Recognizing the Impact of Military Health Findings on Civilian Health Care

Researchers explore how military medicine has played a crucial role in advancing civilian health care and public health, and the potential benefits of increased collaboration between military and civilian health systems in an essay published in JAMA Open Network. 

Throughout our nation's history, military medicine has significantly advanced US medicine and public health, often without receiving recognition or attention noted researchers. By citing historical examples and recent studies, the essay highlights the impact of military medicine on improving health care and public health in the US and emphasizes the need for collaboration between civilian health systems and military counterparts to enhance national security.

Military medicine has played a crucial role since the founding of the United States, with General George Washington leading the way in immunizing the Continental Army against smallpox. Following the War of 1812, the US Army established its medical department, focusing on public health surveillance. Major Jonathan Letterman, known as the "Father of Battlefield Medicine," implemented triage and reforms during the Civil War to protect the health of soldiers. Post-Civil War efforts against tropical diseases led to groundbreaking research by Major Walter Reed and General William Gorgas. The 20th century saw significant medical advancements in blood transfusions, antibiotics, and trauma care spurred by military conflicts.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq posed a major challenge for US military health, with combat operations in distant countries and care for millions at home leading to cutting the battle injury fatality rate in half. The emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 saw military health professionals playing crucial roles in the US response. 

The creation of the Joint Trauma System in 2004 established a standardized approach to combat-related injuries and led to improved care and outcomes. Tactical Combat Casualty Care challenged assumptions about battlefield treatment, leading to advancements in equipment and training that reduced preventable deaths. The military's requirements-driven research approach and focused empiricism led to the rapid development and implementation of numerous medical innovations. Contributions to public health and basic science, including response to the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in vaccine development, have further highlighted the role of military health in improving overall health care.

Military medicine's significant contributions to health care are often overlooked, with only a small percentage of former military health professionals being recognized by prestigious organizations. The disparity in recognition is attributed to a cultural difference between the military and civilian institutions when it comes to promoting achievements and leadership. Limited visibility of military health research hinders the exchange of knowledge and political support for funding. Strengthening military-civilian partnerships and encouraging collaboration between specialty societies could bridge this gap and recognize the valuable contributions of military health professionals.

“Enhanced communication and cooperation between our nation’s military and civilian health systems would promote reciprocal learning, accelerate collaborative research, and strengthen our nation’s capacity to meet a growing array of health and geopolitical threats,” said researchers. 

Reference
Kellermann AL, Kotwal RS, Rasmussen TE. Military medicine’s value to US health care and public health: bringing battlefield lessons home. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(9):e2335125. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35125