182 episodes

Welcome to WarDocs!

This is a podcast developed and hosted by Active Duty and Veteran Military Medicine professionals who all possess a passion to honor the legacy and preserve the oral history of Military Medicine and get the stories of these healthcare heroes to inform and inspire our listeners and hopefully improve the future of medicine.

We will take a behind-the-scenes look into unique opportunities and experiences told firsthand by current and former military professionals from all Servicers, ranks, and Cops and provide interesting and informative content about the mission, history, contributions, and achievements of all of Military Medicine

You will better understand what military medical professionals do in deployed environments as well as their peacetime mission and how they train for the next conflict.

You will also hear some incredible stories of how these WarDocs bring first-class medical care from Level 1 Trauma Centers to the most austere of conditions in every corner of the globe

Please visit our website at www.wardocspodcast.com to get additional information about our hosts and our guests, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

If you like war stories and medical drama, WarDocs has you covered. Spread the word!

WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast Doug Soderdahl, Wayne Causey, Kevin Kniery

    • Health & Fitness

Welcome to WarDocs!

This is a podcast developed and hosted by Active Duty and Veteran Military Medicine professionals who all possess a passion to honor the legacy and preserve the oral history of Military Medicine and get the stories of these healthcare heroes to inform and inspire our listeners and hopefully improve the future of medicine.

We will take a behind-the-scenes look into unique opportunities and experiences told firsthand by current and former military professionals from all Servicers, ranks, and Cops and provide interesting and informative content about the mission, history, contributions, and achievements of all of Military Medicine

You will better understand what military medical professionals do in deployed environments as well as their peacetime mission and how they train for the next conflict.

You will also hear some incredible stories of how these WarDocs bring first-class medical care from Level 1 Trauma Centers to the most austere of conditions in every corner of the globe

Please visit our website at www.wardocspodcast.com to get additional information about our hosts and our guests, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

If you like war stories and medical drama, WarDocs has you covered. Spread the word!

    Battlefield Bacteria: Combating Resistant Pseudomonas Infections-MILITARY MEDICINE Article of the Year. MAJ Mary B. Ford, MD

    Battlefield Bacteria: Combating Resistant Pseudomonas Infections-MILITARY MEDICINE Article of the Year. MAJ Mary B. Ford, MD

       Join us on War Docs as we welcome Army Physician MAJ Mary Ford, an infectious disease specialist and lead author of the acclaimed Military Medicine Journal's article of the year:
    Clinical Characteristics and Resistance Patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated From Combat Casualties
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34196358/
       Listen in as MAJ Ford shares the impactful findings of her team's research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in combat casualties, a topic of paramount importance to military health. Her personal journey into the infectious disease field, spurred by early curiosities and familial influences, and the progression of her military career make for a captivating story of dedication and passion.
          In this engaging conversation, we also tackle the critical subject of infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in the face of combat trauma. Hear about the vital role of simple measures, like hand hygiene, in combating infections, especially those caused by the antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Discover how MAJ Ford's team utilized the Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study to uncover that approximately 6% of combat trauma patients developed Pseudomonas infections. The implications of these findings are vast, offering significant advancements for clinical outcomes and infection control in military medical settings. Tune in for a deep understanding of how such research continues to shape practices and policies within the Department of Defense.
     
    Chapters:
    (00:02) Infectious Disease in the Military
    (07:12) Combat Trauma Infections and Pseudomonas
     
    Chapter Summaries:
    (00:02) Infectious Disease in the Military
     MAJ Mary Ford's research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in combat casualties and its impact on military health, her personal journey into infectious disease, and the enduring need for ongoing research in the Department of Defense.
     
    (07:12) Combat Trauma Infections and Pseudomonas
      Infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship are crucial in controlling Pseudomonas infections in combat trauma patients.
     
    Take Home Messages:
    In the context of military medicine, the issue of infections following combat trauma is a significant concern, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa identified as a noteworthy pathogen due to its prevalence in prolonged hospital stays and its intrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
    Infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship are critical components in the management of combat trauma infections. Basic practices such as hand hygiene play a pivotal role in controlling the spread of infections and can have substantial impacts on patient outcomes.
    Research conducted through the Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study (T-DOS) has revealed that about 6% of combat trauma patients develop Pseudomonas infections, which underscores the importance of understanding and addressing these infections to improve clinical practices and infection control protocols.
    Combat trauma patients with Pseudomonas infections often experience lengthy hospital stays and intensive care unit admissions, highlighting the need for robust infection prevention strategies in military healthcare settings to reduce the burden of these nosocomial infections.
    The fight against infections like Pseudomonas aeruginosa in military medicine is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous research and evidence-based practices to ensure the health and readiness of military personnel. Basic infection control measures remain foundational in mitigating infectious threats.
     
    Episode Keywords:
     Military Medicine, Infectious Disease, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Combat Trauma, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Research, Clinical Practices, Infection Control, Military Health, Nosocomial Pathogen, Antibiotic Resistance, Retrospective Analysis, Prospectively Collected Data, Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study, Clinical Outcomes, Infection Prevention, Military Medical Environments
    Hashtags:
    #wardocs #military #me

    • 19 min
    Exploring Maritime Operational Medicine| CAPT Lynelle Boamah, MD

    Exploring Maritime Operational Medicine| CAPT Lynelle Boamah, MD

         Join us for a compelling episode of WarDocs as we explore the innovative strides in military medicine with CAPT Lynelle Boamah, the Director of Maritime Operations for BUMED. CAPT Boamah shares her extensive experience overseeing force generation and sustainment for expeditionary medicine platforms, providing crucial medical care in air, land, sea, and underwater environments. We discuss the complexities of delivering medical procedures on a moving ship, including maintaining stable conditions and maneuvering patients through confined spaces. CAPT Boamah highlights the importance of first responder training for all Sailors and Marines, ensuring that life-saving techniques are accessible even before professional medical help arrives. We also delve into the specialized training required for Corpsmen assigned to submarines, emphasizing the critical skills needed to manage medical care in isolated and constrained environments.
       In addition to CAPT Boamah's insights, we explore the latest advancements in Naval medical capabilities, such as the innovative designs for hospital ships like the Expeditionary Medical Facility Bethesda and the Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship, USNS Cody. These ships boast features like operating and recovery rooms, shallow water navigation, and helicopter compatibility for efficient patient transport. The episode also touches on personal journeys into Navy medicine, highlighting the diverse specialization opportunities and motivations for pursuing a long-term career in military medicine. Don't miss this fascinating conversation that underscores the unique experiences and professional growth available within the Navy's medical field.
     
    Chapters:
    (00:04) Advancing Military Medicine Through Innovation
    (11:34) Innovations in Military Medical Ships
     
    Chapter Summaries:
    (00:04) Advancing Military Medicine Through Innovation
          CAPT Boamah discusses providing medical care in maritime environments, including force generation, first responder training, and specialized training for Corpsmen on submarines.
     
    (11:34) Innovations in Military Medical Ships
         Naval medical capabilities are advancing with new hospital ship designs, diverse specialization opportunities, and unique experiences for long-term careers.
     
    Take Home Messages:
    **Advanced Training for All**: The episode emphasizes the importance of comprehensive first responder training for all sailors and Marines, ensuring they possess life-saving skills to stabilize patients until professional medical help can arrive. This training is crucial in the confined and challenging environments of Naval operations.
    **Innovative Medical Platforms**: Listeners are introduced to cutting-edge Naval medical platforms, such as the Expeditionary Medical Facility Bethesda and the USNS Cody. These hospital ships are equipped with advanced medical features, including operating and recovery rooms, shallow-water navigation capabilities, and helicopter compatibility for seamless patient transport.
    **Unique Challenges of Maritime Medicine**: The discussion sheds light on the unique challenges medical personnel face in maritime environments. The episode highlights the tactical and logistical hurdles of providing medical care at sea, from performing medical procedures on moving ships to maneuvering patients through tight spaces.
    **Specialized Corpsman Training**: The episode details the specialized training provided to Corpsmen, particularly those assigned to submarines. This training includes hyperbaric medicine and advanced trauma care, preparing them to manage medical situations in isolated and constrained environments until higher-level medical support is available.
    **Diverse Career Opportunities**: The episode also explores the diverse career opportunities within Navy medicine. Listeners learn about various specializations available, from pediatric care to brain surgery, and the profound motivations that drive long-term careers in military med

    • 20 min
    Enhancing Battlefield Readiness and Medical Team Integration in Military Healthcare: CSM Timothy Sprunger

    Enhancing Battlefield Readiness and Medical Team Integration in Military Healthcare: CSM Timothy Sprunger

      Join us on this captivating episode of War Docs as we welcome Command Sergeant Major Timothy Sprunger, the US Army MEDCOM Command Sergeant Major, and Senior Advisor to the Army Surgeon General. Listen in as CSM Sprunger shares his extraordinary journey from a retail worker to a top leader in military medicine, inspired by his father's career as a firefighter. Sprunger reveals his key roles, from advising on policy at the Pentagon to overseeing the daily activities within the US Army Medical Command and advancing training for the AMEDD enlisted corps. He also takes us back to his first assignment in Panama, where he learned valuable lessons in clinical decision-making while facing the unique challenges of operating in the jungle.
        Our discussion continues with a look into CSM Sprunger's leadership and service experiences across various assignments, including the unforeseen and impactful health engagements with local civilians in Karbala. Hear about the improvisation and logistical challenges faced while setting up makeshift facilities and deploying new equipment. Sprunger reminisces about his most rewarding assignment as a platoon sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division, where he had the opportunity to directly influence soldiers' training and development. He also highlights the exceptional leadership of previous mentors, who enriched the training environment with their remarkable backgrounds and experience.
       In this episode, we also explore the critical role of medics and corpsmen as foundational assets in military medicine. Sprunger emphasizes the importance of integrating enlisted medics into medical teams to enhance battlefield readiness and effectiveness. Discover how initiatives led by the Surgeon General and other leaders ensure that medics are well-trained, trusted, and utilized to their full potential. Through inspiring personal Army stories and reflections on the evolving capabilities of modern soldiers, Sprunger underscores the importance of storytelling in attracting and motivating future military medical personnel. Don't miss this compelling conversation that sheds light on the impactful and rewarding nature of military service.
    Chapters:
    (00:04) Introduction to Military Medicine
    (12:24) Leadership and Service Experiences
    (22:20) Integrated Medical Team and Paramedic Initiatives
    (39:22) Telling the Military Medicine Story
     
    Chapter Summaries:
    (00:04) Introduction to Military Medicine
    Command Sergeant Major Timothy Sprunger shares his journey from retail worker to US Army MEDCOM CSM and Senior Advisor, highlighting mentorship and lessons from his first assignment in Panama.
     
    (12:24) Leadership and Service Experiences
    CSM Sprunger reflects on challenges in Iraq, health engagements with locals, logistical complexities, and rewarding role as platoon sergeant.
     
    (22:20) Integrated Medical Team and Paramedic Initiatives
    Army medics must be proficient in both tactical and medical skills to enhance battlefield readiness and effectiveness.
     
    (39:22) Telling the Stories of Military Medicine
    Medics and corpsmen play a vital role in military medicine, with evolving intelligence and inspiring stories attracting new recruits.
     
    Take Home Messages:
    **Inspirational Career Transformation**: This episode highlights the remarkable journey of a US Army Medical Command Sergeant Major who transitioned from a retail worker to a key leader in military medicine. His story emphasizes that one can achieve significant career transformations with determination and passion.
    **Importance of Mentorship and Training**: The episode underscores the vital role of mentorship and comprehensive training in developing effective military medical personnel. The guest's experiences in diverse assignments, from the jungles of Panama to leadership roles in the Pentagon, illustrate the impact of strong mentorship and rigorous training on career success.
    **Resourcefulness in Field Medicine**: Listeners will gain insights into the logistical

    • 45 min
    Ten Good Minutes on Leadership: Successfully Accomplish the Mission AND Take Care of Our People- Good Leaders Do Both- MG(R) Jeffrey Clark, MD

    Ten Good Minutes on Leadership: Successfully Accomplish the Mission AND Take Care of Our People- Good Leaders Do Both- MG(R) Jeffrey Clark, MD

          Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Sean Murphy, MD, sits down with MG(R) Jeff Clark, MD, who is a proven leader, to discuss the complexities of leadership in military medicine. With 35 years of distinguished service, including his tenure as US Army Medical Command Deputy Commander for Operations and Defense Health Agency Director of Healthcare Operations, Dr. Clark emphasized the essence of leadership:  ensuring mission success while creating conditions for the well-being of the persons on our Team and their Families.
        In this captivating exchange, we explore how Dr. Clark's leadership philosophy, shaped by luminaries like former Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division retired LTG Mike Steele, advocates for a 'graduate level' approach where accomplishing the mission and nurturing one's team are not disparate tasks but intertwined imperatives. Dr. Clark recounts how this principle influenced his leadership style and became a mission-essential task within the units he led, particularly during his time with the 21st Combat Support Hospital and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This episode is an ode to leadership excellence, offering a profound look into the heart of military medicine, where the prosperity of the team is as critical as the operational objectives they strive to achieve.
    Take Home Messages:
    Leadership in military medicine requires a holistic approach that integrates the accomplishment of the mission with the welfare of personnel and their families. Good leaders do not treat these aspects as separate tasks but consider them as interconnected priorities that need to be managed simultaneously.
    A successful leader in military healthcare sets a high standard by developing structured strategies, such as creating a "prosperity plan," to ensure that taking care of the team is not just an ideal but a mission-essential task. This plan encompasses personal, professional, spiritual, and family domains to promote overall well-being.
    Effective leadership involves active engagement and attentive listening to understand the morale and challenges faced by the team. It is crucial to walk around, observe, and communicate with team members to gauge their well-being, especially in demanding environments such as providing healthcare to detainees in combat zones.
    Merging different cultures within military medical units presents unique challenges that require deliberate team-building efforts. Leaders must choose their words carefully and foster a sense of unity, emphasizing the common purpose and pride across all branches while respecting individual service identities.
    Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for leaders. Reading and reflecting on leadership memoirs and philosophical works can provide valuable insights into improving care for others without demanding perfection, understanding the human aspect of leadership, and becoming more effective in guiding teams.
    Episode Keywords:
    military medicine leadership, balancing mission success, team well-being in healthcare, combat medicine challenges, healthcare operations in military, leadership in armed forces, military medical command, soldier welfare strategies, leadership philosophy in military, team prosperity in healthcare
    Hashtags:
    #wardocs #military #medicine #podcast #MilMed #MedEd
    #MilitaryMedicineLeadership, #CombatHealthcare, #MissionAndMorale, #TeamWellBeing, #HealthcareOperations, #LeadershipStrategies, #MilitaryHealthcare, #LeadershipPhilosophy, #SoldierWelfare, #GraduateLevelLeadership
    Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
    The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
     
    Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
    Che

    • 12 min
    A Legacy of Leadership: A Tribute to the Inspiring Journey of BG(R) Norvell “Van” Coots, MD

    A Legacy of Leadership: A Tribute to the Inspiring Journey of BG(R) Norvell “Van” Coots, MD

    In this heartfelt episode of War Docs, we pay tribute to BG(R) Norvell “Van” Coots, MD, who tragically passed away on June 12, 2024. Van was a loving and devoted father and husband, a cherished friend, a colleague, and a dedicated soldier medic. Throughout his nearly three-decade career, he exemplified core values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Van's journey from military high school to becoming a distinguished leader in military medicine is a testament to his resilience and commitment. This episode revisits his inspiring story, from his time as a medical supply officer to his leadership roles in Korea and Afghanistan, and finally, his impactful transition into civilian healthcare leadership. Join us as we honor Van Coots's remarkable legacy and his indelible mark on military medicine and beyond. Van, you are deeply missed but never forgotten. May God bless.
     
       In this episode, we learn how Van transformed from a military high school student to a celebrated physician and soldier medic. We recount his inspiring path of perseverance, from setbacks in medical school to his commission as a medical supply officer and his eventual triumph as a medical logistician and commander. Through first-hand accounts, we capture the essence of Van's unwavering dedication and the core values that defined his extraordinary career.
    We explore the captivating world of military medicine and leadership through the eyes of our guest, a seasoned Dermatologist and military officer. From groundbreaking dermatology practices in Germany to strategic medical planning during the Kosovo campaign, we share pivotal moments that shaped a dynamic career. The narrative takes us through leadership challenges at Keller Army Hospital and the intricate oversight of medical operations across Europe, shedding light on the critical support provided to Ukrainian forces in modern warfare.
    The episode culminates with a deep dive into Van’s tenure as Surgeon General for US Forces Afghanistan and the critical initiatives that transformed battlefield medical care. Transitioning to a civilian role, the host reflects on how military experiences continue to inform leadership in the healthcare sector. We round out the episode with a tribute to Dr. Coots’s significant contributions, including his pivotal role in the honorable closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Join us for a compelling tribute and insightful exploration of military medicine and leadership.
     
    Chapters:
    (00:01) Remembering Brigadier General Van Coots
    (09:12) Medical Assignments and Military Leadership
    (23:02) Military Medical Leadership and Operations
    (29:53) European Military Medicine and Refugee Healthcare
    (38:19) Military Medicine Leadership and Transitioning
    (46:43) Closing Walter Reed Army Medical Center
     
    Chapter Summaries:
    (00:01) Remembering BG(R) Norvell “Van” Coots
       Van Coots's journey from military school to West Point, medical school, and eventually becoming a commander in Korea.
     
    (09:12) Medical Assignments and Military Leadership
       A dermatologist and military officer shares experiences from practice, strategic planning during the Kosovo campaign, and leadership at West Point.
     
    (23:02) Military Medical Leadership and Operations
       Surgeon General for US Forces Afghanistan and Medical Advisor to ISAF Command, advocating for V-22 Osprey and implementing blood on medevac flights.
     
    (29:53) European Military Medicine and Refugee Healthcare
       Regional Health Command Europe oversees military medical operations, adapting European practices, preparing for asymmetric warfare, and relying on host nations.
     
    (38:19) Military Medicine Leadership and Transitioning
      A Medical Corps General Officer's leadership challenges and experiences translate to civilian healthcare, managing logistics, partnerships, and budgets.
     
    (46:43) Closing Walter Reed Army Medical Center
         Retired Army Brigadier General Dr.

    • 48 min
    Life, Learning, and Surgery on the High Seas: Insights into Navy Medicine with CAPT Matthew Tadlock, MD, FACS

    Life, Learning, and Surgery on the High Seas: Insights into Navy Medicine with CAPT Matthew Tadlock, MD, FACS

        Join us on War Docs as we sit down with Navy CAPT Matthew Tadlock, a trauma surgeon with a remarkable journey through Navy medicine. Listen in as CAPT Tadlock recounts his entry into Navy medicine via the Health Professions Scholarship Program, his time as a flight surgeon aboard the USS Carl Vinson during Operation Enduring Freedom, and his amusing tales from the surgical frontlines. With a career shaped by the mentorship of senior enlisted corpsmen and punctuated by memorable patient encounters, CAPT Tadlock shares his commitment to military medicine and its critical role in combat care.
       Our conversation also navigates the treacherous waters of maritime surgery, revealing the unique challenges of operating in this environment. CAPT Tadlock, the mind behind the "Expeditionary Surgery at Sea" textbook, discusses the evolution from his surgical residency to becoming a ship surgeon and how this experience led to the creation of a vital resource for medical professionals. He illuminates the contrasts between large warships with extensive facilities and smaller vessels with limited medical supplies, emphasizing the indispensable role of independent duty corpsmen and the need for tailored medical resources.
       Wrap up your listening experience as we discuss the intricate decision-making and resource management crucial to maritime surgery. CAPT Tadlock walks us through the complexities surgeons and independent duty corpsmen face on naval ships, from conducting surgeries with limited resources to handling mass casualty situations. Hear firsthand about the innovative practices that ensure surgical readiness and the new book that provides essential guidance to Navy residents and surgeons. With proceeds going towards charitable causes within the military community, CAPT Tadlock's dedication to advancing military medicine shines through every story and piece of advice shared.
     
    Chapters:
    (00:04) Military Medicine and Combat Care
    (13:27) Maritime Surgery Textbook Project
    (18:10) Challenges of Maritime Medical Practice
    (23:44) Challenges of Surgery at Sea
    (27:15) Expeditionary Surgery in Maritime Environments
    (33:09) Surgical Challenges in Deployed Maritime Medicine
     
    Chapter Summaries:
    (00:04) Military Medicine and Combat Care
    Navy CAPT Matthew Tadlock's career journey, mentorship from senior enlisted corpsmen, and current role as chair of the Joint Trauma System.
     
    (13:27) Maritime Surgery Textbook Project
    Maritime surgery presents unique challenges due to limited resources and the role of independent duty corpsmen.
     
    (18:10) Challenges of Maritime Medical Practice
    Surgeons at sea face challenges with limited resources, emphasizing the importance of X-ray reading and strategic medical supply distribution.
     
    (23:44) Challenges of Surgery at Sea
    Nature's surgical challenges and quality improvements in maritime environments, including ectopic pregnancy management, hand injuries, and medical evacuation.
     
    (27:15) Expeditionary Surgery in Maritime Environments
    Maritime surgery involves complex decision-making, the urgency of patient transfers, resource management, teamwork, and a new resource for Navy residents and surgeons.
     
    (33:09) Surgical Challenges in Deployed Maritime Medicine
    Surgeons aboard naval ships must be adaptable, skilled in various surgeries, and prepared for emergencies and limited resources.
     
    Take Home Messages:
    The high seas present unique challenges for medical professionals, requiring adaptability and resourcefulness due to the limited availability of modern diagnostic tools and varying medical facilities on naval vessels.
    Independent duty corpsmen play a critical role in Navy medicine, especially on smaller ships, where they must rely on specific maritime medical resources and their extensive training to provide care in resource-constrained environments.
    A deep understanding of trauma care logistics and resource management is essential aboard naval ships, where every medical decision can signif

    • 43 min

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