WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast

By: Doug Soderdahl Wayne Causey Kevin Kniery
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to WarDocs! This is a podcast developed and hosted by 3 Army surgeons, Doug, Wayne and Kevin who all possess a passion to honor the legacy and preserve the oral history of Military Medicine and get the amazing stories of these healthcare heroes to our listeners. We will take a behind the scenes look into unique opportunities and experiences told firsthand from current and former military medical professionals and provide interesting and informative content about the mission, history, contributions, and achievements of Military Medicine from all the members of the team. You will better understand what Military Medicine does in deployed environments as well as the peacetime mission and how these healthcare providers 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 and Instagram. If you like war stories and medical drama, WarDocs has you covered. Spread the word!
    Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
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Episodes
  • Trailblazing in Military Medicine: Col. Vik Bebarta, MD, on Innovation, Research, and Leadership

    Trailblazing in Military Medicine: Col. Vik Bebarta, MD, on Innovation, Research, and Leadership
    Mar 6 2025
    What if you could transform military medicine to better serve those who risk their lives to protect us? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Air Force Colonel Dr. Vik Bebarta, a leading figure in emergency medicine and medical toxicology. From his early days at the Air Force Academy to his pivotal role in founding the University of Colorado Center for Combat Research, Dr. Bebarta shares how his experiences on deployments have shaped his perspective on the critical role of research in advancing medical practices. Explore his insights into the evolving landscape of trauma care and brain health, where balancing immediate battlefield needs with long-term innovation is paramount. Listen in to the fascinating story of how the Center for Combat Research stands at the forefront of military medical innovation, acting as a beacon of collaboration with academia and industry. Discover how the center is tackling pressing challenges like prolonged casualty care and offering mental health resources for military personnel and first responders. By drawing parallels with rural civilian healthcare, we emphasize the importance of readiness and psychological support for those operating in high-stress environments. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries, shedding light on innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches being pioneered for our military and veteran communities. This episode explores leadership principles and the strategic balance required for future medical innovation in military healthcare. Dr. Bebarta shares key advice on taking calculated risks, ensuring accountability, and maintaining agility amidst evolving challenges. Through examples of partnerships among military units, academic institutions, and industry, we highlight the power of a collaborative ecosystem in advancing military medical capabilities. Join us for a compelling discussion that not only celebrates innovation but also offers valuable career advice for those aspiring to make a difference in the field of military medicine. Chapters: (00:04) Journey Into Military Medicine (12:44) Enhancing Military Medicine Through Research (22:18) Advancing Military Medical Care Through Innovation (31:20) Strategic Balancing for Future Medical Innovation (43:43) Leadership and Military Medicine Advice Chapter Summaries: (00:04) Journey Into Military Medicine Air Force Colonel Dr. Vik Bebarta shares his journey into military medicine, discussing impactful cases, research, and future challenges. (12:44) Enhancing Military Medicine Through Research Nature's military medical innovation center collaborates with academia and industry to improve pre-hospital care and support first responders. (22:18) Advancing Military Medical Care Through Innovation Advancements in trauma care and brain health for military and veterans, including oxygen levels, TBI diagnosis, and digital therapies. (31:20) Strategic Balancing for Future Medical Innovation Collaboration and agility are crucial in advancing military medicine, with a focus on prolonged care, blood solutions, and AI integration. (43:43) Leadership and Military Medicine Advice Leadership principles, career advice, and goals in military medicine, emphasizing risk-taking, accountability, agility, and collaboration. Take Home Messages: The Evolution of Military Medicine: This episode explores the journey of a military medical professional from training to deployment, highlighting the importance of research and innovation in advancing medical practices. It emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in military medicine to meet both immediate battlefield needs and long-term healthcare goals.Collaboration as a Catalyst for Innovation: A significant theme is the critical role of collaboration between military units, academic institutions, and industry partners in driving innovation in military medicine. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing complex challenges like prolonged casualty care and mental health, ensuring readiness and resilience among first responders.Advancements in Trauma and Brain Health: The episode delves into cutting-edge developments in trauma care and brain health, particularly in the context of military and veteran healthcare. Innovative trials and therapies are discussed, highlighting their potential to improve outcomes for those with traumatic brain injuries and other critical conditions.Strategic Resource Allocation: The balance between addressing immediate medical needs on the battlefield and investing in future research is a key focus. The podcast discusses the importance of strategic resource allocation to ensure agility and rigor in military medical advancements, with a particular emphasis on the integration of AI and scalable solutions.Leadership and Resilience in Military Medicine: The episode offers valuable insights into leadership within the ...
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    50 mins
  • Is Prehospital Ketamine Associated with the Prognosis of PTSD: Ted Melcer, PhD-- Military Medicine Article of the Year 2025

    Is Prehospital Ketamine Associated with the Prognosis of PTSD: Ted Melcer, PhD-- Military Medicine Article of the Year 2025
    Feb 27 2025
    What if the key to advancing military medicine lies in a small shift from opioids to ketamine for battlefield pain management? Join us as we unlock the groundbreaking research of Dr. Ted Melcer, a pioneer in military psychological studies, whose work challenges the conventional use of morphine for wounded soldiers. Recognized by Military Medicine Journal as the 2024 article of the year, Dr. Melcer's investigation into pre-hospital ketamine therapy offers fresh insights into its potential to alter PTSD prognosis, shifting the landscape of tactical combat care. As we delve into Dr. Melcer's journey, we explore the evolution of his research since before 9/11, highlighting the urgent need for data-driven medical care enhancements for troops in conflict zones. Discover how the Naval Health Research Center’s innovative database initiative has informed new treatment protocols, possibly reducing psychological repercussions for soldiers. This episode promises a thorough exploration of the strategic, long-term benefits of ketamine use in military medicine and the broader implications for operational readiness. Dr. Melcer’s research publication was selected as the AMSUS Journal Military Medicine Article of the Year for 2025. Article Citation: Is Prehospital Ketamine Associated With a Change in the Prognosis of PTSD? Ted Melcer, PhD, G Jay Walker, BA, Judy L Dye, NP, Benjamin Walrath, MD, MPH, Andrew J MacGregor, PhD, Katheryne Perez, MPH, Michael R Galarneau, MS, NRERMT Military Medicine, Volume 188, Issue 7-8, July/August 2023, Pages e2165–e2174, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usac014 Take Home Messages: Revolutionizing Battlefield Pain Management: The transition from traditional opioids to low-dose ketamine for managing pain in combat situations shows promising results, potentially offering safer alternatives with fewer side effects, especially for soldiers who have sustained severe injuries.Impact on PTSD Prognosis: Preliminary findings suggest that the use of pre-hospital ketamine may be associated with lower odds of developing PTSD compared to opioids, indicating a protective psychological benefit for injured service members.Importance of Tactical Combat Casualty Care Guidelines: The research highlights the critical role of tactical combat casualty care guidelines in informing first responders and medics about effective pain management strategies that may also enhance long-term psychological outcomes.Value of Battlefield Data: The collection and analysis of battlefield casualty care data are invaluable for understanding the effects of medical interventions on long-term health outcomes, informing both military guidelines and broader medical practices.Continuous Need for Research: There is a pressing need for systematic studies on the long-term psychological effects of battlefield treatments, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research to improve rehabilitation outcomes and operational readiness for service members. Episode Keywords: Battlefield medicine, ketamine research, PTSD treatment, military healthcare, WarDocs podcast, pain management, soldier recovery, innovative medicine, combat healing, mental health, Dr. Ted Melcer, Naval Health Research Center, Military Medicine Journal, tactical combat casualty care, operational readiness, psychological effects, opioid alternatives, military medicine, AMSUS, trauma registry, pre-hospital care. Hashtags: #BattlefieldMedicine #KetamineResearch #PTSDTreatment #MilitaryHealthcare #WarDocsPodcast #PainManagement #SoldierRecovery #InnovativeMedicine #CombatHealing #MentalHealthRevolution 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/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms. Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @...
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    14 mins
  • Lifelong Learning and Leadership: Pie’s Pontifications from Brig Gen (Ret) Susan Pietrykowski

    Lifelong Learning and Leadership: Pie’s Pontifications from Brig Gen (Ret) Susan Pietrykowski
    Feb 25 2025
    Brig Gen (Ret) Susan Pietrykowski, celebrated for her outstanding Air Force Medical Service Corps officer career, joins us to uncover her unique leadership philosophy known as "Pie's pontifications." With her experience culminating as the 21st Medical Service Corps Chief, Susan shares the wisdom that guided her leadership journey, emphasizing the critical role of communication and the art of adapting styles to suit diverse teams. Her perspective on achieving work-life harmony, rather than balance, offers a refreshing outlook on managing personal and professional responsibilities, inspired by empowering mentors like Colonel Mark Wetherington. Susan's journey is filled with insightful strategies for building resilient teams and navigating the complexities of making tough decisions. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her transformative experience with the True Colors course, a modern approach to understanding team dynamics through the updated lens of Myers-Briggs. With practical advice for leaders seeking to enhance their team management skills within the military framework, Susan offers a compelling narrative that promises to enrich listeners with valuable leadership and personal development lessons. Take Home Messages: Effective Communication and Adaptability: A key leadership insight from the episode emphasizes the importance of communicating early and often, while also tailoring communication styles to suit the diverse preferences and generational differences within a team. This adaptability is crucial, especially in remote working environments.Embracing Work-Life Harmony: The podcast highlights the concept of work-life harmony, suggesting that leaders should focus on integrating their personal and professional responsibilities rather than striving for a perfect balance. This approach allows leaders to be present where they are most needed at any given time.Building Resilient and Diverse Teams: Listeners learn about the significance of assembling teams that offer a cultural add rather than just a cultural fit. Embracing a diversity of personalities and backgrounds can lead to stronger, more effective teams capable of tackling complex challenges.The Role of Mentorship: The episode underscores the value of mentorship in personal and professional growth. Establishing clear mentor-mentee relationships and having a variety of mentors at different stages of life can provide invaluable guidance, particularly during career transitions.Leadership During Challenging Times: The podcast provides insights into leading effectively during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Creating space for open conversations about difficult topics and fostering a supportive environment can help teams navigate unprecedented challenges while maintaining their well-being. Episode Keywords: Leadership Wisdom, Military Leadership, Brigadier General Susan Pietrykowski, Team Dynamics, Resilient Teams, Communication in Leadership, Adaptability, Work-Life Harmony, Mentorship, Lifelong Learning, Air Force Medical Service Corps, True Colors Course, Myers-Briggs, Team Building, Leadership Philosophy, Cultural Add, Military Medicine, Women in STEM, Leadership Journey, COVID-19 Leadership Challenges Hashtags: #LeadershipWisdom #MilitaryLeadership #TeamResilience #CommunicationSkills #AirForceInsights #TrueColors #WorkLifeHarmony #MentorshipMatters #WomenInLeadership #STEMAdvocacy 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/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms. Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast
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    14 mins

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