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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Lieutenant General (Ret). Mark A. Ediger, MD- From Rural Family Medicine Physician to Flight Surgeon to Air Force Surgeon General
CSM (Ret.) Rudolfo (Rudy) Delvalle- Combat Ranger Medic to Command Sergeant Major of Walter Reed Army Medical Center: Soldier Medic Leading the Way.
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
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