships, the latest advancements in medical practice within expeditionary environments, and the importance of a patient-first approach in the field. This episode offers an intriguing look into the unique aspects of Military Medicine and the systems built around acknowledging every patient's distinctive needs. Dr. Friedrichs also emphasizes the need for continual evolution in medical competence to ensure our medics are ready for the future.
The conv...
2023-08-0815 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastThe Making of a Military Surgeon: Air Force Capt. Justin Sleeter’s Journey Ever wondered what it takes to be a military surgeon working in the Department of Defense's only level-one trauma center? How about the grit and determination needed to navigate the challenging years of graduate medical education and training in the Air Force? Get ready for an inspiring journey, as we welcome Captain Dr. Justin Sleeter, a general surgery chief resident who paints a vivid picture of his path to becoming a surgeon. We hear firsthand insights into his decision-making process for choosing between the Health Professions Scholarship Program and the Uniformed Services University and understand his unwavering commitment to saf...
2023-08-0429 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCelebrating Military Medical Spouses and Families: Strength, Resilience, and Support Systems There's no doubt that military spouses and families are the unsung heroes of our nation's military community. As Host Doug Soderdahl and Guest Host Kim Causey sat down with Sue Clark and Melinda Stackle, their strength and resilience became evident. These incredible women, married to retired Major General Jeff Clark and Colonel Mark Stackle, respectively, share their unique experiences and challenges in navigating the demanding lifestyle of being a military medical spouse. In our conversation, we explore the unique challenges, sacrifices, and strength of the families of military medical providers, as they navigate the demanding lifestyle of traveling away fro...
2023-07-2853 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCapt. Sidney Zven, MD: Innovations and Education to Win the Battle Against Food Insecurity in the Military Did you know that up to one in four active-duty service members struggle to find sufficient nutritious food? In this eye-opening conversation, we're joined by Air Force Captain Dr. Sidney Zven, MD, who shares his groundbreaking research on food insecurity in the military. We discuss the often-unappreciated prevalence of this issue and its impact on recruitment, retention, and overall military readiness.
We also explore the challenges military families face in accessing crucial resources like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Women and Infants and Children (WIC) program, as well as the logistical issues that arise for those stati...
2023-07-2126 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Kimberlie Biever, MS, RN, ANP-BC, ACNP-BC, CCNS, CCRN- Nursing Considerations in Operational Medicine- Past, Present and Future Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with retired Army Colonel Kim Biever, a seasoned medical professional with vast experience in critical care nursing. Listen in as Kim discusses the emerging need for large-scale combat operations preparation in the current operational environment. She shares invaluable insights on the importance of readying medical personnel for the future and the urgency to tailor training to the right level of provider. We also touch on the necessity of reflecting on past events and experiences for lessons learned and innovative ways to simplify tasks for medical professionals on the battlefield.
2023-07-1817 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBattles, Bandages and Beyond- The Evolution of Military Medicine from an AF Medic’s Perspective- CMSgt (Ret) Steve Cum Picture this - you're in the middle of a war zone, your resources are limited, and lives hang in the balance. Now you're starting to grasp the reality of retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Steve Cum's three-decade-long career in the Air Force. In this episode, Steve recounts his remarkable journey, sharing insights on how medical training has evolved over the years, his time in special ops, and his firsthand experiences during the 9-11 deployments, all while highlighting the crucial role of medical personnel in the world's most challenging environments.
As Steve takes us through his time as a...
2023-07-1446 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMajor General Tim Hodgetts, CBE, KHS, OStJ, MBBS, PhD, MBA- UK Surgeon General: Transforming Battlefield Medical Care and Leading Change in Military Medicine
Discover the powerful journey of Major General Tim Hodgetts, the Surgeon General of the United Kingdom Defense Medical Services, in revolutionizing military Emergency Medicine, as he shares his experience in leading a contemporary revolution in combat casualty care, his principles for leadership, and the many benefits of a continuing partnership. In this fascinating conversation, Major General Hodgetts recounts how he demonstrated that the outcomes of a mixed military and civilian hospital in Kosovo were the same as those of a civilian hospital and how he established a telephone conference of all deployed Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs), paving the way for...
2023-07-0747 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBattlefield Transfusion Medicine: Evolution, Lessons, and Future of Hemostatic Resuscitation- LTC(R) Philip C. Spinella, MDHow does Military Medicine learn lessons and overcome barriers in trauma resuscitation?
How have transfusion practices on the battlefield evolved?
Tune in and find out!
Intro: WarDocs had the pleasure of discussing the evolution of transfusion medicine on the battlefield with LTC(R) Philip C. Spinella, MD, a Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine and Co-director of the Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh. We delved into the history of blood transfusion practices during the Vietnam War, the shift from using whole blood to a mi...
2023-06-3046 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastRADM Pamela C. Miller, DO, MHA- Leadership, Mentorship, Innovation: Providing Medical Support to the US Marine Corps Around the GlobeIn this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Rear Admiral Pamela C. Miller, DO, about her journey into military medicine and the clinical and leadership lessons she learned throughout her distinguished career. We discussed her experiences providing medical support for Marine Corps Units, the unique relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps in healthcare, and the evolution of the Forward Resuscitative Surgical Systems (FRSS) Team. We also explored the role of Navy Emergency Medicine Physicians in various situations, the priorities and challenges in operational medicine for the Navy and Marines, and the importance of Military Medicine, specifically...
2023-06-2350 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTC Christian A. Labra, MD- Warfighter to Healer: A Soldier’s Inspiring Journey from Injury to Medical Practice After a life-altering injury in Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Christian Labra, MD, FAAFP, found himself on the other side of the Military Health System, navigating treatment and recovery as a patient. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Labra shares his first-hand experiences of evacuation, treatment in a war zone, and the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. Join us as he opens up about his journey and how it ultimately inspired him to pursue a medical career.
From the point of injury to rehabilitation, Dr. Labra's story highlights the incredible work of healthcare professionals in difficult situations, as...
2023-06-1948 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastSCPO David Shepardson: Expert Advice on Training Medics and Corpsmen for Real-World Scenarios Discover the world of Marine Corps medicine as we engage in a powerful conversation with Senior Chief Petty Officer David Shepardson, a Navy Corpsman currently serving as the senior enlisted leader for the Sixth Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Alongside guest host Chief Peter McGuire, an active-duty independent duty Corpsman and Senior Enlisted Leader with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, we delve into Senior Chief Shepardson's journey to joining the Navy, his deployments with Marine units and the unique role of a Hospital Corpsman in Marine units.
Listen in as SCPO Shepardson shares his valuable experiences and insi...
2023-06-1456 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Laura R. Brosch, PhD, RN: Ethical Challenges and Advancements in Combat Casualty Care ResearchExplore the fascinating world of Military Medicine research and ethics with our special guest, retired Army Nurse Corps Colonel Dr. Laura Brosch. As the Assistant Vice President of Research Initiatives and Compliance at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Dr. Brosch shares her journey into Military Medicine and experiences developing ethical protocols for conducting research in combat theaters. From the development of Theater Clinical Practice Guidelines to the introduction of novel treatment modalities for combat casualty care, you'll gain incredible insight into the challenges and advancements in Military Medicine.
Discover how the Special Medical Augmentation...
2023-06-0948 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastTaking Military Medicine to New Frontiers: A Conversation with Lieutenant General Robert I. Miller, MD Surgeon General of the US Air Force and US Space ForceEpisode Summary:
In this episode, we enjoyed exploring the world of military medicine with Lieutenant General Robert I Miller, MD, Surgeon General of the US Air Force and US Space Force. We discussed his journey into Air Force Medicine, the importance of pediatrics in military medicine, and the unique challenges of ensuring a ready medical force prepared for future conflicts. We also delved into the continuous learning in military leadership roles, the challenges and accomplishments of the Defense Health Agency, and the groundbreaking mission of the Air Force Medical Service. Additionally, we explored the future of Air...
2023-06-0252 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Robert D. Forsten, DO- Exploring Military Medicine and Mental Health in the Armed Forces EPISODE SUMMARY
Hear about the complexities of Military Medicine and mental health with our distinguished guest, retired Army Colonel Dr. Robert D. Forsten, DO, a renowned Military Psychiatrist with 26 years of military experience. Uncover the power of mentorship and relationships as Dr. Forsten shares his unique journey into the military and medicine.
Struggle and survival are not just physical battles in the military. We discuss the stigma surrounding mental health in the Special Operations community, the psychological effects of extended deployment, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Discover the intricacies of training military p...
2023-05-2651 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastRADM(Ret) Colin G Chinn, MD- Global Health Engagement, Innovative Research and Strategic Leadership in Military MedicineEpisode Summary:
In this episode of WarDocs, we had the privilege of speaking with retired Navy Rear Admiral Dr. Colin Chinn about his journey into Navy medicine, the clinical and leadership lessons he learned throughout his distinguished career, and groundbreaking research in military medicine. We discussed Dr. Chinn's experiences as a Navy gastroenterologist, his role in supporting military medicine and healthcare delivery, and the importance of global health engagement. We also touched on the challenges of military medicine and the importance of graduate medical education in maintaining the quality of healthcare professionals in the Navy. Join us as...
2023-05-1954 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastDr. Caryn Stern and CDR Shane Jensen, MD- Improving Head and Neck Trauma Management on the BattlefieldMilitary Medicine & WarDocs present: "A Ready Medical Force Special Collection"
MILMED-D-22-00478R1: “An Analysis of Head and Neck Surgical Workload During Recent Combat Operations from 2002-2016”
EPISODE SUMMARY
Discover the critical insights from Dr. Caryn Stern and CDR Shane Jensen, MD on the prevalence of head and neck trauma cases managed by deployed surgeons during recent conflicts. This episode dives into their Military Medicine paper, which analyzes head and neck surgical workload at forward MTF’s spanning 2 decades, and the importance of their findings for our military healthcare teams. Learn how this valuab...
2023-05-1630 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Richard Lesperance, MD FACS - Prolonged Care Challenges in Combat MedicineMilitary Medicine & WarDocs present: "A Ready Medical Force Special Collection"
MILMED-D-21-00296: Lessons Learned During Prolonged Care of Combat Casualties by a Minimally Manned Surgical Team
EPISODE SUMMARY
Discover the realities of providing medical care in combat zones with our special guest, Army Lieutenant Colonel Richard Lesperance, MD, an Active Duty Trauma Surgeon who has faced the unique challenges of working in austere Role II facilities. Learn from Rich's invaluable experiences as we discuss his paper, "Lessons Learned During Prolonged Care of Combat Casualties by a Minimally Manned Surgical Team," published in the...
2023-05-1619 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCAPT Matthew D. Tadlock, MD Surgeons at Sea: Challenges and Innovations- Preparing for Maritime DeploymentMilitary Medicine & WarDocs present: "A Ready Medical Force Special Collection"
MILMED-D-22-00390R1: “The Impact of The Maritime Deployment Cycle on the Surgeon’s Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities”
EPISODE SUMMARY
Discover the intricacies of maritime deployment cycles and their impact on surgeons' knowledge, skills, and abilities in our engaging conversation with Navy Captain and Trauma Surgeon Matthew D. Tadlock, MD. As Chair of the Joint Trauma System Committee on Surgical Combat Casualty Care, Matt shares his expertise on pre-deployment training for maritime surgical teams and its effects on their practice in Militar...
2023-05-1627 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (Ret) Patrick Osborn, MD -Measuring Orthopedic Surgeon Readiness: Refining the KSA FrameworkMilitary Medicine & WarDocs present: "A Ready Medical Force Special Collection"
MILMED-D-22-00154: “Ascertaining the Readiness of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Revision to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Methodology”
EPISODE SUMMARY
Discover the crucial factors for Military Orthopedic Surgeon readiness in our thought-provoking discussion with retired Air Force Colonel and Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Patrick Osborn. Together, we explore the updated revision of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) methodology, examining the KSA project's concerning findings and the process of generating KSA scores to measure readiness in Military Medicine. We also discuss ways to elimi...
2023-05-1624 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (Ret) Patrick Osborn, MD - Military and Civilian Cooperation: Improving Amputation Care and Maintaining Critical Wartime Surgical SkillsMilitary Medicine & WarDocs present: "A Ready Medical Force Special Collection"
MILMED-D-21-00551: “Impact of Civilian Patient Care on Major Amputation Case Volume in the Military Health System”
EPISODE SUMMARY
Discover the critical aspects of maintaining wartime surgical skills, especially major amputation surgery, in this thought-provoking conversation with retired Air Force Colonel and Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Patrick Osborn. We dive into his paper, Impact of Civilian Patient Care on Major Amputation Case Volume in the Military Health System and uncover the importance of partnerships between military and civilian providers in increasing surgical case volu...
2023-05-1619 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastPamela B. Andreatta, EdD, PhD - Managing Upper Extremity Vascular Injuries: Training and Readiness for Military SurgeonsMilitary Medicine & WarDocs present: "A Ready Medical Force Special Collection"
MILMED-D-21-00643: “Upper Extremity Vascular Exposures for Trauma: Comparative Performance Outcomes for General Surgeons and Orthopedic Surgeons”
EPISODE SUMMARY
Discover the critical skills Military General and Orthopedic Surgeons need to confidently diagnose and manage upper extremity vascular injuries on and off the battlefield. Our conversation with Dr. Pamela Andreatta, Director of Surgical Skills Assessment at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, reveals the importance of courses like ASSET+ and the Combat Orthopedic Trauma Surgical Cours...
2023-05-1631 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMSG(R) Samuel Rodriguez- Saving Lives at the Tip of the Spear-Battlefield Care in Unconventional Warfare and Innovations in Special Operations Medicine EPISODE SUMMARY
What does it take to become a Special Forces Medic, and how has combat casualty care evolved over the years? Discover the world of Special Operations Medics and Military Medicine in our captivating conversation with retired Army Master Sergeant Samuel Rodriguez. Through Sam's expertise, you'll gain insights into the rigorous training, crucial qualifications, and evolution of Special Operations medics, while understanding how the Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) has transformed battlefield care and saved countless lives.
Join us as we discuss the importance of unconventional medicine in Special Operations, from planning for extreme situa...
2023-05-1236 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMAJ Joshua Anchan, MD-Critical Care in the Skies: Military Neonatal Transport TeamsEpisode Summary:
In this episode of WarDocs: The Military Medicine Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Joshua Anchan, the Neonatal Transport Director at the US Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. We discussed the fascinating world of military neonatal transport teams, their history, roles, and training. We also explored the unique challenges these teams face when transporting critically ill newborns in military aircraft, including dealing with hypoxia and minimizing the risks of intracranial hemorrhage. Dr. Anchan shared memorable stories from his experiences in Okinawa and Guam and emphasized the importance of innovation and preserving the...
2023-05-0528 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastPOCUS in Military Medicine: Applications, Challenges, and the Future of Combat Casualty Care-COL Cristin Mount, MD, and LTC(P) Scott Grogan, DOEpisode Summary:
In this episode of WarDocs, we dive into the world of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in military medicine with Army COL Cristin Mount, MD, and LTC(P) Scott Grogan, DO. We discuss the various applications of POCUS in hospital and battlefield settings, as well as training opportunities and its role in graduate education, credentialing, and certification. We explore the practical applications of POCUS in trauma and disease non-battle injuries and its role in evacuation decision-making. Additionally, we examine the challenges surrounding POCUS privileges and the future of POCUS in combat casualty care, focusing on telehealth and...
2023-04-2850 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastVADM(Ret) Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, MBA, FACS- (Part 2 of 2) Navy Trauma Surgeon- Innovating, Influencing, and Inspiring at all Leadership Levels in Military Medicine.PART 2 OF 2
For nearly 30 years, VADM(Ret) Bono served with honor and distinction as a highly respected Naval Officer and the first woman surgeon in the military to hold the rank of Vice Admiral.
Currently, she is the Chief Health Officer for Viking Cruises, an industry-leading model to establish a C-suite office for restarting the cruise and travel business while maintaining a public health safety profile.
In this episode, Dr. Bono discusses her pathway toward a career in Navy Medicine and her training to become a critical care-trained trauma surgeon. She talks about her exp...
2023-04-2547 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastVADM(Ret) Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, MBA, FACS- (Part 1 of 2) Navy Trauma Surgeon- Innovating, Influencing, and Inspiring at all Leadership Levels in Military Medicine.PART 1 OF 2
For nearly 30 years, VADM(Ret) Bono served with honor and distinction as a highly respected Naval Officer and the first woman surgeon in the military to hold the rank of Vice Admiral.
Currently, she is the Chief Health Officer for Viking Cruises, an industry-leading model to establish a C-suite office for restarting the cruise and travel business while maintaining a public health safety profile.
In this episode, Dr. Bono discusses her pathway toward a career in Navy Medicine and her training to become a critical care-trained trauma surgeon. She talks about her ex...
2023-04-2136 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastRADM(Ret) Carol A. Romano, PhD, RN- Advancing Nursing Practice and Leadership in the Federal Health System and Training the Next Generation at USU.Dr. Romano is the Dean of the Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
In this episode, Dr. Romano talks about the following:
Her personal pathway to pursuing nursing
Her experiences at the NIH for 40 years
Developing one of the first computerized medical information systems
The USPHS mission, role and structure
Federal, Local, and State Medical cooperation in disaster responses
Lessons learned from the Hurricane Katrina medical response
The importance of quality crisis communication skills
The USU Graduate School of Nursing programs
How USU prepares a Ready Medical Force and...
2023-04-1441 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTC(R) Matt Welder, DNP, CRNA, FAWM- Operational Medicine Expert Discusses the Joint Trauma System Drowning CPG and how to Prepare and Provide Optimal Dive Medical Care Dr. Welder is a board-certified anesthesia with extensive Dive and Maritime medicine training and experience, including Dive Master, Platinum 1000 diver, and enriched Air nitrox. He was the pioneer of the USU Dive Medicine and Water Rescue program. He has conducted over 1800 dives in his lifetime.
In this short, clinically focused episode, we discuss the Drowning Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) published by the Joint Trauma System and his real-world experience preparing for and providing dive medical care. We discuss the common issues around drowning, unique aspects of drowning care prehospital and during hospitalization, and other maritime conditions not cov...
2023-04-1222 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) Richard A. Stone, MD- “Save Every Life You Can”- Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Leading the Veterans Health Administration Dr. Richard stone is a Dermatologist and retired Army Major General who served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the US Army. He currently is a Specialist Executive at Deloitte since November 2021. Previously he served as the Executive in Charge, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with authority to perform the functions and duties of the Under Secretary for Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, Dr. Stone describes the enormous challenges faced by the VHA during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. He discusses the principles of leadership, often gained during his experience in Military Medicine, that informed his decisions and...
2023-04-0735 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Arthur Yeager, MOT- Army Aviator, Combat Stress Expert, Occupational Therapist, Inventor, and Experienced Rehabilitation ProfessionalCOL Yeager is currently the Deputy Chief for the Department of Rehabilitation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
In this episode, he discusses his 36-year Army career, which began as a helicopter repairer in the 101stAirborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY, and then progressed to commissioning as an Aviation Officer flying Chinooks. He then describes his occupational therapy pathway and transition to the Army Specialist Corps and explains the additional training required for OTs in Military Medicine.
Art describes the role of the OT on the battlefield and recounts his experiences from...
2023-03-3138 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTC(R) Matt Welder, DNP, CRNA, FAWM- Operational Medicine Expert: Optimizing Physiology in Abnormal Conditions and Applications for Military Missions Dr. Welder is a board-certified anesthesia provider (CRNA) internationally recognized as an innovative leader in operational readiness. He serves as the Special Assistant to the USUHS President for Operational Medicine.
In this episode, he discusses his pathway to becoming a certified nurse anesthetist, a remarkable story of determination. He followed this with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the surges of combat operations. He discusses how he applied that experience to training student nurse anesthetists preparing to deliver anesthetic medicine into austere military environments. He also discusses his expertise in diving and dive medicine.
LTC(R) We...
2023-03-241h 00WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBenjamin Hall- Veteran Fox News War Correspondent Injured in Ukraine: Amazing Rescue, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Assisted by Military Medicine Expertise Across the GlobeBenji Hall- Veteran Fox News War Correspondent Injured in Ukraine and enters the US Military Medical System for Surgical Care and Rehabilitation
In this episode, we interview veteran war correspondent Benji Hall, a British journalist who has worked with Fox News since 2013 and was promoted to State Department correspondent in 2021. He outlines ways in which media teams attempt to capture the truth in the chaos of war and how they prepare and enter war zones. Benji discusses his movement forward to the front lines of the Russian invasion of Ukraine along the outskirts of Kyiv. After investigating a...
2023-03-1754 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (ret) David Carmack MD MBA – Air Force Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Providing Hands-on Training for Expeditionary Medicine Col (ret) Carmack is a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon who served in the Air Force. He has deployment experience and has trained healthcare professionals at Military-Civilian Partnerships at Level 1 Trauma Centers. He is currently the Physician Director of the Northern Light Orthopedic Service Line in Bangor, Maine.
In this episode, Dr. Carmack discusses his path into orthopedic surgery and how serving as a GMO impacted his career. He also discusses his role in two civilian-military partnerships, how it better prepared him and his team to manage combat casualties, and the importance of maintaining these mil-civ medical relationships to mai...
2023-03-1044 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (Ret) Donald Taylor- US and in Combat Zones Healthcare- Leading the Team, Caring for High Profile Casualties, and Managing Limited Resources
In this episode, you will hear about how Col. Don Taylor began his Air Force career as an architect and then progressed into a career in hospital administration. On 9/11, he worked for General Carlton in an office overlooking the Pentagon, and he describes watching the attack on the Pentagon. As a military healthcare administrator, he explains how he interacted as an advocate for the delivery of healthcare and balanced the need for resource utilization and delivering high-quality healthcare. Hear about the insights into hospital administration and the Tricare contract standards and development of standardization in healthcare and de...
2023-03-031h 00WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) Barbara R. Holcomb- Nursing in Military Medicine and Providing the Best Possible Care in Austere Environments and at Home Barb Holcomb is a retired Army Major General, having served 33 years as a leader in Nursing, Healthcare, Medical Research and Logistics. She is the CEO of her own consulting company, Barb Holcomb Consulting, LLC., working in areas of medical research strategy, federal health care planning, leadership, and team and organizational development.
In this episode you will learn about the critical roles and responsibilities of Military Medicine nurses. Barb talks about her many experiences in deployed missions across the globe serving in clinical and command positions. She describes many essential insights and lessons learned during her Hospital and Regional Med...
2023-02-2453 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMajor General (Ret) Philip Volpe, DO- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Setting the Ground Rules and Starting a Mentorship RelationshipDr. Volpe is currently the AMSUS-Society of Federal Health Professionals Board Chairman
On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, Dr. Volpe focuses on how to set the conditions and ground rules for a successful mentorship relationship. You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
How do you define mentorship?
What is the difference between Mentorship and Coaching?
Coaches set the agenda; Mentees set the agenda.
Coaching is performance-focused; Mentoring is development-focused.
Coaches are specific; Mentors are holistic.
Coaches are direct (active/ordering); Mentors are indirect (passive/advis...
2023-02-1522 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastRADM Bruce L. Gillingham, MD- Keys to Developing Successful Mentorship Relationships in Military Medicine during a Career and for Life RADM Gillingham is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and currently serves as the U.S. Navy Surgeon General.
On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, RADM Gillingham focuses on how Military Medicine approaches mentorship and discusses how these relationships can be successful as well as pointing out some of the pitfalls to avoid.
You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
How do you define Mentorship and what is a Mentorship relationship?
Does Military Medicine have formal Mentorship programs?
How does Military Medicine excel i...
2023-02-1419 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBrigadier General (R) Richard Ursone- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Defining mentorship relationships and explaining why they are critical to mission success BG(R) Ursone is a retired Army MSC Officer and former Chief of the Army Medical Service Corps.
On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, BG(R) Ursone focuses on the importance of developing and cultivating meaningful mentorship relationships. You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
How do you define mentorship?
What is the primary purpose/goal of a Mentorship relationship?
What are the benefits of mentorship to the mentee?
What are the benefits of mentorship to the mentor?
How does an organization benefit when it has a successful ment...
2023-02-1319 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastVADM(Ret) C. Forrest Faison III, MD- 38th Navy Surgeon General- Providing Medical Support to Combat Operations and Humanitarian Missions Across the Globe: Defeating the Tyranny of Distance Dr. Faison is a pediatrician, fellowship trained in neurodevelopmental pediatrics, and he served as the 38thSurgeon General of the US Navy.
In this episode, Dr. Faison describes his career pathway to becoming a fellowship-trained pediatrician and explains how pediatricians support the critical missions of military medicine at home stations and deployed locations throughout the world. VADM (Ret) Faison has significant deployment experience as a US Medical Task Force Commander as well as the Commander of a downrange Combat Hospital. He shares many important lessons learned supporting combat operations and humanitarian missions such as the Fukushima earthquake and tsuna...
2023-02-1055 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (Ret) Todd E. Rasmussen, MD: Advances and Innovations in Vascular Surgery During Wartime (Part 2 of interview) Dr. Rasmussen is a retired Air Force Medical Corps officer, Professor of Surgery, and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. He described his personal experiences and Military Medicine career in the previous episode (Part 1 of the interview). This episode focuses on the advances in vascular surgery and military surgery driven by the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In this episode, you will hear about what happens when a casualty enters the surgical medical system and the goals and priorities of care after the p...
2023-02-0348 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (Ret) Todd E. Rasmussen, MD: Vascular Surgeon Leveraging Combat Deployment Experience to Improve Care on the Battlefield and Beyond Dr. Rasmussen is a retired Air Force Medical Corps officer and is currently a Professor of Surgery and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota.
In this episode, you will hear about how Military Vascular Surgeons are trained and about their role in providing expert care on the battlefield. Col Rasmussen had the opportunity to deploy multiple times across the globe and shares how Military Medicine prepares and provides care from the tip of the spear through the evacuation chain to medical centers in the U...
2023-01-2747 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastSSG(R) Adam Bardwell: Special Operations Medical Sergeant: Maintaining a Readiness Mindset Adam currently serves as the Security Operations Supervisor at Global Rescue
In this episode, you will hear about the assessment and selection process for Special Forces medics and about the training that these medics receive and how this is put to the test in real-world situations such as deployments to the CENTCOM AOR as well as Africa. Adam talks about preparing for prolonged field care scenarios and other interesting training opportunities for Special Forces Medics. He points out many lessons learned from his experiences providing point of care treatment for combat casualties and how important it is to be...
2023-01-2051 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTG(R) James Peake, MD- US Army Surgeon General on 9/11: From Infantry Platoon Leader in Vietnam to Strategic Leadership in Military Medicine and at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Peake served as the 40th Army Surgeon General and as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
In this episode, you will hear about General Peake's early career deployed as an Infantry Platoon Leader in Vietnam, where he was injured in combat and was medically evacuated to a theater hospital. He describes his pathway in Military Medicine, beginning as a general surgeon and completing further training as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. He discusses his leadership pathway from commanding medical assets in Korea to Ft. Bragg to Madigan Army Medical Center. He then helped shape the training of military medical provid...
2023-01-131h 01WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCAPT(R) Eric Elster MD: USUHS Dean and Experienced Navy Transplant Surgeon Optimizing Combat Casualty Care Knowledge and Skills and Preparing the Next Generation of Medical Professionals. Dr. Eric Elster is the Dean of the School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD.
In this episode, you will hear about Dr. Elster’s Journey to becoming a combat-tested General Surgeon who later specialized by completing a transplant surgery fellowship. Dr. Elster has deployed multiple times to combat zones and he shares some stories from his experiences caring for severely injured service members and other patients often in austere locations or at Sea, far from comprehensive medical support assets. He describes some important lessons he’s learned that are extreme...
2023-01-061h 04WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Douglas W. Soderdahl, MD- Military Urologist and Combat Surgery MultiplierCOL(R) Soderdahl is a retired Army Urologist with 30+ years on Active Duty and multiple deployments/missions across the globe. He also is the Executive Director of WarDocs.
In this episode, we interview COL(R) Dr. Doug Soderdahl. You will hear how military urologists support warfighters in deployed environments and at home. Find out how a wannabee Army Helicopter Pilot found his way to Army Medicine and stayed for a 30+ year career. He describes stories from multiple deployments, including an isolated GSW to the prostate, MASCAL triage challenges as well as a self-inflicted “Beretta Bite”. His expertise...
2022-12-3041 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLieutenant General (Ret). Mark A. Ediger, MD- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Defining Mentorship Relationships and Helping them Develop and Flourish. Lt. Gen. (Ret) Ediger served as the 22nd Surgeon General of the Air Force.
On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, Dr. Ediger focuses on how to develop and cultivate mentorship relationships. You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
What are the different types of Mentorship Relationships?
Can one convert between one type and another? How does that happen?
What is the primary goal/purpose of a Mentorship relationship?
What are some key Mentor/Mentee activities?
What makes mentoring relationships successful?
How do mentorship relationships fail?
Personal Reflections on Me...
2022-12-2319 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCMC(Ret) Tyrone Willis: Shipboard Medicine Insights and Positively Impacting Military Careers and OrganizationsWillis is a retired Command Master Chief after completing 32 years of service in Navy Medicine. In this episode, CMC Willis discusses his pathway to becoming a Navy Corpsman and the unique aspects of delivering shipboard medical and marine medical Care. He deployed to both Desert Storm/Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He discusses the role of the Corpsman in combat and the preparations for combat care. He also gives excellent insight into Senior Enlisted Leadership and the challenges and his tips on handling difficult leaders and positively shaping subordinates who may not fully understand the mission. He discusses wh...
2022-12-1649 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) Joseph Caravalho Jr., M.D. Operational Expertise Enhances Strategic Medical Leadership in the Joint Force Environment Dr. Caravalho received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Gonzaga University and his medical degree from the Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences. He completed an internal medicine residency and nuclear medicine and cardiology fellowships.
Dr. Caravalho served in several clinical roles and operationally as a medical officer in the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group; Joint Special Operations Command; 75th Ranger Regiment; U.S. Army Special Operations Command; and XVIII Airborne Corps. He also commanded the 28th Combat Support Hospital. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as the senior medical officer for...
2022-12-091h 04WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) Jonathan Woodson, MD- Shaping the Future of Military Medical Education and Research MG (R) Jonathan Woodson, MD, is the current president of the Uniformed Services University. He has a long career in the US Army Reserves, where he has had multiple deployments to combat zones. He most recently served as the Commanding General of the US Army Medical Reserve Command and, before that, was the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. In these roles, he helped shape the reserve medical force and facilitated the restructuring and reforming the military health system.
In this episode, you will hear about his life growing up in Brooklyn, NY, and his training in i...
2022-12-021h 05WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBG Mary V. Krueger, DO- Successful Mentorship- Keys for a Mentee- Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series BG Mary V. Krueger was commissioned through the Health Professions Scholarship program and received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 1995 from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed residency training in Family Medicine in 1998 and Faculty Development Fellowship in 2002, both at Madigan Army Medical Center. She is board certified in Family Medicine and earned a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Washington, a Masters of Military Arts and Science from the Command and General Staff College, and a Masters in National Security and Resource Strategy at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School of National Security and Res...
2022-11-2619 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCAPT Robert A. Liotta, MD – Deployed Navy Flight Surgeon and Cardiothoracic Radiologist Serves as Recruitment and Admissions Associate Dean at USUHSCAPT Liotta is a Naval Academy graduate and received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). After completing a General Surgery Internship, he was selected for additional training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, FL, where he earned designation as a Naval Flight Surgeon. He then deployed to Iraq with a Marine Unmanned Vehicle Squadron. Following the deployment, Dr. Liotta completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and then completed fellowship training in Cardiothoracic Radiology at the University of Michigan. CAPT Liotta is board cert...
2022-11-181h 05WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastColonel Edward Horvath Jr, MD - Good Medicine, Hard Times: Experiences of a Reserve Physician in CombatCOL (Dr.) Horvath is a veteran of the US Army Reserve Medical Corps, having served in three deployments to Iraq. He is an internal medicine physician specializing in occupational medicine and pulmonary disease. His first deployment to Iraq was at the age of 56 after a 26-year break in military service, having served as a U.S. Navy officer earlier in his career. He returned to the military, in part inspired by his two sons, whom both joined the Navy following 9/11. During his last deployment in 2011, he served as the Task Force Deputy Commander and Chief of Clinical Services for...
2022-11-1140 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTC (R) Steve Peth- Former Vietnam Medevac Pilot serves Wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed as a Red Cross VolunteerLTC (R) Steve Peth is a highly decorated Vietnam Medevac pilot and is even in the Dustoff Hall of Fame. Upon retirement from the military and the Raytheon corporation, he continued to serve the nation’s brave soldiers in the Department of Rehabilitation at Walter Reed. He helps organize the volunteer force and discusses many unique ways the nation gives to those who have given their limbs and are forced to embark upon a long road to recovery.
You will hear about Steve’s immense volunteer service experience as well as ways in which others can volunteer to a...
2022-11-0439 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) David Rubenstein, FACHE- Keys to Successful Mentorship- The Mentorship Relationship- Military Medical Mentorship Moments SeriesMG(R) David Rubenstein spent 12 years in command and ended his 35-year Army career as Army Deputy Surgeon General and then Commanding General of the Army Medical Department Center and School and, concurrently, as 16th Chief of the Medical Service Corps. General Rubenstein is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the Army War College and has a master’s degree in Health Administration from Baylor University.
On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, MG(R) Rubenstein focuses on the important facets of the mentorship relationship. You will hear him provide insightful answers to the...
2022-10-2821 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastChief Hospital Corpsman Peter McGuyer: Navy Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman Training Combat Medic Sustainment Skills and Focusing on Wellness Pete has served and deployed with Fleet Marine Force RECON and was an instructor at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center. He is currently a Senior Enlisted Leader with the 2nd Marine Reconnaissance Battalion. He is incredibly passionate about wellness, suicide prevention, and extremely demanding medical training. Pete is the Joint Trauma System’s Wellness Leader and has developed a wellness/behavioral health class, Maintaining Peak Performance.
In this episode, you will learn about what it takes to become a Navy Independent Duty Corpsman and hear about Pete’s experience training and deploying with elite special operatio...
2022-10-211h 03WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Andrew Morgan, MD- Army Special Operations Emergency Medicine Physician and NASA Astronaut COL Andrew Morgan is a NASA Astronaut who performed over 45 hours of spacewalks on a 9-month spaceflight to the International Space Station. He is an emergency medicine physician with fellowship training in Sports Medicine. He also supported Special Operations soldiers in combat with the 3rdSpecial Forces Group (Airborne) “Desert Eagles” during combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.
In this episode, Dr. Morgan discusses his time at West Point on the parachute team, his affiliation with the Golden Knights, and his training and pathway to becoming a special operations physician completing Ranger school, combat diver training, and military f...
2022-10-1453 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG Telita Crosland, MD- Keys to Successful Mentorship- What Should a Mentor Know? Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series Dr. Crosland is a graduate of West Point and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She has held many significant responsibilities in her Army Medicine Career. She currently serves as the Deputy Surgeon General of the Army and Chief of the Army Medical Corps.
On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, MG Crosland focuses on important things that successful mentors know. You will hear her provide insightful answers to the following questions...
2022-10-0816 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTC(R) Steve Peth- MEDEVAC Pilot in Vietnam discusses Casualty Evacuation and Training Pilots for Combat Missions LTC(R) Steve Peth was studying to be a musician and music teacher when he joined the Army during the Vietnam War. His desires and skill set led him to Army Aviation where he was selected among top performing candidates to become an air evacuation helicopter pilot. He flew many amazing missions evacuating wounded combatants from the battlefield and encountered hostile fire on many occasions. He was presented with the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat and his distinguished service was recognized by a Silver Star medal. Ultimately Steve was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame, an hono...
2022-09-3056 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCol (Ret) Donald Jenkins, MD – Air Force Trauma Surgeon leading the way with the Joint Trauma System and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Trauma.Col (Dr.) Donald Jenkins is a Trauma Surgeon at UT Health San Antonio, who deployed multiple times to the Middle East with the Air Force during his 25-year career on active duty. His research efforts have helped bring whole blood transfusions to the battlefield and to emergency medical systems stateside. With the development of the Joint Trauma System, he was able to use real-time data to help improve the care of injured soldiers and pass these lessons along to the healthcare providers that followed. After his military service, he was able to use his skillsets to serve as the...
2022-09-2250 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTG(R) Ronald Blanck, DO – From Vietnam Battalion Surgeon to Surgeon General of The US Army LTG(R) Ronald Blanck, DO served in multiple leadership positions across the globe in his 32 years in the Army. These assignments include Commander of Berlin Army Hospital, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the Uniformed Services University, commander of Walter Reed Medical Center, and Surgeon General of the US Army. After his career in the Army, he served as the President of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. He currently serves as an advisor on bioterrorism issues and an expert in preparing the medical community to respond to mass casualty incidences.
In this...
2022-09-1647 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCAPT (R) James Cole, MD- Trauma Surgeon serves with Seal Team 6 in Iraq and as Marine Expeditionary Surgeon in Iraq and AfghanistanCAPT (R) Dr. James Cole joined the Navy and served three years in operational tours after his internship, becoming a parachutist and Scuba Diver with the 1st Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group. He then trained in general surgery and became the first Navy Doc selected to be a surgeon with the Joint Special Operations Command. He deployed to combat with Seal Team 6. He has deployed to Afghanistan (twice), Iraq, and Morocco. Uniquely, he also oversaw the building, equipping, and training of the first and only trauma center in Southwest Afghanistan.
In this episode, Dr. Cole discusses...
2022-09-0947 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Jeremy Pamplin, MD- Understanding How Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Augment Battlefield and Rural MedicineCOL Dr. Jeremy Pamplin is the Commander of the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research unit (TATRC). He is a critical care trained internal medicine physician who has had two deployments to busy combat support hospitals in Ibn Sina Hospital in Baghdad and Camp Bastion in Helmand, Afghanistan. He has served as a critical care physician at Madigan hospital and in San Antonio at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Burn Center, and worked in intensive care units of Brooke Army Medical Center.
In this episode, Dr. Pamplin discusses how his career as an intensive care physician...
2022-09-021h 02WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL (R) Sean Keenan, MD- Special Operations Doc: Training and Execution of Tactical Combat Casualty Care at the Point of InjuryCOL (R) Dr. Sean Keenan served as Command Surgeon for Special Operations Command Europe, 10thSpecial Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Group, and as a Special Forces Augmentee. He also served as a flight surgeon, Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines Surgeon, Emergency Medical System Medical Director, and Chief of Emergency Medicine, in addition to multiple deployments. He was the founder and coordinator for the Special Operations Military Association Prolonged Field Care Working Group. He now serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Ragged Edge Solutions, providing medical exercises to Special Operations forces and he is the Assistant Director...
2022-08-2754 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMAJ (R) Bill Vasios, MPAS, APA-C - Special Operations Enlisted to Officer: Developing Ultrasound and Telemedicine for the BattlefieldMAJ(R) Vasios served in the Army Special Forces in many capacities over his 34-year career. After a successful enlisted career in the 75th Ranger Regiment and 1st and 3rd Special Forces Group, he left the Army to attend the Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Course.
Following his PA certification, he returned to the Army for a deployment to Iraq and two deployments to Afghanistan as part of the Special Forces. He subsequently developed the Special Operator Level Clinical Ultrasound (SOLCUS) training into a critical operational ultrasound program in the DOD.
MAJ(R) Vasios...
2022-08-2044 min
WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastSergeant Rob Jones, USMC(Ret): SURVIVE-RECOVER-LIVE-A Wounded Warrior with Bilateral Above-Knee Amputations Reflects on his Journey From Injury to RecoveryRetired Sergeant Rob Jones served in the Marines as a combat engineer and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. On July 22nd 2010 in Afghanistan, while trying to clear an area for possible IEDs, Rob stepped on a pressure plate which led to a fierce explosion where he immediately lost his lower legs and nearly lost his life.
In this episode, you will hear Rob’s amazing journey of survival and recovery from the point of injury to rehabilitation. He has been able to do some amazing things such as medaling in rowing in the Paralympics, riding a bike ac...
2022-08-1751 min
WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Charles R. Scoville, DPT- Applying Lessons Learned in War to Improve Amputee Care COL(R) Chuck Scoville is a Physical Therapist and received his graduate and doctoral degrees from Baylor University. He has served in various leadership roles at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (formerly WRAMC), including Chief of Amputee Patient Care Service. He currently serves as the Chief of the Department of Rehabilitation.
In this episode, Dr. Scoville discusses the unique training and responsibilities Physical Therapists possess in Military Medicine and explains how they function as combat multipliers on the battlefield. He was intimately involved in shaping policy to improve physical performance and conserving the fighting strength while worki...
2022-08-1350 min
WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTC (Ret) Jim Reed, CRNA- Special Operations Nurse Anesthetist and Veteran Suicide Prevention Advocate LTC(Ret) Reed has held various assignments in the Army Medical Department including Intensive Care Nurse and Flight Nurse in the Army Burn Unit. He was the Distinguished Graduate of the prestigious US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing. Afterward, he was assigned to the 126th Forward Surgical Team at Ft. Hood, Texas. He was then selected to join the ranks of an elite medical unit that supported Special Mission Units in Counter-Terrorist Operations in 2001. While a member of this elite unit he deployed 9 times to combat for over 1500 days in war zones. He participated in hundreds of combat m...
2022-08-061h 02
WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Kirby Gross, MD- Insights and Perspectives on the Deployed Trauma System From an Innovative and Humble Leader. COL (Dr.) Gross has 10 deployments totaling over 5.5 years 20-year career as a general and trauma (expeditionary) surgeon. He is a true expert in the military deployed trauma system, having been the Joint Trauma Theater Director for Afghanistan and Iraq many times and Director of the Joint Trauma System. This episode is a recreation of an interview with him during a Joint Trauma System weekly call. This episode seeks to chronicle how best to synchronize deployed surgical assets from an expert who devoted much of his life to the military trauma system. He talks about the importance of the Joint Tr...
2022-08-0325 min
WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Kirby Gross, MD- 48-year-old General Surgeon calls an Army recruiter the day after the 9/11 attacks and becomes an Expert Expeditionary Trauma SurgeonCOL (Dr.) Gross joined the Army at 48 years old while in a thriving general surgery practice to do his part following the 9/11 attacks. 20 years later, he is still on active duty deploying with special forces and conventional units 10 times, totaling over 5.5 years. He received his MD at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his General Surgery residency at Indiana University Medical Center. He also completed a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Vanderbilt University. He currently works with the Army Medical Department Military Civilian Trauma Team Training Program at Cooper University Hospital, Camden NJ.
In this episode, he...
2022-07-3051 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL (Dr.) David Doman- Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon Supporting Special Operations COL (Dr.) David Doman, M.D. is an Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon with three combat deployments. In this episode, he discusses his Marine Corps career as an Engineer Officer before medical school and his transition to a medical career. We discuss his training in Orthopedic Surgery at BAMC during a high influx period of combat-wounded soldiers with his memorable cases. He spent eight years working as an orthopedic surgeon at Ft. Campbell, KY, with two deployments supporting special operations units. After his hip and knee replacement fellowship, he had a third to the Baghdad Role 3 Field Hospital, providing support to...
2022-07-2231 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMilitary Medical Veterans and Volunteers- Making a Difference in Ukraine with the Global Surgical and Medical Support Group (GSMSG)In this episode, we speak with the founder and President of GSMSG, Aaron Epstein, MD. The mission of the organization is to provide expert care and education around the globe in austere locations and Dr. Epstein talks about their recent experiences in Ukraine. GSMSG is made up of many military medical veterans and other volunteers with a variety of experiences, including special operations medics as well as trauma surgery specialists. Dr. Epstein describes how the team assists the local providers on the ground in Ukraine and how they interact with the Ukrainian Medical Systems. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at w...
2022-07-2036 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMajor General (Ret) Richard A. Stone, MD- Transformational Leadership Providing Population Health Improvement within the Military Health System and the Veterans Health Administration.Dr. Stone is a Board-Certified Dermatologist with extensive experience in entrepreneurial businesses, commercial, federal, and uniformed services health care delivery. Dr. Stone retired after 24 years from the US Army at the rank of Major General and served as the Deputy Surgeon General for Support for the US Army Medical Command. He is a combat-experienced Veteran with service in Afghanistan where he commanded the combined joint medical task force from the 44th Medical Command. Following retirement from uniformed service, Dr. Stone has served within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and from 2018 until July 2021, he served as the Executive in Charge...
2022-07-1650 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCSM (Ret) Althea Green, Ph.D.- Army Medicine’s Most Senior Combat Medic Now Shapes Military Medicine through the Enlisted to Medical Degree Program CSM (Ret) Dr. Althea Green's military background includes duties within operational as well as fixed facility health care organizations, with leadership responsibilities at every level from tactical to strategic. She was the first woman and first person of color to be competitively selected as the Army's Medical Command (MEDCOM) Soldier of the Year. She culminated her Army career as the 16th Command Sergeant Major of the MEDCOM/Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Army Surgeon General and Commander MEDCOM. As the Army's top enlisted medic, she was the chief advisor and subject matter expert for the training, development, and utilization of t...
2022-07-0936 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMajor General (R) Elder Granger, MD- Leading a Multi-National Battlefield Health System in Iraq and Executing a $20+ Billion Worldwide Defense Health Program Dr. Granger is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist and served as the Program Executive Officer of the TRICARE Management Activity, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. He also led the largest U.S. and multi-national battlefield health system in our recent history while serving as Commander, Task Force 44th Medical Command, and Command Surgeon for the Multinational Corps Iraq. He has led at every level of the Army Medical Department and deployed multiple times.
He is currently the President and CEO of THE 5Ps, a health care, education, and leadership consulting organization.
In this e...
2022-07-021h 05WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCAPT(Ret) Peter Rhee, MD, MPH- Navy Trauma Surgeon Leading Innovation in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Training, and Unit Design Dr. Rhee is Board Certified in General Surgery and surgical critical care and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He served in the Navy for 26 years in many important roles in the operational and training environments.
In the episode, he describes what it’s like to be a physician on a nuclear aircraft carrier and perform surgeries while underway at sea. He also relates his experiences helping design small forward surgical units that he would later deploy with to Southwest Asia. He talks about lessons learned on the battlefield caring for casualties which led him to...
2022-06-2552 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL Ramey Wilson, MD, MPH- Special Operations Command Surgeon: Understanding the Big Picture of Medical Support for Unconventional Missions COL (Dr.) Ramey Wilson served as Command Surgeon for Special Operations Command-Africa, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and Joint Task Force-Afghanistan. He also served as the Battalion Surgeon for the 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the 2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He presently is the Operational Medicine Advisor for the Center for Global Health Engagement, where he uses these unique experiences to train the next generation.
In this episode Dr. Wilson describes his career in operational medicine and how prior experience as a field artillery officer shaped his medical career. He provides some...
2022-06-181h 18WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) Richard W. Thomas, MD, DDS- Surgeon, Soldier, Educator, Leader- Shaping the Future of Military Medicine Dr. Thomas describes his career pathway from training and practicing as a dentist and later attending medical school and becoming a board-certified ENT-Head and Neck Surgeon. He explains the similarities and differences between Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and ENT and how their missions are complimentary. Dr. Thomas relates his experiences while stationed at Fort Campbell, KY where he served as the 101st Airborne Division Surgeon and later as the Commander of the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.
MG(R) Thomas has deployed to Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan in a variety of clinical and leadership roles. He shares some interesting anecd...
2022-06-1146 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMG(R) George Weightman, MD- Commander, Command Surgeon- Optimizing Medical Support to Combat Units Across the Globe Dr. Weightman discusses his lifetime of military service as a West Point cadet, infantry officer, and physician. He served as the 82nd Airborne Division Surgeon and describes his planning and execution of Operations Just Cause (combat jump into Panama) and Desert Storm. He also describes how he used these experiences to synchronize the medical knowledge of these conflicts to help implement cutting-edge battlefield care.
Dr. Weightman relates a behind-the-scenes look at the medical response to the Green Ramp disaster in 1994 at Fort Bragg where a mid-air collision of an F-16 and C-130 led to 23 fatalities and over 80 inj...
2022-06-041h 07WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLt Gen (Ret) Bruce Green, MD- 20th Air Force Surgeon General Shapes Military Medicine using Crises Leadership Experience Gained in every Region of the WorldDr. Green served as the 20th Air Force Surgeon General from August 12, 2009, to July 19, 2012. Hear in this episode his training to become an aerospace medicine physician. He led through multiple crises in the Pacific, commanded multiple military hospitals, including Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, helped lead Air Force medicine following 9/11, and oversaw aeromedical evacuation for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi freedom. He also provides a unique look into the role of a Command Surgeon from his experiences with US Transportation Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. An expert in disaster relief operations, he planned and...
2022-05-2854 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCommand Sergeant Major Diamond D. Hough- US Army Medicine’s Senior Soldier Medic Leverages Battlefield Experience to Influence the Next Generation of Combat Medics.CSM Hough is the top combat medic, "doc" in Army Medicine. With multiple deployments, he describes the challenges he experienced in combat casualty care at the point of injury. These remarkable stories helped shape his career, motivating him to improve his skills. He translated those skills to improving combat medicine as a combat medic trainer, NCO leader, and now as the MEDCOM Command Sergeant Major.
CSM Hough has provided combat casualty care in all areas of the globe, and he describes what it takes for the medic to be successful in all scenarios they may find themselves i...
2022-05-2154 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL David R. King, MD, FACS- Trauma Surgeon Responds to the Boston Marathon Bombing and Provides and Innovates Surgical Critical Care for Special Operations and Civilian Trauma Patients. In this episode you will hear how Dr. King walked into a Boston Army Recruiting Office and said “Hey, I’m a Doctor and I want to join the Army”, a very uncommon scenario in the recruiting world! He describes what drew him to a career in Trauma and Critical Care and how he was part of the initial discussions of developing an Army Trauma Training platform at Ryder Trauma Center in Miami.
He shares stories from his initial deployments on a Forward Surgical Team and working in a Combat Support Hospital in Iraq and how those experienc...
2022-05-141h 10WarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastMajor General (RET) Gale S. Pollock: CRNA, First Female and First Nonphysician Army Surgeon General and 22nd Chief of the Army Nurse Corps In this episode you will hear MG(R) Pollock describe her journey into Army Medicine and what led her to pursue a career as an CRNA. She talks about the role of a CRNA on the battlefield and her experiences at multiple medical treatment facilities including Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She explains how advanced degrees such as a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategy, a MHA and MBA were valuable in the many strategic roles in which she served such as Hospital Commander at several MTFs including Tripler Army Medic...
2022-05-0757 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBG (R) Norvell “Van” Coots, MD Military Medicine Impacts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East; a Motivational Story of Perseverance, Ambition, and a Never Quit AttitudeBG Coots describes his lifelong ambition to become a doctor and the perseverance required to accomplish his goal of becoming a Dermatologist. This episode describes his career and deployment experiences in his pathway to becoming the Surgeon General for the US Forces in Afghanistan. He describes his general officer role as well as being a dermatologist. He was the Command Surgeon for the US Army Europe and provides an enlightening understanding of military medical care in support of Eastern European issues. BG(R) Coots served as the final Commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and describes the Herculian ef...
2022-04-3048 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Kent E. Kester, MD- Important Impacts of Translational Research Medicine in Military and Global HealthcareDr. Kester, a Military Infectious Disease Specialist, explains the critical role of military translational (benchtop research to patient care application) in vaccine development, mental health, traumatic brain injury, and the diagnosis and treatment of pathogens across the globe. He explains the unique role of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and how that organization works with civilian institutions and other governmental agencies to bring essential concepts from the laboratory to the battlefield and the public. Dr. Kester has deployed and describes the efforts his team made to improve the ability to address and answer research questions related to a...
2022-04-2350 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast(Pt. 2) COL(R) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS- Innovations in Hemorrhage Control and Transfusion Paradigms Redefining Trauma Combat Casualty Care Guidelines (2 of 2)Part 2
Dr. Holcomb describes groundbreaking developments that occurred during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the “rediscovery” of tourniquets, hemorrhage control, and shifts in transfusion paradigms. He describes how battlefield surgical techniques and improvements helped revolutionize Damage Control Surgery and Resuscitation for combat trauma. Dr. Holcomb is a true pioneer and visionary in combat casualty care and shares how ideas and concepts discovered in the lab or during research protocols ultimately benefit combat casualty care and change policy, doctrine, and care guidelines.
Part 1 (Previously Released)
Dr. Holcomb describes his experiences while deployed to Mogadishu...
2022-04-1633 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast(Pt. 1) COL(R) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS- Special Operations Surgeon uses Lessons Learned in Somalia to Revolutionize Combat Casualty Care in the Global War on Terrorism (1 of 2)Part 1
Dr. Holcomb describes his experiences while deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, during the “Blackhawk Down” incident and how this shaped his future career in Military Medicine. He shares some stories from his experiences supporting Special Operations Forces early in his career and then from his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a Trauma Surgeon and Trauma Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. He describes his experiences setting up the Joint Trauma Training at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston and later as the US Army Institute of Surgical Research Commander.
Part 2...
2022-04-0927 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastWarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast- What Are We For? Our Origin Story and Mission We are looking for likeminded individuals who share our passion about honoring the legacy and preserving the oral history of Military Medicine. In this special mini-episode Doug and Wayne will answer the following questions about the podcast:
What is the mission of WarDocs and why do we do this?
How did WarDocs start and how did the vision evolve?
Who might be interested in WarDocs?
What are some memorable moments so far?
What does the audience get out of listening?
Where is WarDocs going in the future?
How can our listeners join and help the cause?
Visit our w...
2022-04-0213 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTG(R) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP– Adapting to the Challenges of a Constantly Changing Strategic Landscape to Shape and Enhance Military Combat Care (Part 2 of 2)Lieutenant General (Ret.) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP
In this 2 part episode you will hear the 42nd Army Surgeon General, Dr. Eric Schoomaker describe how he joined Army Medicine and why he decided to serve over 32 years on Active Duty. He explains the operational and strategic importance of translational research in the Military how Hematology/Oncology physicians support the warfighters. He also highlights the key roles Graduate Medical Education and Leadership Development play in producing a Ready Medical Force.
Dr. Schoomaker talks about his journey from a primary focus on Academic Medicine to t...
2022-03-2641 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastLTG(R) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP – Excellence in Academic Medicine and Strategic Military Medical Leadership (Part 1 of 2)Lieutenant General (Ret.) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP
In this 2 part episode you will hear the 42nd Army Surgeon General, Dr. Eric Schoomaker describe how he joined Army Medicine and why he decided to serve over 32 years on Active Duty. He explains the operational and strategic importance of translational research in the Military how Hematology/Oncology physicians support the warfighters. He also highlights the key roles Graduate Medical Education and Leadership Development play in producing a Ready Medical Force.
Dr. Schoomaker talks about his journey from a primary focus on Academic Medicine to t...
2022-03-2653 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL (Ret.) Russ Kotwal, MD, MPH – Studying the Chaos of Battlefield Injuries in a Standardized Manner to Advance Battlefield Trauma Care (Part 2 of 2)Dr. Russ Kotwal spent nearly 30 years in the military and served on 12 deployments with 75th Ranger Regiment. He stayed with the Ranger community to become the Regimental Surgeon and then U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He is a master parachutist, master flight surgeon, has five bronze stars, two Joint Service Commendation medals for Valor, and two combat jumps.
Dr. Kotwal describes how physicians can apply the medical knowledge learned in the training, in his case Family Medicine residency, Master of Public Health, and Aerospace medicine residency to their medical practice, no matter how unique the...
2022-03-1934 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL (Ret.) Russ Kotwal, MD, MPH – Ranger Battalion and Regimental Medical Care in Two Combat Jumps and 12 Operational Deployments (Part 1 of 2)Dr. Russ Kotwal spent nearly 30 years in the military and more than 15 years in operational assignments with the 25thInfantry Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He conducted hundreds of ground combat and air missions as the senior medical provider.
Dr. Kotwal describes his journey to military medicine through the Uniformed Services University and then to Family Medicine training at Martin Army Hospital in Ft. Benning, Georgia. It was his experience treating the soldiers and families of the Ranger community that led him to also obtain further medical training in Aerospace Medi...
2022-03-1932 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL(R) Edward B. Lucci, M.D.- Disaster Preparedness and CBRN Defense Expert- Responses to 9/11, Anthrax, Ricin and More. Lessons Learned and the Way Forward. In this episode you will hear Dr. Lucci describe some interesting experiences he had working the FBI Hostage Rescue Team as well as the U.S. Marshals Service in overseas locations. He talks about how he became interested in Bioterrorism Preparedness and how he became a subject matter expert in the Medical Management of Chemical and Biological Warfare casualties as well as Regional Disaster Response.
Dr. Lucci provides a behind the scenes look at how Walter Reed Army Medical Center responded to the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on 9/11. He was amongst the first responders from Walter Reed...
2022-03-1244 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBrigadier General Shan Bagby DMD, MHA – The Importance of developing a Diverse Military Medical Force and Leading through Tough Social Times and an Inside look at Deployed Dental Care (Part 2 of 2) BG (Dr.) Shan Bagby discusses the importance of developing a culture that is diverse and respects the profession of arms. He described the importance of diversity and equity in military culture and how biases can hold back the full potential of the system and leave talent on the table. He describes his leadership experiences as the Commander of Brooke Army Medical Center, the largest military hospital, through tough social times and how he used his leadership role to enhance a culture of inclusivity. He gives several specific examples of how to sense the culture and feelings of such a larg...
2022-03-1023 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastBrigadier General Shan Bagby DMD, MHA – Battlefield Dental Care, the Role of Dentists in Leading Military Medicine, and the Dual Military and Medical Professional (Part 1 of 2)BG (Dr.) Shan Bagby discusses how at an early age a role model dentist inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry. After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, he then went on to train in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Los Angeles and advance trauma fellowship training at UT Houston. He describes complex cases that helped care for and his role as Commander of the 561st Medical Company (Dental Services) in Iraq. He describes the importance of dental care in ensuring readiness in the military fight force.
In this episode you will also hear about his...
2022-03-0540 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastCOL (R) Robert Adams, MD- Former Navy SEAL Joins Army Medicine- Adventures as the Delta Force Surgeon and Deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division. In this episode you will hear Dr. Adams describe his journey as a Naval Academy graduate followed by 12 years in the Navy SEALS which ultimately led him to accept an Army Health Professions Scholarship to attend medical school and join Army Medicine. He trained in Family Medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center and then was stationed at the Center of the Army Universe- Fort Bragg, NC.
You will hear stories about what it was like to complete medical training at an older age and then take on medical leadership roles at Fort Bragg. He talks about being imme...
2022-02-2639 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastRADM Bruce L. Gillingham MD- Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Undersea Medical Officer and Current Surgeon General of the United States Navy. In this episode you will hear about how Dr. Gillingham joined the Navy and trained to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. He recounts some interesting stories from his deployments as a surgeon and describes the genesis of the Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care Center and what it was like to be in charge of the Surgical Shock Trauma Platoon in Iraq.
Dr. Gillingham provides some insights about humanitarian and operational medicine from his time aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy. He also tells some stories about his work with the Vietnam’s People’s Navy as well as hi...
2022-02-1946 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastDr. Doug Soderdahl: Military Urologists use Unique Skills and Expertise to Multiply Combat Surgery Effectiveness on the Battlefield and Around the Globe.In this episode, we interview COL(R) Dr. Doug Soderdahl. You will hear how military urologists support the warfighters in deployed environments and at home. Find out how a wannabee Army Helicopter Pilot found his way to Army Medicine and stayed for a 30+ year career. He describes stories from multiple deployments including an isolated GSW to the prostate, MASCAL triage challenges as well as a self-inflicted “Beretta Bite”. Dr. Soderdahl shares some unique experiences from Australian rappelling in Korea to humanitarian missions in Central America and Africa. Find out how a Social Media Dinosaur with one Facebook friend created an online r...
2021-07-1442 minWarDocs - The Military Medicine PodcastWarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast - TrailerA brief overview of what you can expect to hear on this podcast.
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Produced by Dr. Doug Soderdahl, Dr. Wayne Causey and Dr. Kevin Kniery
2021-06-2901 min