Medical ethics during armed conflicts: Dilemmas of a physician soldier

Vaidya, Rajesh; Bobdey, Saurabh

doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2021.08.013

Medical Journal Armed Forces India

2021

DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2021.08.013

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Medical ethics during armed conflicts: Dilemmas of a physician soldier

Rajesh Vaidya

Saurabh Bobdey

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Cited by 3 publications

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“…5 They can bear witness to the atrocities of war, document them, and raise their voices against the violation of international humanitarian laws. 6 By speaking out, they contribute to the prevention of further violence and the protection of civilian populations, adhering to the principles of medical neutrality.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines of War: Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Kumar,

Kamath

2024

American Journal of Medicine Open

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines of War: Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Kumar,

Kamath

2024

American Journal of Medicine Open

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The Military Medical Officer’s Current-Day Professional Identity: An Enhanced Model

et al. 2023

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Background As the landscapes of war have evolved, so too has the role of the military medical officer (MMO). Colonel (Retired) Barry Wolcott developed a “vector” model in the 1990s, illustrating the dual professional role of the MMO. Since then, propelled by the War on Terror, MMOs have adapted to treating patients in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous operational environments. This study, therefore, aimed to explore modern-day aspects of the MMO’s role in order to enhance Wolcott’s depiction of the MMO’s professional identity in contemporary operational environments. Materials and Methods We used the qualitative phenomenological tradition to design our study. We interviewed military physicians from a variety of specialties in order to explore their experiences and professional identity as MMOs. Our research team then coded each of these interview transcripts. We organized these codes into categories, which served as the themes of our study. Results The following themes emerged from our data regarding the role of the MMO in the operational environment: Primary roles (officer, physician, educator, and diplomat) and aptitudes (innovation, advocacy, cultural competency, and leadership). The MMO’s roles as officer and physician often intersect, with dual foci on the mission and the patient. The MMO also serves as an educator to medics and line officers. In addition, they act as diplomats both outside and within the military. Within each of these primary roles, the MMO innovatively prepares for future landscapes of war and advocates for both the individual warfighter and the unit/command. Finally, the MMO navigates both foreign and internal cultural differences and demonstrates leadership in enabling the military’s mission. Conclusions The role of the MMO is complex and multifaceted. The recognition of the contemporary MMO’s unique skill set is essential for the effective education and training of future military health care leaders. The value of capitalizing on this unique skill set has been demonstrated in recent civ-mil responses. Because their intricate skill set is specialized for the operational environment, long-term retention of MMOs is key to force readiness.

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The Relationship between the Military Medical Officer and Commanding Officer: Implications for Education and Training

Cole,

Crawford,

Farrell

et al. 2024

Military Medicine

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Introduction A successful working relationship between the Military Medical Officer (MMO) and Commanding Officer (CO) is critical for mission success. However, there is a gap in the professional literature outlining evidence-based practices for teaching early career MMOs how to strategically develop this relationship. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore our participants’ perceptions of how MMOs can foster a positive and productive working relationship with the CO. Materials and Methods We leveraged interpretive phenomenological design to interview 16 seasoned military physicians with extensive operational experience. We transcribed and coded each interview. Our research team determined how to organize these codes into major categories, which served as our study’s themes. Results The participants described three key elements for developing a good working relationship between the CO and MMO: (1) mission-focused communication; (2) active and physical presence; and (3) expert/advisor role fulfillment. The MMO should communicate with the CO in an understandable and mission-focused manner. The MMO should likewise be present within day-to-day operations and should establish their officership during mission planning. The MMO should fulfill their role as a subject matter expert, yet advisor, to the CO. Conclusions Communication, presence, and role fulfillment are essential elements for optimizing the MMO–CO working relationship. Learning these roles during medical school may enhance early career physicians’ mission readiness.

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Medical ethics during armed conflicts: Dilemmas of a physician soldier

Cited by 3 publications

References 16 publications

Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines of War: Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines of War: Essential Roles and Responsibilities

The Military Medical Officer’s Current-Day Professional Identity: An Enhanced Model

The Relationship between the Military Medical Officer and Commanding Officer: Implications for Education and Training

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