A ‘shout out’ to our military orthopedic surgeons

MASHBLOG: Give a ‘shout out’ to our military orthopedic surgeons (Healio by John D. Kelly IV, MD, at the University of Pennsylvania. )

I recently returned from one of the most fulfilling weekends I have experienced in some time – 2 days at the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons combined course, which was held at the new Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, Ill.

Years ago, the leadership of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) thoughtfully conceived an educational course whose chief aim was to educate military surgeons, specifically the members of the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOMOS). Under the direction of innate leaders, such as Richard K. N. Ryu, MD, Matthew T. Provencher, MD, and JT Tokish, MD, the combined AANA/SOMOS course has successfully convened yearly since 2010.

Since most peacetime military practice is sports medicine related, attendees are eager to learn from the master surgeons provided by both AANA and SOMOS. Didactic lectures, cadaveric surgery and dissection as well as precious social interaction combined to yield a superlative educational and enlightening experience. After spending an entire weekend with our beloved soldier surgeons, I caught a real glimpse of their character which can be defined by several unique traits.

Honor

Everywhere I went I was treated to “yes, sir,” “no, sir” and, most importantly, abundant “thank you” greetings. I had more doors held open for me that weekend than I have had during the last 6 months in Philadelphia.

It was clear these young men and women were selfless, honest and appreciative of the opportunity to bring their “A game” to the wounded warriors. Doing what was best for each patient is hard wired in the culture of military medicine.

Excellence

Military surgeons do not settle for average. In fact, they do not do average. At our cadaver stations, I was impressed by the persistence and resolve the attendees had in mastering relatively difficult procedures. Through years of tempered discipline, military surgeons practice until perfect.

Leadership

Attendees were treated by an inspiring speech by brigadier general and orthopedic surgeon, Kory Cornum, MD who entreated military surgeons to seek opportunities to lead. The leadership development that the military fosters has yielded some of the most prolific and successful academic orthopedic surgeons this nation has seen.

Sacrifice

Most of our military surgeons endure at least one deployment where they can be away from family for several months. During my entire weekend, despite become aware of several deployments, I did not hear one utterance of complaint or regret. Our military surgeons place their duty to their country and wounded soldiers above all else.

The military orthopedic surgeons are to be commended for their commitment and sacrifice. Educational needs remain since precious little interaction with others surgeons is often the case.

How to help

Seek out and thank military surgeons in training or who may be reservists at your hospital.  Actively offer to openly share your orthopedic knowledge as it will not only be received graciously, but it may translate to meaningful enrichment of care to a fallen warrior.

Accept Tri Care insurance. Many of the military I have had the blessing to know have expressed concern over the health of their families. Although reimbursement in dollars for the care of military loved ones may be meager, the payoff in easing the minds of our soldiers is incalculable.

Volunteer your services at your local Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. It does not take much to make a huge difference in care of our soldiers who return home. The 1 day a month I humbly serve the VA in Philadelphia has provided me with some of my most rewarding moments as a surgeon. My expertise in shoulder surgery has been enriched as well since one may see extraordinary pathology in our wounded warriors.

Contact your congressman to support efforts to fund military surgical training.Under the leadership of Robert E. Hunter, MD, AANA is applying for federal aid to advance SOMOS education. If successful, the initiative will secure funding in perpetuity dedicated to honing the surgical skills of SOMOS members.

God bless our military orthopedic surgeons. Thank you for protecting our precious freedom to practice in the United States.