Episode Details

    Listen in as we explore the journey of retired Navy Captain Paul B. Roach, MD, FACS, where he shares his valuable deployment experiences that led to significant improvements in combat casualty care.  From his early deployments as a flight surgeon in Okinawa to his gritty 14-month stint in Afghanistan, Dr. Roach offers a riveting account of combat surgery that will captivate and enlighten.  There, he learned the delicate dance of trauma algorithms and rhythms of combat surgery.

    Dr. Roach explains his motivations to capture his experiences, trials, and triumphs in his memoir, Citizen Surgeon. His deeply moving recollections underscore the critical importance of training and preparation for those deployed, and his mantra of "perfect practice makes perfect" will leave lasting impressions. In an in-depth discussion, we delve into the American College of Surgeons' military-specific curriculum and how it prepares surgeons for the realities of the battlefield.

  Finally, we navigate the evolution of Military Medicine through Dr. Roach's lens. His career trajectory showcases not just the rigors of deployment but also the harsh reality of transitioning home and the importance of family support. As a Navy Medical Corps Officer, a physician, and a mentor preparing the next generation of Military Medical professionals, Dr. Roach's narratives are an essential listen for anyone interested in the converging worlds of medicine and the military. This episode promises a wealth of insights and real-world experiences from the frontline of Military Medicine.

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Early Military Medical Experiences

(0:07:06) - Surgical Oncology Career Path & Specialization

(0:15:38) - Combat Surgery

(0:29:18) - Military Specific Curriculum for Combat Surgeons

(0:34:46) - The Evolution of Military Medicine

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:00) - Early Military Medical Experiences (7 Minutes)

We talk with retired Navy Captain Paul B. Roach, MD, FACS about his experiences from deployments and the important lessons learned that have led to improvements in combat casualty care. We also discuss his memoir Citizen Surgeon and his work to prepare the next generation of military medical professionals, as well as his work with the American College of Surgeons. Dr Roach also recounts his experience as a flight surgeon in Okinawa with the Marines, including a medevac mission he was involved with.

(0:07:06) - Surgical Oncology Career Path & Specialization (9 Minutes)

Dr.  Roach's deployments and the lessons he learned from them have shaped his career. He transitioned from his military service back to training and offers advice for those returning to their residencies after a break. His assignment to NAS Sigonella, Italy, gave him a unique opportunity. He decided to do fellowship training in complex surgical oncology.

(0:15:38) - Combat Surgery (14 Minutes)

Dr. Roach recounts his experience from his 14-month deployment in Afghanistan. He explains how his training in surgical oncology prepared him for any area he was called upon to work in and how he had to adjust to the trauma algorithms and rhythms of combat surgery. He shares his experience of writing his memoir, Citizen Surgeon, as a way to process his experience and to understand his deployment. He dealt with situations that were outside of his comfort zone,