WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast
Health & Fitness:Medicine
Episode Summary:
Meet retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman, a man of commendable vision - both figuratively and literally. With a career as a Navy Optometrist, Mike brings a unique perspective on the crucial role of vision in military readiness. We discuss the evolving regulations for aviators regarding perfect vision and how the Navy accommodates aging pilots by facilitating the necessary corrective measures to keep them active. Our discussion also touches on the importance of regular vision exams for military members and the role of Optometrists in operational scenarios. From deployments with surgical teams to treating aging aviators, he's got anecdotes that will give you a new appreciation of the invaluable role of Optometrists in the military.
RADM Mittelman shares the trials and triumphs of his leadership roles, including directing the Navy Medical Service Corps, commanding the US Naval Hospital in Okinawa, and Command Surgeon for Joint Forces Command as well as PACOM. Hear firsthand the impressive logistics of operating hospital ships and the importance of these floating lifelines in both combat readiness and humanitarian missions.
The conversation doesn't stop at the water's edge. Mike takes us into the realm of global health engagements, revealing how Military Medicine fosters alliances and collaborations worldwide. Find out how medicine paves pathways to partnerships where military ties may not exist. And hear about the resilience needed in the face of considerable challenges, like the pressures to downsize and the establishment of the Defense Health Agency. Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the world of Military Medicine.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Optometry in Military Medicine
(0:04:51) - Military Vision Care and Readiness
(0:11:31) - Leadership and Challenges in Navy Medicine
(0:19:35) - Leadership and Challenges in Military Medicine
(0:34:41) - Military Medicine for Global Health Engagements
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Optometry in Military Medicine (5 Minutes)
Our featured guest, retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman, shares his story of joining the Navy and his experience as an Optometrist in Military Medicine. He discusses the unique environments that the Navy deals with and how Optometrists play a considerable role in ensuring that the forces are visually ready for any theater. Mike also shares some important leadership lessons he's learned in multiple strategic assignments.
(0:04:51) - Military Vision Care and Readiness (7 Minutes)
Vision is important for military members, and regular vision exams are required. Optometrists are often sent to forward deploy with surgical teams to provide eye care. Regulations for aviators needing perfect vision have changed over time. The process and evaluation for aviators who experience age-related degradation of their vision is outlined, and corrective measures can be taken so they can remain active.
(0:11:31) - Leadership and Challenges in Navy Medicine (8 Minutes)
Optometrists can help with military readiness by providing quality care with a focus on customer service. Navy medicine supports the Marine Corps, and Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman was the commanding officer of the US Naval Hospital in Okinawa. He also commanded a Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity, which trains opticians for the Department of Defense.
(0:19:35) - Leadership and Challenges in Military Medicine (15 Minutes)
Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman's experience as the Navy Medical Service Corps Director is discussed, focusing on his efforts to rebuild the Corps and protect and resource the hospital ships. The importance of the hospital ships is highlighted, not only for combat readiness but for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Challenges of updating the operating rooms on a ship are explored, as well as how Rear Admiral Mittelman provided guidance for the sourcing of medical resources at the top levels of military leadership.
(0:34:41) - Military Medicine for Global Health Engagements (12 Minutes)
Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman shares the importance of Military Medicine leveraging Global Health Engagements to foster relationships and collaborations with allies and potential allies. He explains how medicine is a strategic enabler and provides an opportunity to establish a medical relationship in countries without formal military relationships. He also highlights how he and his team have worked with nations to develop capabilities like disease surveillance and undersea medicine and how other nations can reach out to the US military for assistance. He discusses the significant challenges he faced as the Deputy Surgeon General of the Navy in 2011, including the pressure to downsize and the early phases of the establishment of the Defense Health Agency.
Episode Keywords:
Optometry, Military Medicine, Navy, Optometrist, Vision Care, Readiness, Leadership, Challenges, Hospital Ships, Global Health Engagements, Surgical Teams, Aviators, Strategic Assignments, Humanitarian Missions, Disease Surveillance, Undersea Medicine, Defense Health Agency, Downsize, Japan, Natural Disasters
Hashtags:
#wardocs #military #medicine #podcast #MilMed #MedEd #NavyOptometry #MilitaryMedicine #VisionAndReadiness #LeadershipInMilitary #NavyMedicalServiceCorps #HospitalShips #GlobalHealthEngagements #DisasterReliefMedicine
TAKE HOME MESSAGES:
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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Exploring the Intersection of Civilian and Military Medicine: A Story of Dedication and Leadership- MG(R) Joseph Caravalho, Jr. M.D.
Charting Unconventional Career Paths: From Navy Enlisted to America’s Medical School- ENS Alexius Russell
Perfect Practice: A Navy Captain’s Surgical Journey: CAPT (Ret) Paul B. Roach, MD, FACS
An Inside Look into General Surgery training in the Military with Recent Graduate Dr. Alexis Lauria
Navigating Operational Medicine Challenges in Military Medicine: COL(R) Jonathan Jaffin, MD
Exploring Military and Diplomatic Medicine with State Department Regional Medical Officer Andrew P. Hyatt, DO, FAAFP
Insights into Military Maternity Leave and Retention Rates: Lt. Col. Minette Herrick
Leadership and Adaptability in Operational Medicine: BG(R) Richard Ursone.
Exploring the History and Evolution of Combat Wound Care- COL(R) Evan Renz, MD
A Deep Dive into the Rigorous Training of Combat Paramedics: LTC Brandi M. Dupoux, MSN, RN, CEN, ECCN
Combat Surgery Series: Blunt Abdominal Trauma with CAPT (R) Paul Roach
Combat Surgery Series: Hemorrhagic Shock and Damage Control Resuscitation with Col Jeremy Cannon
Exploring the Intricacies of Military Healthcare: MG(R) Brian C. Lein, MD, FACS
Leadership, Readiness and Taking Care of Warriors: Reflections from Navy TSG VADM(Ret) Matthew L. Nathan, MD, FACP, FACHE
Celebrating the Life of COL(R) Anthony Johnson, MD- An Amazing Man, A Remarkable Journey (1965-2022)
The Intersection of Military Service and Trauma Surgery- Air Force Reserve Colonel Jeremy W. Cannon, MD, FACS
Advancements and Evolution of Combat Casualty Care with DHA Trauma Medical Director Colonel Stacy Shackelford, MD, FACS
Understanding the Intricacies of Military Trauma Care and Combat Casualty Mortality Analysis- COL(R) Russ S. Kotwal, MD, MPH
Life on the Edge: Inside the High-Stakes World of an Air Force Pararescueman with CMSgt (Ret) Chad McCoy
Redefining Medical Care in Combat: A Glimpse into the Future with LTG(R) James B. Peake, MD
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