WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast

Benjamin Hall- Veteran Fox News War Correspondent Injured in Ukraine: Amazing Rescue, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Assisted by Military Medicine Expertise Across the Globe

Benji Hall- Veteran Fox News War Correspondent Injured in Ukraine and enters the US Military Medical System for Surgical Care and Rehabilitation
In this episode, we interview veteran war correspondent Benji Hall, a British journalist who has worked with Fox News since 2013 and was promoted to State Department correspondent in 2021. He outlines ways in which media teams attempt to capture the truth in the chaos of war and how they prepare and enter war zones. Benji discusses his movement forward to the front lines of the Russian invasion of Ukraine along the outskirts of Kyiv.  After investigating a story in front of the front lines, his vehicle was struck by multiple explosives on his return to the Ukrainian secured areas. He extricated himself from the vehicle and crawled to safety, where he was treated by Ukrainian forces and evacuated to a local hospital.  Hear about his amazing evacuation story from Ukraine, his entry into the US military medical system, and his rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid.  His optimism and passion are contagious, and you will surely hear about this unique experience of a civilian combat-injured reporter treated in the military medical system.
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
Check our list of previous guests at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes
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. Foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
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 100% of donations 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 (affectionately called "Doc"—an earned title of respect, trust, and confidence) who are dedicated to the medical care of our fellow comrades-in-arms (both on and off the battlefield), our Wounded Warriors and our military Families.
        Follow Us on Social Media
Twitter: @wardocspodcast
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Instagram: @wardocspodcast
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Col (ret) David Carmack MD MBA – Air Force Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Providing Hands-on Training for Expeditionary Medicine

  Col (ret) Carmack is a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon who served in the Air Force.  He has deployment experience and has trained healthcare professionals at Military-Civilian Partnerships at Level 1 Trauma Centers.  He is currently the Physician Director of the Northern Light Orthopedic Service Line in Bangor, Maine.
    In this episode, Dr. Carmack discusses his path into orthopedic surgery and how serving as a GMO impacted his career. He also discusses his role in two civilian-military partnerships, how it better prepared him and his team to manage combat casualties, and the importance of maintaining these mil-civ medical relationships to maintain readiness.
    Dr. Carmack also discusses his experience in a deployed theatre and his most memorable cases from that time. We ask him for tips for non-orthopedic providers in caring for patients with orthopedic injuries.  He tells us what he thinks are some of the biggest advancements in trauma orthopedic care over the past twenty years. Finally, we discuss his decision to join the Air Force Reserves, what that experience was like, and how he earned an MBA supported by the Reserves.
    Col Carmack is a graduate of UC Berkeley for his undergraduate studies, followed by Columbia University for his Medical Degree, where he joined the Air Force through the HPSP program. He subsequently did a General Surgery Internship at Wilford Hall Medical Center. After his internship, he served a tour as a General Medical Officer, serving as the Chief of Flight Medicine at Kelly Air Force Base. This was followed by an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center. He then completed an Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship at Wayne State University. While on active duty, he served in unique roles as an Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston and as part of the C-STARS program at Shock Trauma in Baltimore, Maryland. He deployed to Iraq and Qatar and served at Landstuhl Medical Center. He left Active Duty after 13 years and joined the Air Force Reserves from which he retired in 2014.
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
Check our list of previous guests at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes
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. Foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
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 100% of donations 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 (affectionately called "Doc"—an earned title of respect, trust, and confidence) who are dedicated to the medical care of our fellow comrades-in-arms (both on and off the battlefield), our Wounded Warriors and our military Families.
        Follow Us on Social Media
Twitter: @wardocspodcast
Facebook: WarDocs Podcast
Instagram: @wardocspodcast
LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast

Col (Ret) Donald Taylor- US and in Combat Zones Healthcare- Leading the Team, Caring for High Profile Casualties, and Managing Limited Resources

  
In this episode, you will hear about how Col. Don Taylor began his Air Force career as an architect and then progressed into a career in hospital administration. On 9/11, he worked for General Carlton in an office overlooking the Pentagon, and he describes watching the attack on the Pentagon. As a military healthcare administrator, he explains how he interacted as an advocate for the delivery of healthcare and balanced the need for resource utilization and delivering high-quality healthcare. Hear about the insights into hospital administration and the Tricare contract standards and development of standardization in healthcare and development of a healthcare plan and his briefings from the Pentagon to Congress in the Tricare for Life Program. He explains the role of the Medical Service Officer in supporting the various missions of Military Medicine and his leadership positions from Air Force hospital to combat theater trauma hospital.  He shares his insights and lessons learned as a Hospital Commander in the United States and Commander of a large, deployed Air Force Theatre Combat Hospital and medical evacuation hub located in Iraq.  He also describes how he prioritized patient needs and helped promote primary care patient teams and the development of the Primary Care Medical Home.  He details how he as a nonphysician, led physicians and helped synergize their efforts for optimal healthcare delivery.
You will hear him describe how he navigated difficult circumstances with physicians and the situations that arose in the war zone, such as how to deliver care best when there are blood shortages. He also discusses how he handled these difficult situations and helped build rapport with those healthcare teammates. He also describes the training he encountered that most closely reflected combat casualty care.  As an advocate for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal, he describes the importance of personal care.  Interestingly, he explains how he had a high-profile casualty and managed the flow of communication to ensure respect for the casualty’s privacy and family.  He describes how he positively engaged with the media to respect patient confidentiality and ensure family members received information before the media broadcast.  We also discussed how he thinks the military should focus on clinical training to optimize platforms for providing ready providers for casualty care.
Hear about the challenges in military healthcare and recapturing patients due to the fierce competition in the healthcare industry.  He discusses the integration of the healthcare models and his thoughts on the balance between active duty and reserves healthcare providers and the limitations of pulling from the private sector for military care.  He is an expert in these areas as he received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, TX. He earned his Master of Healthcare Administration from the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA.  Don had a distinguished career in the Air Force and served as a primary advisor and consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General immediately before and following the attacks on 9/11.  He served as Commander of the Air Force Hospital at Luke AFB and was a pioneer in developing the concept of the primary care medical home.  He also was the first non-physician to Command a deployed Air Force Theater (Trauma) Hospital (Balad AB, Iraq). His final military assignment was at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB, TX, where he served as the Vice Wing Commander.   Following his distinguished military career, Col (Ret) Taylor has worked in the VA system and held several roles providing executive coaching, teaching, speaking, and consulting services to healthcare organizations.  He also led academic positions as an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer at the University of Texas in Dallas.  For those interested in healthcare leadership, he discusses his teaching and leadership programs and those available to senior physicians in and out of the military healthcare system.
 
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com
 
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. Foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
 
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 100% of donations 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 dedicated to the medical care of our fellow comrades in arms ---affectionately called "Doc"—an earned title of respect, trust and confidence, both on and off the battlefield; our Wounded Warriors; and our military Families.
 
        Follow Us on Social Media
Twitter: @wardocspodcast
Facebook: WarDocs Podcast
Instagram: @wardocspodcast
LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast
 
 

MG(R) Barbara R. Holcomb- Nursing in Military Medicine and Providing the Best Possible Care in Austere Environments and at Home

    Barb Holcomb is a retired Army Major General, having served 33 years as a leader in Nursing, Healthcare, Medical Research and Logistics.  She is the CEO of her own consulting company, Barb Holcomb Consulting, LLC., working in areas of medical research strategy, federal health care planning, leadership, and team and organizational development.
       In this episode you will learn about the critical roles and responsibilities of Military Medicine nurses.  Barb talks about her many experiences in deployed missions across the globe serving in clinical and command positions.  She describes many essential insights and lessons learned during her Hospital and Regional Medical Commands especially how to lead through significant change.  “The only constant is change.”
     MG(R) Holcomb talks about the importance of clinical and bench research in the Military and describes her experience commanding the Medical Research Material Command at Fort Detrick, MD. She also explains the importance of maintaining bedside care skills as healthcare professional advance in rank and strategic responsibilities.  She has mentored and inspired many healthcare professionals and has successfully led at all levels.
     MG(R) Holcomb served in command positions at every rank from Captain onward.  She deployed to Iraq during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Kosovo during Operation Joint Guardian, and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.  Her last military assignment was as the 25th Chief, Army Nurse Corps and as Commanding General, Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, in Frederick, Maryland.   She is a 1987 Distinguished Military Graduate of Seattle University Army ROTC, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She earned a master's degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Kansas, a master's level Certification in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University, and a master's in Military Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA.    
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine.
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 100% of donations 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

Major General (Ret) Philip Volpe, DO- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Setting the Ground Rules and Starting a Mentorship Relationship

Dr. Volpe is currently the AMSUS-Society of Federal Health Professionals Board Chairman
 
   On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, Dr. Volpe focuses on how to set the conditions and ground rules for a successful mentorship relationship.  You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
 
How do you define mentorship?
What is the difference between Mentorship and Coaching?
Coaches set the agenda; Mentees set the agenda.
Coaching is performance-focused; Mentoring is development-focused.
Coaches are specific; Mentors are holistic.
Coaches are direct (active/ordering); Mentors are indirect (passive/advising).
Coaches are in control; Mentees are in control.
Coaching is uni-directional; Mentoring is bi-directional.
Coaching is short term; Mentoring is long term.
Coaches are task oriented; Mentors are relationship oriented.
How do you determine if mentorship or coaching is appropriate?
How do you find a mentor and start a relationship?
Is “chemistry” important?
What are some important ground rules for the Mentorship relationship?
Desired learning outcomes
Criteria for measuring success
Mutual responsibilities
Accountability assurances
Protocols for addressing problems
Action plan for achieving learning goal
Safeguard confidentiality
Should a template be followed for a mentoring session (topical)?
 
Personal Reflections on Mentorship
Who was your most influential mentor? Why
What was the best advice you got from a mentor?
What do you know now that you wish you would have learned much earlier?
What characterizes a “good” or “not so good” mentorship relationship from your experience? Provide examples
What is some practical advice for someone interested in mentoring or being mentored? What are the next steps to take?
 
Dr. Philip Volpe retired from the United States Army after 30 years of distinguished service. His final two duty assignments were as the Commanding General of the Army’s Western Regional Medical Command followed by being assigned as the Commanding General at the Army Medical Department Center and School in San Antonio, Texas where he led and managed education, training and doctrine development for Army Medicine. Dr. Volpe shares many insights and mentorship lessons learned over a distinguished career. You don't want to miss this special episode!
 
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com
 
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
 
The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine.
 
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 100% of donations 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
 

RADM Bruce L. Gillingham, MD- Keys to Developing Successful Mentorship Relationships in Military Medicine during a Career and for Life

   RADM Gillingham is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and currently serves as the U.S. Navy Surgeon General.
 
   On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, RADM Gillingham focuses on how Military Medicine approaches mentorship and discusses how these relationships can be successful as well as pointing out some of the pitfalls to avoid.
 
You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
 
How do you define Mentorship and what is a Mentorship relationship?
Does Military Medicine have formal Mentorship programs?
How does Military Medicine excel in developing and nurturing successful mentorship relationships?
Are there areas where Military Medicine could improve the role Mentorship plays in the culture of the organization?
What are some pitfalls to avoid when in a mentorship relationship?
What are the characteristics of successful mentorship relationships?
Does Military Medicine have any ways to measure how well it succeeds in mentorship?
 
Personal Reflections on Mentorship
Who was your most influential mentor? Why
What was the best advice you got from a mentor?
What do you know now that you wish you would have learned much earlier?
What characterizes a “good” or “not so good” mentorship relationship from your experience? Provide examples
What is some practical advice for someone interested in mentoring or being mentored? What are the next steps to take?
 
RADM(Dr.) Gillingham is a distinguished clinician, educator and leader who provides some valuable insights and advice for all listeners.  You don’t want to miss this episode!
 
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com
 
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
 
The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine.
 
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 100% of donations 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

Brigadier General (R) Richard Ursone- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Defining mentorship relationships and explaining why they are critical to mission success

  BG(R) Ursone is a retired Army MSC Officer and former Chief of the Army Medical Service Corps.
   On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, BG(R) Ursone focuses on the importance of developing and cultivating meaningful mentorship relationships.  You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:
How do you define mentorship?
What is the primary purpose/goal of a Mentorship relationship?
What are the benefits of mentorship to the mentee?
What are the benefits of mentorship to the mentor?
How does an organization benefit when it has a successful mentorship program?
Personal Reflections on Mentorship
Who was your most influential mentor? Why
What was the best advice you got from a mentor?
What do you know now that you wish you would have learned much earlier?
What characterizes a “good” or “not so good” mentorship relationship from your experience? Provide examples
What is some practical advice for someone interested in mentoring or being mentored? What are the next steps to take?
As chief of the Medical Service Corps, BG Ursone  unified the most diverse group of specialties in the Army. His commitment to leader development and mentoring of junior officers helped the Corps achieve annual increases in recruiting and retaining officers. His vision and leadership have created opportunities for officers to serve our Nation while also achieving their own professional and personal aspirations.  BG Ursone shares many insights and mentorship lessons learned over a distinguished career. You don't want to miss this special episode!
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com
 
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine.
 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 100% of donations 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

VADM(Ret) C. Forrest Faison III, MD- 38th Navy Surgeon General- Providing Medical Support to Combat Operations and Humanitarian Missions Across the Globe: Defeating the Tyranny of Distance

  Dr. Faison is a pediatrician, fellowship trained in neurodevelopmental pediatrics, and he served as the 38thSurgeon General of the US Navy.
  In this episode, Dr. Faison describes his career pathway to becoming a fellowship-trained pediatrician and explains how pediatricians support the critical missions of military medicine at home stations and deployed locations throughout the world.   VADM (Ret) Faison has significant deployment experience as a US Medical Task Force Commander as well as the Commander of a downrange Combat Hospital.  He shares many important lessons learned supporting combat operations and humanitarian missions such as the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami response.
   Dr. Faison has extensive experience with telemedicine and informatics.  He describes some of the DoD's accomplishments in this evolving technology and where it is headed.  Following his Military Medicine career, Dr. Faison continued to make significant contributions in civilian medicine.  He describes his role in assisting the state of Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in public universities and in the Federal Mass Vaccination Center.  Dr. Faison is a strong advocate for Wounded Warrior care, and he talks about innovative ways to support these individuals and their families.  He also shares how he has been able to prepare disadvantaged minority students for healthcare career through a “Pathway to Practice” program.
  Dr. Faison is a native of Norfolk, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University.  Faison earned his doctorate in medicine and surgery from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.  He completed residency training in pediatrics at Naval Hospital San Diego and fellowship training in neurodevelopmental pediatrics at the University of Washington. 
  Before he served as Navy Surgeon General, Faison also served as Deputy Surgeon General and, before that, as Commander, Navy Medicine West, where he coordinated the Navy's medical support and relief operations to the Government of Japan during the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.  As the Navy’s Chief of Healthcare Operations, he also led Navy medical relief efforts during the earthquake in Haiti.  Among other leadership assignments, he has held command in a combat theater as Commanding Officer, U.S. Expeditionary Medical Facility (OIF combat hospital); and Commander, U.S. Medical Task Force, Kuwait.  He is a recognized expert on the use of telemedicine, health IT, and data analytics to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.
               
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com
 
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
 
The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine.
 
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 100% of donations 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