Our JSOM Podcast team of Alex Merkle and Josh Randles will be reviewing the following articles for our Winter podcast:

Optimizing Brain Health of United States Special Operations Forces by Brian L. Edlow, Natalie Gilmore, Samatha L. Tromly, et al. (www.jsomonline.org/FeatureArticles/2023447Edlow)

Bluetooth Tactical Headsets Improve the Speed of Accurate Patient Handoffs by Daniel J. Stinner, Cory McEvoy, Michael A. Broussard, et al.(www.jsomonline.org/FeatureArticles/2023475Stinner.pdf)

Effectiveness of Sternal Intraosseous Device in Patients Presenting with Circulatory Shock: A Retrospective Observational Study by Allyson M. Hynes, Shyam Murali, Gary A. Bass, et al. (www.jsomonline.org/FeatureArticles/2023481Hynes.pdf)

JSOM Guest Medic:

Our guest medic for this quarter is Ricky Ditzel, who will review “Optimizing Brain Health of United States Special Operations Forces” by Edlow and colleagues. Ricky and his two siblings’ adolescent lives were defined by chaos. Inspired to make a positive change for his family, he enlisted in the Army and served as a U.S. Army Special Operations Flight Paramedic. In this role, Ricky treated U.S. and Allied forces servicemembers who suffered from the acute and chronic effects of traumatic brain injury. These experiences propelled Ricky to become a neurodegenerative disease researcher and vocal advocate for brain and mental health. Ricky believes strongly in a life of service and consistently seeks opportunities to support underserved communities and promote health equity. He believes the current healthcare structure reduces access to care for individuals with neurologic disabilities because of limitations associated with public transportation, specialty care access, and education. Driven towards research and finding solutions to increase the quality of life for people with neurological disabilities, Ricky is pursuing a career as a physician. He plans to create a neurologic center of excellence that will provide comprehensive multidisciplinary outpatient care under one roof. Ricky is the Chairman of the Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine (SOF to SOM) (https://www.softosom.org/), a board member of Neuroacanthocytosis Advocacy USA, and the Special Operations Medical Association. He will continue to serve his country and community while doing his best to honor the legacies of those who have gone before him. “For they loved to fight, fought to win, and would rather die than quit. Night Stalkers don’t quit!”

JSOM Guest Author Interview

Our guest author interview will be with Cory McEvoy, author of “Bluetooth Tactical Headsets Improve the Speed of Accurate Patient Handoffs.” Cory is a former 18D who served with 1-1SFG(A) and USASOC. Cory has deployed to both humanitarian and combat zones as an 18D and has been involved with many research projects, with his primary interest being repetitive and low-level blast. Cory left the Army in 2023 and is in the process of applying to medical school.

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