

WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast
Doug Soderdahl, Wayne Causey, Kevin Kniery
Welcome to WarDocs!
This is a podcast developed and hosted by 3 Army surgeons, Doug, Wayne and Kevin who all possess a passion to honor the legacy and preserve the oral history of Military Medicine and get the amazing stories of these healthcare heroes to our listeners. We will take a behind the scenes look into unique opportunities and experiences told firsthand from current and former military medical professionals and provide interesting and informative content about the mission, history, contributions, and achievements of Military Medicine from all the members of the team. You will better understand what Military Medicine does in deployed environments as well as the peacetime mission and how these healthcare providers train for the next conflict. You will also hear some incredible stories of how these WarDocs bring first class medical care from Level 1 Trauma Centers to the most austere of conditions in every corner of the globe Please visit our website at www.wardocspodcast.com to get additional information about our hosts and our guests and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you like war stories and medical drama, WarDocs has you covered. Spread the word!
This is a podcast developed and hosted by 3 Army surgeons, Doug, Wayne and Kevin who all possess a passion to honor the legacy and preserve the oral history of Military Medicine and get the amazing stories of these healthcare heroes to our listeners. We will take a behind the scenes look into unique opportunities and experiences told firsthand from current and former military medical professionals and provide interesting and informative content about the mission, history, contributions, and achievements of Military Medicine from all the members of the team. You will better understand what Military Medicine does in deployed environments as well as the peacetime mission and how these healthcare providers train for the next conflict. You will also hear some incredible stories of how these WarDocs bring first class medical care from Level 1 Trauma Centers to the most austere of conditions in every corner of the globe Please visit our website at www.wardocspodcast.com to get additional information about our hosts and our guests and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you like war stories and medical drama, WarDocs has you covered. Spread the word!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 28, 2023 • 51min
POCUS in Military Medicine: Applications, Challenges, and the Future of Combat Casualty Care-COL Cristin Mount, MD, and LTC(P) Scott Grogan, DO
Episode Summary:
In this episode of WarDocs, we dive into the world of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in military medicine with Army COL Cristin Mount, MD, and LTC(P) Scott Grogan, DO. We discuss the various applications of POCUS in hospital and battlefield settings, as well as training opportunities and its role in graduate education, credentialing, and certification. We explore the practical applications of POCUS in trauma and disease non-battle injuries and its role in evacuation decision-making. Additionally, we examine the challenges surrounding POCUS privileges and the future of POCUS in combat casualty care, focusing on telehealth and artificial intelligence integration. Join us as we delve into the impact of POCUS on patient-provider relationships and the potential for further improvement in military medicine.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Point of Care Ultrasound
(0:12:28) - Ultrasound Use in Military Medicine
(0:25:44) - Privileging for Point of Care Ultrasound
(0:31:20) - Ultrasound for Military Careers
(0:43:52) - Reimagining Patient-Provider Interactions
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Point of Care Ultrasound (12 Minutes)
In this episode of WarDocs, we explore the use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in military medicine with Army COL Cristin Mount, MD, and LTC(P) Scott Grogan, DO. They discuss the various applications of POCUS in both hospital and battlefield settings, as well as training opportunities and its role in graduate education, credentialing, and certification. The conversation highlights how POCUS can improve care at far-forward medical facilities in combat zones and provides a vision for future utilization.
(0:12:28) - Ultrasound Use in Military Medicine (13 Minutes)
In this portion of the conversation, we delve into the practical applications of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in trauma and disease non-battle injuries, as well as its role in evacuation decision-making. We also discuss the military's process of field testing and acquiring equipment, the current state of documentation, and the integration of POCUS images into electronic health records. The development of a standardized workflow and infrastructure for POCUS is also touched upon, highlighting the potential for further improvement in Military Medicine
(0:25:44) - Privileging for Point of Care Ultrasound (6 Minutes)
We discuss the current state of encounter-based workflows for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), highlighting that while the technology is still in its early stages, it is being worked on at the DHA level and will eventually be widely available. The conversation also touches on the challenges surrounding POCUS privileges, the need for more specific privileges, and the importance of demonstrating competency before implementing them. In addition, we examine the role of POCUS in Individual Critical Task Lists (ICTLs), noting that it is primarily used in trauma and procedure-based situations, but its application may evolve as POCUS becomes more prevalent in Military Medicine
(0:31:20) - Ultrasound for Military Careers (13 Minutes)
We examine the training and certification programs available for healthcare providers who are already out of their Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs and wish to learn point of care ultrasound (POCUS). The conversation touches upon the need for practice and supervision in POCUS training and how the military GME programs differ from civilian counterparts. The future of POCUS in combat casualty care is also discussed, with a focus on telehealth and artificial intelligence integration.
(0:43:52) - Reimagining Patient Provider Interactions (7 Minutes)
In this part of the discussion, we explore the impact of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) on the patient-provider relationship and share personal epiphanies from our experiences with the technology. We reflect on how POCUS has brought healthcare providers closer to their patients, allowing for more hands-on, bedside interaction and improving diagnostic decision-making. Furthermore, we discuss how POCUS has provided unexpected benefits, such as helping to determine whether a critically ill patient needs to be transported for further imaging, thereby reducing risks associated with transport of the critically ill patient.
Episode Keywords:
Point of Care Ultrasound, POCUS, Military Medicine, Battlefield Medicine, Ultrasound Training, Graduate Education, Credentialing, Certification, Trauma Care, Disease Non-Battle Injuries, Evacuation Decision-Making, POCUS Privileges, Combat Casualty Care, Telehealth, Artificial Intelligence Integration, Patient-Provider Relationship, Healthcare Providers, Diagnostic Decision-Making, Ultrasound Equipment
#POCUS #MilitaryMedicine #Ultrasound
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 military medicine career opportunities, experiences, and achievements.
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 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

Apr 25, 2023 • 48min
VADM(Ret) Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, MBA, FACS- (Part 2 of 2) Navy Trauma Surgeon- Innovating, Influencing, and Inspiring at all Leadership Levels in Military Medicine.
PART 2 OF 2
For nearly 30 years, VADM(Ret) Bono served with honor and distinction as a highly respected Naval Officer and the first woman surgeon in the military to hold the rank of Vice Admiral.
Currently, she is the Chief Health Officer for Viking Cruises, an industry-leading model to establish a C-suite office for restarting the cruise and travel business while maintaining a public health safety profile.
In this episode, Dr. Bono discusses her pathway toward a career in Navy Medicine and her training to become a critical care-trained trauma surgeon. She talks about her experiences in the first Gulf War and how lessons learned from that conflict shaped her view of the critical role of Military Medicine in supporting war efforts and how she used this experience following the attacks on 9/11 and subsequent military operations in Southwest Asia.
Dr. Bono played a significant role in transforming how Electronic Health Records were utilized and integrated by the VA and DoD and discusses some of the challenges and successes during this work. She also describes her involvement in the dramatic shift in how the Military Health System was organized in her role as the second director of the Defense Health Agency. She provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on implementing this new Agency, and it's role in supporting a medically ready force and ensuring a ready medical force.
VADM(Ret) Bono provides valuable leadership and mentorship advice for the next generation of military healthcare professionals.
A board-certified trauma surgeon, Dr. Bono is an inspiration and role model for all surgeons, especially female surgeons nationwide and in the military. Dr. Bono received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, Austin; her Master of Business Administration from Washington State University, Spokane; and her medical degree from Texas
Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock. She completed her surgical internship and residency at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA. She performed a trauma and critical care fellowship at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, Norfolk.
Dr. Bono's leadership positions in the DoD include CEO/director, DHA (2015-2019); CEO/director, National Capital Region Medical Directorate (2013-2015); acting commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), National Capital Region (2013); functional champion, MHS GENESIS, the VA and DoD EHR (2014-2015); command surgeon, U.S. Pacific Command (2011-2013); chief of staff, TRICARE, DoD (2008-2010); commanding officer (CEO), Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, FL (2005-2008) and other significant positions.
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 military medicine career opportunities, experiences, and achievements.
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 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

Apr 21, 2023 • 36min
VADM(Ret) Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, MBA, FACS- (Part 1 of 2) Navy Trauma Surgeon- Innovating, Influencing, and Inspiring at all Leadership Levels in Military Medicine.
PART 1 OF 2
For nearly 30 years, VADM(Ret) Bono served with honor and distinction as a highly respected Naval Officer and the first woman surgeon in the military to hold the rank of Vice Admiral.
Currently, she is the Chief Health Officer for Viking Cruises, an industry-leading model to establish a C-suite office for restarting the cruise and travel business while maintaining a public health safety profile.
In this episode, Dr. Bono discusses her pathway toward a career in Navy Medicine and her training to become a critical care-trained trauma surgeon. She talks about her experiences in the first Gulf War and how lessons learned from that conflict shaped her view of the critical role of Military Medicine in supporting war efforts and how she used this experience following the attacks on 9/11 and subsequent military operations in Southwest Asia.
Dr. Bono played a significant role in transforming how Electronic Health Records were utilized and integrated by the VA and DoD and discusses some of the challenges and successes during this work. She also describes her involvement in the dramatic shift in how the Military Health System was organized in her role as the second director of the Defense Health Agency. She provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on implementing this new Agency, and it's role in supporting a medically ready force and ensuring a ready medical force.
VADM(Ret) Bono provides valuable leadership and mentorship advice for the next generation of military healthcare professionals.
A board-certified trauma surgeon, Dr. Bono is an inspiration and role model for all surgeons, especially female surgeons nationwide and in the military. Dr. Bono received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, Austin; her Master of Business Administration from Washington State University, Spokane; and her medical degree from Texas
Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock. She completed her surgical internship and residency at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA. She performed a trauma and critical care fellowship at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, Norfolk.
Dr. Bono's leadership positions in the DoD include CEO/director, DHA (2015-2019); CEO/director, National Capital Region Medical Directorate (2013-2015); acting commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), National Capital Region (2013); functional champion, MHS GENESIS, the VA and DoD EHR (2014-2015); command surgeon, U.S. Pacific Command (2011-2013); chief of staff, TRICARE, DoD (2008-2010); commanding officer (CEO), Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, FL (2005-2008) and other significant positions.
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 military medicine career opportunities, experiences, and achievements.
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 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

Apr 14, 2023 • 41min
RADM(Ret) Carol A. Romano, PhD, RN- Advancing Nursing Practice and Leadership in the Federal Health System and Training the Next Generation at USU.
Dr. Romano is the Dean of the Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
In this episode, Dr. Romano talks about the following:
Her personal pathway to pursuing nursing
Her experiences at the NIH for 40 years
Developing one of the first computerized medical information systems
The USPHS mission, role and structure
Federal, Local, and State Medical cooperation in disaster responses
Lessons learned from the Hurricane Katrina medical response
The importance of quality crisis communication skills
The USU Graduate School of Nursing programs
How USU prepares a Ready Medical Force and how it is unique from civilian institutions
Why individuals should consider careers in nursing and particularly in the military and/or federal system
Dr. Romano has mentored and inspired many healthcare professionals and has successfully led at all levels. You will hear her inspiring story in this interview.
She received a diploma in nursing (1971) from the Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing in Pennsylvania. She earned her BS (1977), MS (1985) and PhD (1993) degrees in nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She also completed the Interagency Institute for Federal Executives at George Washington University (1993), the Harvard University Senior Managers in Government Program at the Kennedy School of Government (1997), and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Nurse Executive Leadership Program (2015). She is board certified in nursing informatics and as an advanced nurse executive. Dr. Romano is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American College of Medical Informatics.
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

Apr 12, 2023 • 23min
LTC(R) Matt Welder, DNP, CRNA, FAWM- Operational Medicine Expert Discusses the Joint Trauma System Drowning CPG and how to Prepare and Provide Optimal Dive Medical Care
Dr. Welder is a board-certified anesthesia with extensive Dive and Maritime medicine training and experience, including Dive Master, Platinum 1000 diver, and enriched Air nitrox. He was the pioneer of the USU Dive Medicine and Water Rescue program. He has conducted over 1800 dives in his lifetime.
In this short, clinically focused episode, we discuss the Drowning Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) published by the Joint Trauma System and his real-world experience preparing for and providing dive medical care. We discuss the common issues around drowning, unique aspects of drowning care prehospital and during hospitalization, and other maritime conditions not covered by the CPG.
Dr. Welder is an operation medicine expert and developed the operational readiness programs of study for Dive Medicine, Military Mountain Medicine Course, Cold Weather Medicine, and Avalanche 1 at the Uniformed Services University in 2016. He is a certified Divemaster and a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. He received the Diploma in Mountain Medicine and Dive and Marine Medicine diploma and was inducted into the prestigious Explorers Club in 2018.
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

Apr 7, 2023 • 36min
MG(R) Richard A. Stone, MD- “Save Every Life You Can”- Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Leading the Veterans Health Administration
Dr. Richard stone is a Dermatologist and retired Army Major General who served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the US Army. He currently is a Specialist Executive at Deloitte since November 2021. Previously he served as the Executive in Charge, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with authority to perform the functions and duties of the Under Secretary for Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, Dr. Stone describes the enormous challenges faced by the VHA during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. He discusses the principles of leadership, often gained during his experience in Military Medicine, that informed his decisions and actions during these turbulent times. Dr. Stone cataloged his insights and lessons in a memoir entitled “Save Every Life You Can- A Reflection on Leadership and Saving Lives During the COVID-19 Pandemic, " widely available online and in bookstores.
We talk about what led him to write a book and why it is an important work that will help improve healthcare delivery in the future when we face the next pandemic crisis. Dr. Stone outlines specific steps to improve our future response and provides some excellent leadership advice on leading in challenging times, helping the team succeed despite many hurdles and roadblocks, and dealing with an uncertain future.
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
Check our list of previous guests at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes
Dr. Stone’s Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ObCxHp
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

Mar 31, 2023 • 39min
COL Arthur Yeager, MOT- Army Aviator, Combat Stress Expert, Occupational Therapist, Inventor, and Experienced Rehabilitation Professional
COL Yeager is currently the Deputy Chief for the Department of Rehabilitation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
In this episode, he discusses his 36-year Army career, which began as a helicopter repairer in the 101stAirborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY, and then progressed to commissioning as an Aviation Officer flying Chinooks. He then describes his occupational therapy pathway and transition to the Army Specialist Corps and explains the additional training required for OTs in Military Medicine.
Art describes the role of the OT on the battlefield and recounts his experiences from his previous deployments. Among the jobs he performed downrange, he served as Chief, Restoration & Reconditioning in the 528th Combat Stress Detachment, Mosul, Iraq, and the 254th Combat Stress Detachment, Kandahar, Afghanistan.
COL Yeager has experience leading at many levels, has been a Physical Performance Service Line Chief, and has worked in the Office of the Surgeon General. Over the years, Art has received numerous patents for apparatuses that assist those with amputations or other disabilities with activities of daily living. He talks about his most popular invention, the Yeager Knife. He also describes his work establishing the first Military Occupational Therapy Telehealth program in Europe.
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

Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 1min
LTC(R) Matt Welder, DNP, CRNA, FAWM- Operational Medicine Expert: Optimizing Physiology in Abnormal Conditions and Applications for Military Missions
Dr. Welder is a board-certified anesthesia provider (CRNA) internationally recognized as an innovative leader in operational readiness. He serves as the Special Assistant to the USUHS President for Operational Medicine.
In this episode, he discusses his pathway to becoming a certified nurse anesthetist, a remarkable story of determination. He followed this with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the surges of combat operations. He discusses how he applied that experience to training student nurse anesthetists preparing to deliver anesthetic medicine into austere military environments. He also discusses his expertise in diving and dive medicine.
LTC(R) Welder developed the operational readiness programs of study for Dive Medicine, Military Mountain Medicine Course, Cold Weather Medicine, and Avalanche 1 at the Uniformed Services University in 2016. He is a certified Divemaster and a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. He received the Diploma in Mountain Medicine and Dive and Marine Medicine diploma and was inducted into the prestigious Explorers Club in 2018.
During his military career, he served as the lead subject matter expert in developing and training the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical Team – Africa for Army and Navy medicine. He focuses his operational training on clinical, operational, physical, and emotional readiness platforms. In his last position, he served as the 1st Director of the Surgical Services Service Line, Office of the Surgeon General. He now furthers others' education in operational medicine at the Uniformed Services University, where he continues his passion for improving military medicine.
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

Mar 17, 2023 • 54min
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
Facebook: WarDocs Podcast
Instagram: @wardocspodcast
LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast

Mar 10, 2023 • 45min
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.
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