War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it. Desiderius Erasmus (1466 - 1536)
Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, was a Dutch philosopher whose insight into war remains as poignant today as it did so many centuries past. In some respects the current battlefield has become an even more hellish place as warriors are exposed to the chemicals and other hazardous materials that make up the detritus of modern warfare.
Beyond the obvious risks of the battlefield, we have often wondered at the health risk of the burn pits that often accompany American military activity overseas. In this month’s U.S. Medicine, the need for an increased effort and collaboration between the DoD and VA in leveraging modern information technology to track warrior exposure to toxins is explored. Our military is capable of this effort and our warriors deserve nothing less.
From the Editor-in-Chief: You Can Always Count on Americans
Editor-in-Chief, Chester ‘Trip’ Buckenmaier III, MD, COL, MC, USA.
“You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they’ve tried everything else.” Attributed to Winston Churchill 1874-1965
It is unclear if Winston Churchill actually ever said this, though there are a number of versions (all attributed to him) on the Internet.
Nevertheless, as a student of American history the truth of this comment resonates with me. Particularly in light of the recent American healthcare reform bill debate.
After years of failed effort, the House finally passed HR 3590 (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) into law by a vote of 219 to 212 (without a single consenting Republican vote) on Sunday, March 21, 2010. This historic legislation represents a course change in a healthcare system that has worked well for the insured but leaves few options for the less affluent in our society. read more
Gulf War Vets Underserved by VA Hazardous Material Exposure a Major Concern WASHINGTON, DC—This year marks the 20th anniversary of the start of deployment for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm read more
Health Reform Presents Better Access for American Indians and Alaska Natives, Slow IHS Staffing Cited as Problem by Congress WASHINGTON, DC - The passage of health care reform in March will benefit American Indians and Alaska Natives. read more
Officials Say Proposed FY 2011 Unified Medical Budget Meets DoD Needs WASHINGTON, DC - DoD health officials told a House subcommittee that the president’s proposed $50.7 billion for the FY 2011 budget. read more
Senate Concerned About Increased Prescription Use in Military WASHINGTON, DC - A Senate panel voiced concern last month of an apparent increase in prescription drug use in the military. read more
VA Restructures Acquisition Process to Reduce Expenses WASHINGTON, DC - In order for VA to restructure itself to serve the needs of veterans in the 21st century, it must find ways to standardize and centralize. read more
Congress Questions Progress of Establishing DoD Medical Centers of Excellence WASHINGTON, DC - Members of a House subcommittee told DoD health officials that they are frustrated that DoD’s progress has been slow. read more
In four days of workshops, breakouts and presentations, the Military Healthcare Convention will help you understand and deploy the latest advances in tactical combat casualty care, E.H.R. systems, mental and behavioral therapies, pre-deployment healthcare, traumatic brain injury treatment, and veterans’ healthcare. Register today at www.militaryhealthcareconvention.com and save 25% when you mention “US Medicine.”
