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.
Follow Us on Social Media
Twitter: @wardocspodcast
Facebook: WarDocs Podcast
Instagram: @wardocspodcast
LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast
Col (Ret) Todd E. Rasmussen, MD: Vascular Surgeon Leveraging Combat Deployment Experience to Improve Care on the Battlefield and Beyond
SSG(R) Adam Bardwell: Special Operations Medical Sergeant: Maintaining a Readiness Mindset
LTG(R) James Peake, MD- US Army Surgeon General on 9/11: From Infantry Platoon Leader in Vietnam to Strategic Leadership in Military Medicine and at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
CAPT(R) Eric Elster MD: USUHS Dean and Experienced Navy Transplant Surgeon Optimizing Combat Casualty Care Knowledge and Skills and Preparing the Next Generation of Medical Professionals.
COL(R) Douglas W. Soderdahl, MD- Military Urologist and Combat Surgery Multiplier
Lieutenant General (Ret). Mark A. Ediger, MD- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Defining Mentorship Relationships and Helping them Develop and Flourish.
CMC(Ret) Tyrone Willis: Shipboard Medicine Insights and Positively Impacting Military Careers and Organizations
MG(R) Joseph Caravalho Jr., M.D. Operational Expertise Enhances Strategic Medical Leadership in the Joint Force Environment
MG(R) Jonathan Woodson, MD- Shaping the Future of Military Medical Education and Research
BG Mary V. Krueger, DO- Successful Mentorship- Keys for a Mentee- Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series
CAPT Robert A. Liotta, MD – Deployed Navy Flight Surgeon and Cardiothoracic Radiologist Serves as Recruitment and Admissions Associate Dean at USUHS
Colonel Edward Horvath Jr, MD - Good Medicine, Hard Times: Experiences of a Reserve Physician in Combat
LTC (R) Steve Peth- Former Vietnam Medevac Pilot serves Wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed as a Red Cross Volunteer
MG(R) David Rubenstein, FACHE- Keys to Successful Mentorship- The Mentorship Relationship- Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series
Chief Hospital Corpsman Peter McGuyer: Navy Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman Training Combat Medic Sustainment Skills and Focusing on Wellness
COL Andrew Morgan, MD- Army Special Operations Emergency Medicine Physician and NASA Astronaut
MG Telita Crosland, MD- Keys to Successful Mentorship- What Should a Mentor Know? Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series
LTC(R) Steve Peth- MEDEVAC Pilot in Vietnam discusses Casualty Evacuation and Training Pilots for Combat Missions
Col (Ret) Donald Jenkins, MD – Air Force Trauma Surgeon leading the way with the Joint Trauma System and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Trauma.
LTG(R) Ronald Blanck, DO – From Vietnam Battalion Surgeon to Surgeon General of The US Army
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Good Mood Revolution
The Relaxback UK Show
On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha
Precision Medicine Forum Podcast
The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.
The Peter Attia Drive