Transforming Trauma Systems and Combat Casualty Care with COL Jennifer Gurney, MD, FACS

    Join us for a captivating exploration of military medicine with COL Jennifer Gurney, MD, FACS, a trauma surgeon and chief of the Joint Trauma System. Dr. Gurney shares her inspiring journey from joining the Army for financial support during medical school to becoming a leader in trauma surgery, significantly influenced by the events of September 11, 2001. Her experiences at renowned institutions like Stanford and San Francisco General Hospital underscore the importance of fellowship training in her field. Listen in as she discusses the critical role of trauma systems in optimizing combat casualty care, highlighting the "Walker Dip," a challenge in maintaining medical readiness during periods of non-conflict, and the significance of data and performance improvement in military medicine.

   Discover how lessons from global trauma systems, including conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, are shaping the future of military medical care. We examine the strategic partnership between the American College of Surgeons and the Military Health System, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, communication, and shared experiences between military and civilian trauma systems. Insights from Dr. Gurney and other critical figures in trauma surgery provide a roadmap for national trauma systems, highlighting the efforts to address both trauma and non-battle injuries. With COL Gurney's commitment to providing the best care for military personnel, this episode is a compelling exploration of the challenges and rewards of military medicine.

Chapters:

(00:04) Optimizing Military Medicine Through Trauma Surgery

(11:13) Learning From Global Trauma Systems

(16:33) Military Medical Partnership

Chapter Summaries:

(00:04) Optimizing Military Medicine Through Trauma Surgery

     Dr. Jennifer Gurney's journey into Army Medicine, specializing in trauma surgery, and the importance of data and performance improvement in optimizing combat casualty care.

(11:13) Learning From Global Trauma Systems

      Military trauma systems in Ukraine and Israel highlight the importance of data, training, and collaboration for improved outcomes in war.

(16:33) Military Medical Partnership With Surgeons

      Strategic partnership between ACS and MHS, integration with COT, data capture on military health threats, and insights from JTS Chief.

Take Home Messages:

1. Commitment to Military Medicine: The journey into military medicine can be profoundly influenced by significant events, such as 9/11, which shape career paths and lead to specialized roles in trauma care. This highlights the importance of dedication and resilience in providing optimal care for military personnel.
2. Importance of Trauma Systems: Optimizing trauma systems is crucial for maintaining combat casualty care readiness. This involves continuous data-driven performance improvement and collaboration between military and civilian systems to enhance medical outcomes.
3. Global Insights and Collaboration: Learning from global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Israel, provides valuable insights into military medical readiness. This underscores the importance of international collaboration and communication in refining trauma care protocols and strategies.
4. Strategic Partnerships: Partnerships between military health systems and civilian organizations, like the American College of Surgeons, play a pivotal role in advancing trauma care. Effective communication and shared knowledge contribute to the development of a comprehensive national trauma system.
5. Adapting to Future Challenges: The military medical community must prepare for future conflicts that may present new challenges. This involves leveraging emerging technologies and ensuring rapid data capture and analysis to maintain a high standard