This year, WarDocs, the Military Medicine Podcast, featured interviews with three members of the ESS, including one with our immediate Past-President. Part of the WarDocs mission is to preserve the oral history and showcase the unique expeditionary experiences of military medicine, which is complementary to the ESS three-part mission of preserving the lessons of the past, improving care in the present, and anticipating challenges of the future.
Colonel Jennifer Gurney, MD, FACS, US Army
In the episode, “Transforming Trauma Systems and Combat Casualty Care,” Colonel Jennifer Gurney, MD, FACS, immediate Past-President of the ESS and an Army trauma surgeon, discusses why she joined the military and what has kept her serving years later. Now, as the Chief of the Joint Trauma System, she discusses the "Walker Dip," the importance of trauma systems within military medicine, and the necessity for continuous performance improvement. Furthermore, she discusses bridging civilian and military expertise and the future of military medicine, which lies in the ability to adapt and learn from past conflicts, while preparing for the future.
The interview with Colonel Gurney is available on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
Captain (Retired) Travis Polk, MD, FACS, US Navy
In the episode, “Innovative Solutions for Combat Casualty Care Challenges,” Dr. Polk, ESS Executive Council member and Navy surgeon, discusses his role as the director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program. This podcast episode sheds light on the Department of Defense’s strategic prioritization of trauma-related research projects. These prioritizations focus on meeting the immediate needs of military operations and determining what projects should be funded. With the anticipation of large-scale combat operations and prolonged care, topics for research include advancements in blood products and anti-shock drugs, extending resuscitation windows, and the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality into this care setting. In order to maintain combat readiness, Dr. Polk also discusses the importance of medical simulation and mixed reality.
The interview with Dr. Polk is available on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
Colonel (Retired) Robert A Mazzoli, MD, FACS, US Army
In the episode, “From Battlefield to Breakthroughs: The Dynamic Evolution of Eye Care Technology in Warfare,” Dr. Mazzoli discusses the evolution of ophthalmology on the battlefield and the importance of education and adaptability in the face of changing warfare dynamics. Dr. Mazzoli also describes advancements in eye protection technology and what has led to today’s sophisticated polycarbonate eyewear. He further discusses the challenges of vision rehabilitation within the military and VA systems, and how to integrate military ocular trauma expertise into civilian care.
The interview with Dr. Mazzoli is available on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
Visit the Excelsior-WarDocs webpage for a list of WarDocs podcasts featuring other members of the ESS.
