Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Military Health Symposium Research Shapes Future of Warfighter Health

Image of U.S. Army Col Jennifer Stowe presents her research from behind a podium at the MHSRS meeting 2022. . U.S. Army Col. Jennifer Stowe, with the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory in Enterprise, Alabama, presented research on eye trauma and ophthalmic surgery at the Military Health System Research Symposium.

During this year’s Military Health System Research Symposium, a series of presentations highlighted critical military medical issues related to combat casualty care, operational medicine, clinical and rehabilitative medicine, and infectious diseases. While dozens of panels were held over the course of four days, a “scientific plenary” session featured several of the most significant research focused on furthering the health care of service members. 

Trauma Care on the Battlefield and at Home

MHSRS highlighted how research not only benefits our warfighters but offers solutions. Presenters gave high-level overviews of their research, sharing insights and advancements that may improve care on and off the battlefield. 

Dr. Edward Mazuchowski from Forensic Pathology Associates in Allentown, Pennsylvania, shared his research on “United States Military Fatalities during Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.” Mazuchowski reiterated a now-known data point from the past 20 years of conflicts: One of the leading causes of casualties are hemorrhages. The study of fatalities can guide prevention and treatment efforts focusing on common and unique injuries and diseases. Findings may help inform clinical guidelines, training, requirements for equipment, and future research. His work aims to help develop more strategies focusing on all stages of prevention.

Dr. Michael Roy of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, discussed the “Evaluation of U.S. Special Operations Personnel During Heavy Weapons Training: the Investigating Training Associated Blast Pathology (INVICTA) Study.” Roy reviewed cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, in athletes with repetitive subconcussive exposures, and service members with repeated subconcussive blast exposure. Findings indicated service members suffer from blast effects, and research is guiding the development of protective measures and methods to mitigate blast exposure.

Dr. Jason Sperry with the University of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, presented his research on “Whole Blood is Associated with a Lower Independent Risk of Mortality and Improved Hemostasis: Results of a Multi-Center Prospective Observational Study of Patients in Hemorrhagic Shock.” As hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of battlefield deaths, his research showed the benefits of whole blood resuscitation following injury in the civilian population. Findings showed that patients who received whole blood had earlier cessation of bleeding and improved 30-day mortality.

U.S. Army Col. Jennifer Stowe, with the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory in Enterprise, Alabama, presented research on “Forward Operating Base Expert Telemedicine Resource Utilizing Mobile Application for Trauma (FOXTROT).” Her team conducted research focused on eye trauma and ophthalmic surgery interventions. With many service members being deployed to more remote locations, it was necessary to find a way to provide ophthalmic care to any posting. By utilizing telemedicine, medical personnel in remote areas were able to better diagnose eye injuries in the field, which could mean the difference between diminished or loss of sight. 

The Future of Pain Management and Mental Health

As pain management and mental health are an ongoing focus for the Department of Defense, MHSRS presenters showcased research into pain and behavioral health care, as well as additional topics on various concerns for military medicine.

Lauren Walker from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, presented research on “Mental Health Diagnoses and Suicide Attempts in Combat-injured Service Members: A DOD/VA Retrospective Cohort Study.” Her team found there were increased suicide attempts in those who were injured in combat compared to those who had not deployed or had not suffered an injury during time in combat. They investigated the comparison between those who were receiving mental health care over those who were not, and the rates of attempts for suicide between the groups. Other factors such as alcohol usage, those with post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and adjustment disorders factored into their research. Their research continues, as they identify and adjust various factors in their study. 

Dr. Dianne Flynn from Madigan Army Medical Center, located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, discussed “Predictors of Sustained Response to Functional Restoration in a Military Population with Chronic Pain.” The DOD is prioritizing making access to interdisciplinary pain care, with several military hospitals establishing pain centers to focus on a broad spectrum of therapies, including physical therapy, psychology, yoga, and chiropractic care. By including areas such as cognitive, behavioral, and other therapies that can target pain, research suggested an increase in overall satisfaction with treatment. 

Dr. David Tate from the University of Utah School of Medicine, in Heber City, Utah, discussed his research on “White Matter Hyperintensities, Cognitive Function, Comorbidities, Blood Biomarkers, and Mild TBI: A LIMBIC-CENC Multicenter Study.” Brain lesions usually occur in individuals over the age of fifty, but research is showing that those who suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries can have such lesions much earlier. Memory and cognitive tasks can diminish as lesions grow. 

Dr. Leor Weinberger of VxBiosciences, Oakland, California, discussed the findings of their study, “Therapeutic Interfering Particles: A Novel, Intranasally-administered, Single-dose Agent for the Treatment and Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.” Their presentation highlighted how virus mutation rates can prohibit effective vaccines for a wide array of viruses. Their research continues, as they look for different therapeutic interfacing particles to help break the mutation cycle.

The scientific plenary introduced new and ongoing research. While the studies continue, the military medical community and warfighters are gaining valuable and life-saving techniques and technologies.

You also may be interested in...

History of Navy Medicine's Research and Development Global Enterprise

Article Around MHS
11/2/2022
Historic image of the Naval Medical Research Institute

Before there was the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) there was the Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI).

Exoskeleton to Enhance Safety, Retention for Aerial Porters, Others

Article Around MHS
10/26/2022
Military personnel pushes exoskeleton robotic fitness machine

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Center for Rapid Innovation, or CRI, held an event Oct. 6 with the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commander’s 445th Airlift Wing for a robotics team to demonstrate the latest Forge System, a pneumatically powered exoskeleton that augments leg strength to reduce fatigue, increase endurance, and offset weight.

Army Builds Tool to Save Lives at High Altitude

Article Around MHS
9/30/2022
Military researchers in the mountains of New Mexico

Mountain climbing is risky business. When unacclimatized individuals rapidly ascend to altitudes greater than 8,000 feet, they put themselves at risk for suffering from high-altitude illnesses. The addition of hard physical exercise, typical of a military mission, increases this level of risk. Detecting these illnesses prior to occurrence has the potential to save lives.

Military Health System Research Symposium Draws Thousands of Researchers from Across the Globe

Article Around MHS
9/16/2022
Researchers at an exhibit at the Military Health System Symposium

Thousands of scientists and scholars from around the world, including more than 150 researchers and leaders from the Uniformed Services University (USU) and countless USU graduates, represented the many innovative minds who attended this year’s 2022 Military Health System Research Symposium.

Research Symposium Recognizes 2022 Award Winners

Article
9/15/2022
Dr. Sumil Shah accepts the Outstanding Program Management (Team) Award, along with some members of his team from Ms. Seileen Mullen, the acting secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. MHSRS provides a collaborative setting for the exchange of information between military providers with deployment experience, research and academic scientists, international partners, and industry on research and related health care initiatives, such as Combat Casualty Care, Operational Medicine, Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Medical Simulation and Information Sciences, and infectious Diseases.

The 2022 Military Health System Research Symposium highlighted and honored innovative researchers dedicated to help the warfighter on and off the battlefield.

Cutting-Edge Science Featured at Military Health System Research Symposium

Article
9/15/2022
Ms. Seileen Mullen, the acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, makes opening remarks during the Military Health System Research Symposium at the Gaylord Hotel in Kissimmee, FL on Monday, September 12, 2022. MHSRS provides a collaborative setting for the exchange of information between military providers with deployment experience, research and academic scientists, international partners, and industry on research and related health care initiatives, such as Combat Casualty Care, Operational Medicine, Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Medical Simulation and Information Sciences, and infectious Diseases.

The 2022 Military Health System Research Symposium, held in Kissimmee, Fla., opened this week after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The audience was enthusiastic as MHS leaders shared their opening remarks.

MRDC/USAMMDA showcases the latest in military health care technology at MHSRS

Article Around MHS
9/14/2022
A Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Ambulance Kit prototype sits on display during the first morning of the MHSRS.

The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) showcases the prototype of the interior of the Army's only Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Ambulance and other technologies designed to improve automation, compliance, efficiency and data analytics at this week's Military Health System Research Symposium in Kissimmee, Florida, Sept. 12 through Sept. 15.

Leadership visits the exhibit hall at MHSRS 2022

Video
9/14/2022
Leadership visits the exhibit hall at MHSRS 2022

Leaders from across the Military Health System toured the exhibit hall at the Military Health System Research Symposium in Kissimmee, Florida on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. Exhibitors demonstrated a wide variety of technologies and knowledge products from a wide variety of military medical research disciplines. Exhibitors represented agencies from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense Health Agency, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Naval Medical Research & Development Enterprise Attend Military Health System Research Symposium

Article Around MHS
9/13/2022
The 2022 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) kicks-off its four-day event. (U.S. Navy photo by Tommy Lamkin/Released)

Military and civilian staff from the Naval Medical Research & Development enterprise attended the opening day of the Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS), an annual conference for stakeholders in the medical care of service members and veterans.

Robotically-Assisted Surgical Technology Expands Capabilities

Article Around MHS
8/1/2022
Military medical personnel uses robotics

Robotically-assisted surgery may sound like something from a futuristic science fiction movie to some, but it is actually a safe and increasingly common method shown to deliver better outcomes for patients than traditional surgery.

BDAACH Enhances Its Surgical Capability Through Robotic Surgical System

Article Around MHS
6/6/2022
Surgical hospital

Three years of dedication to activating the robotic surgical system in the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital (BDAACH) finally came to fruition on May 16, 2022.

Military Health System Research Program Seeks Funding Applications for FY2023

Article
4/7/2022
The Military Health System Research Program provides funding for projects that aim to improve care in military medical facilities like the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, pictured here. (Photo: Senior Airman Melody Bordeaux, U.S. Air Force)

The funding prioritizes research projects that focus on the delivery of military health care and system-level innovations that impact cost and outcomes.

Military Health System Research Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

Fact Sheet
3/31/2022

This flyer describes the process for applying for and receiving funding by the Military Health System Research Program.

Researchers Connect with Warfighters to Guide Tech Development

Article
1/25/2022
Military personnel trying an immersive training device

Researchers ‘get out of the clinic’ to learn warfighter challenges

2022 MHS Research Symposium Opens for 'Abstracts'

Article
1/6/2022
Army Col. Louis Finelli of the Armed Forces Medical Examiners System speaks at a panel discussion during the 2019 Military Health System Research Symposium.

Abstracts for this year's Military Health System Research Symposium, with the theme "Optimizing Readiness – The Power of Military Medical Research," are due by Feb. 16.

Page 3 of 10 , showing items 31 - 45
First < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: October 05, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery