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

  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

      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/
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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.

    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

   Join us on War Docs as we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Hassan Tetteh, a retired Navy Captain and esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon, whose roots as a Brooklyn-born son of West African immigrants shaped his extraordinary path in military medicine. Listen in as Dr. Tetteh recounts his initial draw to the military, influenced by Junior ROTC, and how an unexpected commitment to a Navy career after medical school led to fulfilling his ambition to provide care for Marines. His stories take us aboard the USS Carl Vinson and into the heart of Afghanistan, where his service with the Second Marine Expeditionary Force brought both intense challenges and unparalleled triumphs.
    Dr. Hassan's journey doesn't end at the operating table; his career expands into realms such as clinical informatics and the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare. Hear how his experiences with data and technology have revolutionized the way we approach patient outcomes, offering a glimpse into the future of military and federal medicine. But amidst this technological advancement, Dr. Tetteh emphasizes the timeless art of human care—sharing personal stories highlighting the irreplaceable impact of empathy and connection in healing.
     As we wrap up our conversation with Dr. Hassan Tetteh, we delve into the burgeoning field of Human Care Technologies and its potential to support military service members and their families. Dr. Tetteh shares how his time at the Pentagon and the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center inspired his company's mission and discusses projects like Project SALUS, which played a crucial role during the pandemic. Don't miss his insight on the use of AI to streamline veterans' transition to civilian life and how these innovations are changing the landscape of healthcare and providing structured support for those who've served our nation.
 
Chapters:
(00:04) Military Medicine Career Journey & Specializations
(11:35) Defining Moments in Afghanistan Deployment
(15:35) Military Medicine and Transplant Expertise
(19:58) Medical Training Prepared Surgeon for Crisis
(28:21) Informatics and AI in Healthcare
(41:44) The Art of Human Care
(51:05) Human Care Technologies and Military Benefits
 
Chapter Summaries:
(00:04) Military Medicine Career Journey & Specializations
Brooklyn-born Dr. Hassan Tetteh's journey from military medicine to cardiac surgery, deployments, and insights on AI in healthcare.
(11:35) Defining Moments in Afghanistan Deployment:
A trauma surgeon shares a vivid memory of their intense experiences in Afghanistan, highlighting the critical role of military medical personnel on the front lines.
(15:35) Military Medicine and Transplant Expertise
Providing medical care to young Marines, training in thoracic transplantation, and the influence of the STAR team on a surgeon's career.
(19:58) Medical Training Prepared Surgeon for Crisis
Professional growth, cardiac care, transplantation, leadership, war zone surgery, and mentorship in high-pressure environments.
(28:21) Informatics and AI in Healthcare
Informatics and AI are transforming military medicine, improving outcomes through data and technology, with potential for future breakthroughs.
(41:44) The Art of Human Care
Transformation in doctor-patient relationship, embracing responsibility and partnership, and impact beyond technology in healthcare.
(51:05) Human Care Technologies and Military Benefits
Transitioning from military to civilian life, integrating AI into healthcare, supporting veterans, Project SALUS, large language models, and podcast with LTG Jack Shanahan.
 
Take Home Messages:
Life experiences, including those in the military, can significantly shape a physician's approach to healthcare, blending traditional medicine with advanced technology such as artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes.
Frontline medical professionals in war zones face unique challenges that test their skills and psychological resilience, emphasiz

   Join us as we welcome Dr. Donnelly Wilkes, a family physician and former Navy doctor whose story takes us from medical school halls to Fallujah's intense battlegrounds. Listen in as Dr. Wilkes recounts how the tragic events of 9/11 pivoted his career from a peaceful Navy service to the adrenaline-charged life of combat medicine alongside the Marines. His vivid narrative includes the grueling preparation for battlefield medicine, his on-the-ground decisions, and the powerful motivations behind his memoir, "Code Red Fallujah." Dr. Wilkes's personal journey offers a raw glimpse into the heart of military medical service and the indelible lessons that transcend the chaos of war.
   In this heartfelt episode, we explore the psychological and emotional landscapes shaped by military deployment. Hear about the profound experiences that forever altered Dr. Wilkes's medical practice and personal life, from treating the first Marine killed in action near Fallujah to the complex readjustment to civilian life. Dr. Wilkes shares how moments of stillness and empathetic connections with patients have enriched his role as a physician. He also imparts wisdom for medical professionals gearing up for future service, underlining the importance of mentorship and strategic foresight in combat medicine. Tune in for a conversation that bridges the front lines of military service with the compassionate care of family medicine.
 
Chapters:
(00:04) Combat Medicine in Fallujah
(08:31) Fallujah Field Medical Station Experiences
(24:22) Military Deployment Impact on Medical Practice
 
Chapter Summaries:
(00:04) Combat Medicine in Fallujah
Dr. Donnelly Wilkes shares his journey from medical school to deployment in Fallujah, exploring the impact of 9/11 and military medicine.
 
(08:31) Fallujah Field Medical Station Experiences
Nature's intense realities at a field medical aid station near Fallujah, including a powerful moment of prayer and treating a Marine with a severe head wound.
 
(24:22) Military Deployment Impact on Medical Practice
Military deployment's impact on medical practice and personal life, including stillness, listening skills, and readjustment to civilian life.
 
Take Home Messages:
**The Unpredictable Path of Military Medicine**: The tragic events of 9/11 can pivot the career trajectory of medical professionals in unexpected ways. This episode highlights how one doctor's path shifted from the prospect of peaceful Navy service to the intense realities of combat medicine on the battlefields of Fallujah.
**Rigorous Preparation for Battlefield Medicine**: The transition from medical school to serving as a physician in a combat zone requires extensive and specialized training. From officer training and combat casualty care courses to field exercises and trauma rotations, military doctors must be equipped with a unique set of skills to make life-saving decisions under the pressure of war.
**The Emotional Toll of Combat on Medical Personnel**: Experiencing the front lines of battle has a profound psychological and emotional impact on medical personnel. Dealing with casualties and the loss of life in a warzone requires not only medical expertise but also immense mental resilience and the ability to cope with high-stress situations.
**Post-Deployment Challenges and Growth**: Returning to civilian life after serving in a combat zone presents its own set of challenges, including readjusting to a different pace of life and dealing with the after-effects of constant vigilance and exposure to trauma. However, these experiences can also result in personal growth, leading to improved empathy and patient care practices.
**Mentorship and Foresight in Military Medicine**: For medical professionals considering or preparing for military service, seeking mentorship and learning from those with firsthand combat experience is invaluable. Strategic foresight, such as choosing between stationary or mobile medical units, is also critical for effectivel