WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast
Health & Fitness:Medicine
Listen in as we explore the journey of retired Navy Captain Paul B. Roach, MD, FACS, where he shares his valuable deployment experiences that led to significant improvements in combat casualty care. From his early deployments as a flight surgeon in Okinawa to his gritty 14-month stint in Afghanistan, Dr. Roach offers a riveting account of combat surgery that will captivate and enlighten. There, he learned the delicate dance of trauma algorithms and rhythms of combat surgery.
Dr. Roach explains his motivations to capture his experiences, trials, and triumphs in his memoir, Citizen Surgeon. His deeply moving recollections underscore the critical importance of training and preparation for those deployed, and his mantra of "perfect practice makes perfect" will leave lasting impressions. In an in-depth discussion, we delve into the American College of Surgeons' military-specific curriculum and how it prepares surgeons for the realities of the battlefield.
Finally, we navigate the evolution of Military Medicine through Dr. Roach's lens. His career trajectory showcases not just the rigors of deployment but also the harsh reality of transitioning home and the importance of family support. As a Navy Medical Corps Officer, a physician, and a mentor preparing the next generation of Military Medical professionals, Dr. Roach's narratives are an essential listen for anyone interested in the converging worlds of medicine and the military. This episode promises a wealth of insights and real-world experiences from the frontline of Military Medicine.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Early Military Medical Experiences
(0:07:06) - Surgical Oncology Career Path & Specialization
(0:15:38) - Combat Surgery
(0:29:18) - Military Specific Curriculum for Combat Surgeons
(0:34:46) - The Evolution of Military Medicine
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Early Military Medical Experiences (7 Minutes)
We talk with retired Navy Captain Paul B. Roach, MD, FACS about his experiences from deployments and the important lessons learned that have led to improvements in combat casualty care. We also discuss his memoir Citizen Surgeon and his work to prepare the next generation of military medical professionals, as well as his work with the American College of Surgeons. Dr Roach also recounts his experience as a flight surgeon in Okinawa with the Marines, including a medevac mission he was involved with.
(0:07:06) - Surgical Oncology Career Path & Specialization (9 Minutes)
Dr. Roach's deployments and the lessons he learned from them have shaped his career. He transitioned from his military service back to training and offers advice for those returning to their residencies after a break. His assignment to NAS Sigonella, Italy, gave him a unique opportunity. He decided to do fellowship training in complex surgical oncology.
(0:15:38) - Combat Surgery (14 Minutes)
Dr. Roach recounts his experience from his 14-month deployment in Afghanistan. He explains how his training in surgical oncology prepared him for any area he was called upon to work in and how he had to adjust to the trauma algorithms and rhythms of combat surgery. He shares his experience of writing his memoir, Citizen Surgeon, as a way to process his experience and to understand his deployment. He dealt with situations that were outside of his comfort zone, such as pediatric gunshot wounds, and used his med school and residency training to remind himself that he was capable of carrying out the mission.
(0:29:18) - Military Specific Curriculum for Combat Surgeons (5 Minutes)
Dr. Roach's experience with the American College of Surgeons' military-specific curriculum and exam is discussed. He explains how his training and practice prepared him for his deployments, including his stance on providing care to enemy combatants. He shares how his team was able to handle the Mass Casualty drills, even with members who were new to the experience, and his mantra of "perfect practice makes perfect" and the importance of training and preparation for those deployed.
(0:34:46) - The Evolution of Military Medicine (12 Minutes)
Paul shares his own journey from being a medical student dressed as a Naval Officer to becoming a Naval oOficer who happens to be a physician. He also explains how the transition home from deployment can be difficult and how his family has been his anchor. We explore the differences between Role 2 and Role 3 facilities and how to best prepare for deployment in either scenario. Finally, we discuss the importance of tumor boards in the care of cancer patients and how a multidisciplinary team can craft an individualized solution for each patient.
Take Home Messages:
Episode Keywords:
Military Medicine, Combat Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Mass Casualty Drills, Flight Surgeon, Medevac Mission, Okinawa, American College of Surgeons, Role 2 Facilities, Role 3 Facilities, Multidisciplinary Team, Tumor Boards, Combat Casualty Care, Perfect Practice, Memoir Citizen Surgeon, Transition Home, Deployment Preparation
Hashtags:
#wardocs #military #medicine #podcast #MilMed #MedEd #MilitaryMedicine #CombatSurgery #MedicalJourney #FromBattlefieldToOperatingRoom #CitizenSurgeon #DrPaulRoach #MilitaryToMedicine #NavyCaptain #MedicalExcellence #OncologyTraining
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/episodes
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.
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Major General (Ret.) Phillip Volpe, D.O.- Lessons learned from operational medicine experience in Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Korea, Southwest Asia and additional undisclosed locations.
CAPT Christine Sears, M.D.- A Navy Urologist Commanding on the USNS COMFORT and Maintaining Resiliency While Supporting Critical DoD Medical Missions Across the Globe.
BG (Dr.) Mary V. Krueger- Leveraging Character, Training and Experience For Mission Success.
COL Michael Wirt, M.D., Ph.D: Radiology on the Battlefield, Neuroradiology, and Commanding a Level 1 Trauma Center during the COVID pandemic.
COL Will Bimson, D.O.- Combat Cardiologist, Ranger Qualified- Supporting COVID Missions at Home in the USA and Deployments Across the Globe
Dr. Benjamin Starnes- Surgeon Stepping Up to Lead During 9/11 and in Austere Locations Across the Globe
COL(R) Dr. Peter Napolitano- OB/GYN WarDoc- Improving Surgical Patient Safety on the Battlefield and Beyond.
COL(R) Dr. Matthew Hepburn- Military Infection Disease Doc Uniquely Prepared for Operation Warp Speed and Global Pandemic Response.
Lt. Gen. (Ret) Dr. Paul K. Carlton Jr.-Evolution of Critical Care in the Air- Past, Present and Future
Major General (Ret) Dr. Sean L. Murphy- Taking Care of Military Members and their Families from the Far East to Europe to the Pentagon
CAPT (Dr.) Joel Schofer- Deputy Chief of the Navy Medical Corps- Coaching and Mentoring Physicians in Career Development both Online and In-person.
The Journey to Zero Harm- Exploring Quality and Safety in Military Medicine- COL(Ret) Evan Renz, MD, MPH (Part 2 of interview)
COL(Ret) Dr. Evan Renz: From Jumpmaster in the 82nd Airborne Division to Burn/Critical Care Surgeon Extraordinaire.
COL(Ret) Alfonso “Al” Alarcon: Orthopedic Surgery and Military Medical Leadership Around the Globe
Dr. Kevin C. Kiley: 41st Army Surgeon General- Loyalty Down and Choosing the Harder Right- Reflections from a Distinguished Career
Colonel Paul Parker- British Army Surgeon: Drones, Advanced Tourniquets and Blood Products-Future Combat Care Innovations at the Tip of the Spear.
Major General (Dr.) Jeff Clark MC Mission Lessons- Desert Storm to Kosovo to Katrina to Abu Ghraib
Major General Daniel Walrath- Combat Casualty and Inspirational Leader: An Inside look at the Military Medical System from Point of Injury to Recovery
Center for the Intrepid: Lessons Learned from Combat Injuries Have Revolutionized Rehabilitation Care (with Dr. Alderete)
COL (Dr.) Joseph Alderete- Orthopedic Surgery in Combat and in Support of Special Operations Forces
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