A concluding after-action report of the Senior Visiting Surgeon program with the United States Military at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany

Abstract

This study is the first to quantify the SVS program during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Visiting surgeons provided more than 2 years of combat casualty care during these, the longest wars in US history. Continuation of this program will require expanded military-civilian interaction in trauma care, training, and research during any interwar period.

Plastic and Maxillofacial Training for War-Zones – A Systematic Review

“…Where it is not feasible to receive training at these trauma centres, collaboration with other surgical teams, including those in war-zones, may improve the training and management of combat-type injuries. 27…”

“…42,45 The importance of hospital-based training prior to work in combat settings was demonstrated by three studies included in this systematic review. [26][27][28] Of these, the training strategy described by Hight et al 26 27 Most surgeons working report satisfaction with their training prior to work in a war-zones. [46][47][48] However, they note a need for further training in the management of paediatric, fracture and burn injuries.…”

A Perfect Storm: 2019 Scudder Oration on Trauma

“…However, organizations including the ACS, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the Society of Vascular Surgery, the American Burn Association, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, 29 Between the years 2005 and 2012, more than 200 trauma and vascular surgeons volunteered 2 to 4 weeks of their time to work at Landstuhl, providing a 2-way exchange of combat casualty trauma care knowledge between the military and the civilian surgeons. 30,31 The Orthopaedic Trauma Association also supported civilian orthopaedic surgeons volunteering in Germany. Although the program was sun-downed in 2012, when civilian assistance was no longer needed, the renewed Excelsior Surgical Society at the ACS is developing plans for professional exchange programs between civilian and military treatment facilities.…”

A Shared Ethos: The Military Health System Strategic Partnership with the American College of Surgeons

“…During a 7-year period, more than 200 civilian trauma and vascular surgeons volunteered their time for this program, as did many orthopaedic surgeons and even some neurosurgeons, fostering mentorship for young military surgeons and assisting in sharing knowledge through scientific presentations and publications. 9 With the newly signed charter, the MHS and the ACS have agreed to work together on a number of issues including education and training, research, quality, and systems-based practice. This strategic partnership has been named the Military Health System Strategic Partnership American College of Surgeons (MHSSPACS).…”