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Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Podcasts
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This Podcast introduces and discusses the important topics in each issues of the Journal of Special Operations Medicine RSSVERIFY
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Episodes
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Spring 2026 JSOM Podcast
3w ago00:33:33Summary readyEpisode Description:In this spring edition of the Journal of Special Operations Medicine Podcast, the team examines evolving challenges at the intersection of behavioral health, combat trauma care, and medical technology in austere environments. Drawing from recent JSOM publications, the discussion highlights how modern warfare—characterized by remote engagement, prolonged care timelines, and rapid technological integration—is reshaping both injury patterns and treatment strategies across the continuum of care.The episode reviews three featured articles. First, a case report explores the augmentation of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) with spiritual counseling in a Special Operations Forces (SOF) operator experiencing PTSD and moral injury following indirect trauma exposure via drone surveillance. Second, a systematic review of orthopedic trauma in the Russia–Ukraine conflict outlines current injury patterns dominated by blast and high-velocity mechanisms, along with implications for surgical management and long-term rehabilitation. Third, a pilot study evaluates AI-assisted lung ultrasound interpretation by novice medics, demonstrating improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence in identifying pneumothorax in resource-limited settings.Together, these discussions underscore the increasing complexity of operational medicine, where providers must integrate psychological, surgical, and technological considerations to optimize outcomes in dynamic and constrained environments.Guests / Hosts:- Jessica Rodriguez — Medical student, incoming surgical resident; co-host- Sydney Duke — Medical student; co-host- Matthew Faranella — Medical student with operational perspective; co-host- Dan Godbee — Medical Editor, JSOM (introductory commentary)Key Topics Covered:- PTSD and moral injury, including indirect trauma exposure in modern warfare- Integration of spiritual counseling with evidence-based psychotherapy (CPT)- Role of military chaplains in operational and clinical settings- Orthopedic trauma patterns from near-peer conflict (blast, drone, and high-velocity injuries)- Damage control orthopedics, infection mitigation, and rehabilitation strategies- AI-assisted point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for pneumothorax detection- Operational considerations for deploying AI and ultrasound across echelons of care- Triage and decision-making in mass casualty (MASCAL) scenariosOperational Relevance:This episode highlights the expanding scope of operational medicine, emphasizing the need for adaptable, multidisciplinary approaches that address both physical and psychological injury. It also critically examines how emerging technologies can enhance frontline capability while reinforcing the importance of context-appropriate application in austere and combat environments.Major Takeaways:- Indirect exposure to trauma is an increasing driver of PTSD and moral injury- Spiritual counseling may enhance engagement and outcomes in select patient populations- Blast and drone-related injuries continue to define modern combat trauma- Early stabilization and infection control remain essential to survivability- AI-assisted diagnostics improve medic performance but require careful operational integration- POCUS is most impactful in triage and higher echelons of care rather than point of injury
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JSOM Conversations with Sam Patrick | Dr. Frank Butler on Tactical Combat Casualty Care
Mar 200:31:43Summary readyThirty years after the emergence of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), this inaugural episode brings together two voices deeply connected to its legacy. Host Sam Patrick sits down with Dr. Frank Butler, the architect of modern TCCC, for a focused conversation on the lessons that shaped the framework—and the challenges now facing its future. Drawing from operational experience and contemporary observations, including tourniquet misuse seen in Ukraine, the discussion examines how hard-won medical knowledge evolves, adapts, and risks being forgotten when training and doctrine drift from first principles. This episode is a reflection on where TCCC began, what it has become, and why its core ideas must continue to be taught, questioned, and reinforced for the next generation. This episode is sponsored by The Honor Foundation.
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Winter 2025 JSOM Podcast
Jan 2700:38:38Summary readyThe Winter 2026 edition of the Journal of Special Operations Medicine Podcast brings together hosts Jessica Rodriguez, Sydney Duke, and Matthew Farinella for a lively, insightful discussion that blends medical education, operational readiness, and the evolving demands of military medicine.🎙️ Episode HighlightsTeam Updates & Military Match: The hosts share personal updates on rotations, match results, and the unique rhythm of the military medical training pipeline—from audition rotations to the fast-paced final months of medical school.Leadership & Combat Medic Training: Sydney reviews a Belgian Defense study evaluating whether prior EMT experience predicts success in combat medic training. The surprising takeaway: Intrinsic leadership, situational awareness, and tactical decision‑making—not prior clinical experience—were the strongest predictors of performance. Matt adds perspective from his time as an Army Ranger medic, underscoring the real‑world importance of tactical awareness over résumé bullet points.https://jsomonline.org/product/implementing-operational-skills-in-the-education-of-combat-medics-at-the-belgian-defense-an-integrative-model/SAM IO vs. EZ‑IO in Austere Environments: Jessica breaks down a comparative study of two intraosseous access devices. While the EZ‑IO was slightly faster, both devices had 100% success rates. The SAM IO’s lighter weight, lower cost, and lack of battery dependence make it a compelling choice for prolonged field care and dismounted operations.https://jsomonline.org/product/a-prospective-comparison-of-sam-io-versus-ez-io-insertion-time-and-usability-during-simulated-vascular-access/Lead Article: Rethinking CASEVAC for Near‑Peer Conflict: Matt dives into the edition’s lead article, exploring how the U.S. military must adapt casualty evacuation doctrine for large-scale combat operations. Key themes include:Moving from MEDEVAC-centric thinking to flexible CASEVAC modelsIntegrating evacuation planning under the Army Maneuver Center of ExcellenceTraining challenges for mass‑casualty, multi-branch, multi‑domain operationsLessons from historical conflicts and modern precision‑strike capabilitieshttps://jsomonline.org/product/the-chicken-fox-and-grain-solving-the-problem-of-casevac/🧭 Why This Edition MattersThis winter installment bridges the gap between academic insight and operational reality. Whether discussing leadership development, medical device selection, or the future of battlefield evacuation, the hosts highlight the evolving demands placed on today’s military medical professionals.📡 Stay ConnectedFollow the Journal of Special Operations Medicine across social platforms at @JSOMonline, and subscribe to the biweekly newsletter for updates, research highlights, and community insights.
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Fall 2025 JSOM Podcast
Nov 600:42:36Summary ready🎙️ Fall 2025 JSOM Podcast In this edition of the Journal of Special Operations Medicine (JSOM) Podcast, hosts Jessica, Sydney, and Matthew explore three cutting-edge articles shaping the future of operational medicine: 🛡️ Penetrating Axilla Injuries in Ceramic Plate Coverage: Matthew unpacks a compelling case series on the effectiveness of four-plate body armor systems in protecting vital axillary structures, drawing from his own experience as a Ranger medic. https://jsomonline.org/product/penetrating-axilla-injuries-and-ceramic-plate-coverage-a-special-operations-case-series/ ❄️ Mitigating Heat Loss in IV Tubing During Austere Blood Transfusions: Sydney reviews a West Point study quantifying how cold environments impact transfusion safety—and what innovations might help preserve blood temperature in the field. https://jsomonline.org/product/mitigating-heat-loss-in-iv-tubing-during-austere-blood-transfusions/ 🩸 Lab Evaluation of Four Ukrainian-Manufactured Tourniquets: Jessica breaks down a comparative study assessing the performance, durability, and design of Ukrainian tourniquets under simulated battlefield conditions. https://jsomonline.org/product/lab-evaluation-of-four-ukrainian-manufactured-tourniquets/ Plus, Dr. Dan Godbee highlights two additional must-read articles on prehospital blood use and JSOM’s ongoing commitment to mentoring medics through the publishing process. https://jsomonline.org/product/a-back-to-basics-approach-for-resuscitation-storage-and-transportation-of-whole-blood-in-chest-harness/ https://jsomonline.org/product/advocating-for-the-prehospital-administration-of-low-titer-o-whole-blood-dispelling-myths-and-misinformation/ Subscribe, rate, and review—inform your thinking with the latest in SOF medical science. Follow our Social Media - Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn @JSOMOnline. podcast@jsomonline.org
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Summer 2025 JSOM Podcast
Aug 200:39:15Summary readyThis summer, Jessica will review “Ultrasound Use by Special Operations Combat Medics: A Narrative Review Limited to the JSOM” by Dr. Jonathan Curley. (https://jsomonline.org/product/ultrasound-use-by-special-operations-combat-medics-a-narrative-review-limited-to-the-jsom/) The heart of this article provides an overview of how Special Operations Combat Medics (SOCMs) use ultrasound in clinical practice and proposes future applications. Sydney is reviewing “Injuries in Specialist Police Officers: A Scoping Review” by Dr. Kate Lyons et al (https://jsomonline.org/product/injuries-in-specialist-police-officers-a-scoping-review/). This article identifies, collects, and synthesizes evidence on injuries sustained by specialist police and compares those injuries with those of other law enforcement officers and wider Special Forces populations. Matthew is reviewing “Proof of Concept: Is Small-scale Production of Diethyl Ether for Anesthetic Use Possible?” by Dr. Sandeep Dhanjal et al. (https://jsomonline.org/product/proof-of-concept-is-small-scale-production-of-diethyl-ether-for-anesthetic-use-possible/) In this manuscript, the authors explore the use of diether ether as a stopgap solution to anesthetic supply limitations in humanitarian crises or armed conflicts. Be sure to subscribe to the JSOM podcast on Spotify. You can also find it at https://jsom.us/Podcast. Follow us on Social Media @jsomonline or on our website https://www.jsomonline.org
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Spring 2025 JSOM Podcast
Apr 21, 202500:38:24Tap to summarizeWe welcome our new podcasters, 2d Lt Jessica Rodriguez, USAF, 2LT Matthew Farinella, USA, and ENS Sydney Duke USNR to our podcast team. We thank and appreciate Alex Merkle and Josh Randles for all their hard work giving great reviews of our articles each quarter. Jessica, Matthew, and Sydney will review the following articles: The Use of Different Types of Supraglottic Airway Devices by Medics on a Manikin with Night Vision Goggles: A Pilot Study by Christoph Janig, Thomas Hummel, Manfred Berres, Arnulf Willms, and Tim Piepho (https://jsomonline.org/product/the-use-of-different-types-of-supraglottic-airway-devices-by-medics-on-a-manikin-with-night-vision-goggles-a-pilot-study/) Beyond Command: Exploring the Dynamics of the Military Medical Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Relationship in Military Medicine by Kiia Crawford, Makinna Farrell, Ariana Barilla, Amy Hildreth, and Kebekah Cole (https://jsomonline.org/product/beyond-command-exploring-the-dynamics-of-the-military-medical-officer-and-non-commissioned-officer-relationship-in-military-medicine/) Successful Management of Battlefield Traumatic Cardiac Arrest Using the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT): A Case Series by Dmytro Androshchuk and Andriy Verba (https://jsomonline.org/product/successful-management-of-battlefield-traumatic-cardiac-arrest-using-the-abdominal-aortic-and-junctional-tourniquet-aajt-a-case-series/) We Would Love Your Feedback Please email Podcast@JSOMonline.org. Follow us on Social Media @jsomonline or on our website https://www.jsomonline.org
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Special Interview with Jeff Butler
Sep 26, 202400:18:30Tap to summarizeA U.S. Soldier on a night patrol hears a gunshot, feels a sharp pain in the right side, and yells, “I’m hit.” The unit medic quickly moves to the casualty’s side. The wounded Soldier thinks of the family waiting at home and says to the medic: “Doc—will you please tell my family that I love them.” The medic responds, “Hey—shut up! I got this. You’re gonna be fine, and you’re going home to your family—you can tell them yourself. It’s not your day to die.” Far beyond any other battlefield trauma care program in history, Tactical Combat Casualty Care has enabled America’s combat medics to make good on that promise. Josh and Alex sit down with coauthor Jeff Butler to discuss the motivation and inspiration for the book, "Tell Them Yourself: It's Not Your Day to Die." Tell Them Yourself is the extraordinary account of how a small group of world class trauma experts joined forces with America’s best combat medics to rewrite the rule book in battlefield medicine - and then to sell these revolutionary new concepts to a disbelieving medical world. Thousands of Americans wounded in combat died in Vietnam - when they could easily have been saved. More deaths than in the Twin Towers on 9/11. More deaths than Pearl Harbor. In 1990, there had been very little progress made in battlefield trauma care since the Civil War. But the revolutionary new concepts embodied in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) have changed that landscape dramatically. Against great odds, TCCC has reduced the incidence of preventable deaths among combat casualties to the lowest level in history and has been credited with saving the lives of thousands of our nation’s wounded Servicemembers in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. TCCC is now mandated by the U.S. Department of Defense as the nation’s standard for battlefield trauma care. TCCC has forever changed the way care will be provided to America’s combat wounded and is now being used by militaries around the world and in civilian prehospital trauma care as well. This is a medical book like no other because it is a combat medical story like no other. Published by Breakaway Media, this book is available at https://jsom.us/TTY We Would Love Your Feedback Please email Podcast@JSOMonline.org. Follow us on Social Media @jsomonline or on our website https://www.jsomonline.org
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Summer 2024 JSOM Podcast
Sep 26, 202400:42:22Tap to summarizeOur JSOM Podcast team of Alex Merkle and Josh Randles will be reviewing the following articles for our Summer podcast: Advancing Combat Casualty Care Statistics and Other Battlefield Care Metrics by Jud C. Janak, Russ S. Kotwal, Jeffrey T. Howard, Jennifer M. Gurney, Brian J. Eastridge, John B. Holcomb, Stacy S. Shackelford, Robert A. De Lorenzo, Ian J. Stewart, and Edward L. Mazuchowsk (https://jsomonline.org/product/advancing-combat-casualty-care-statistics-and-other-battlefield-care-metrics/) Evaluation of a Rebreathing System for use with Portable Mechanical Ventilators by Thomas Blakeman, Maia Smith, and Richard Branson (https://jsomonline.org/product/evaluation-of-a-rebreathing-system-for-use-with-portable-mechanical-ventilators/) The Effect of Critical Task Auto-failure Criteria on Medical Evaluation Methods in the Pararescue Schoolhouse by Ian Richardson, Michael Lauria, Brian Gravano, Jeffrey Swenson, and Stephen Rush (https://jsomonline.org/product/the-effect-of-critical-task-auto-failure-criteria-on-medical-evaluation-methods-in-the-pararescue-schoolhouse/) JSOM Guest Author Advancing Combat Casualty Care Statistics and Other Battlefield Care Metrics author Jud C. Janak will be interviewed by our podcaster team about the article. Jud C. Janak, PhD, has over 10 years of experience as an epidemiologist and applied biostatistician in the private sector, public sector, and academia. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed studies on topics related to traumatic injury, accelerated aging, chronic disease, and real-world pharmacoepidemiology. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research where he focused on traumatic brain and genitourinary injuries. He was Director of Epidemiology and Biostatistics for the Department of Defense Joint Trauma System from 2017 to 2020. He also served as the lead epidemiologist for the Military Trauma Preventable Death Working Group. He was an Associate Director of Epidemiology at CorEvitas from 2020 to 2023. His current responsibilities focus on leveraging real-world patient and clinical registry data to study the safety and effectiveness of FDA-approved therapies as a Principal Epidemiologist in the Real-World Data Research and Analytics group at Merative. Dr. Janak received his master’s and doctoral degrees in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health. We Would Love Your Feedback Please email Podcast@JSOMonline.org. Follow us on Social Media @jsomonline or on our website https://www.jsomonline.org
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Spring 2024 JSOM Podcast
Jun 26, 202400:24:07Tap to summarizeOur JSOM Podcast team of Alex Merkle and Josh Randles will be reviewing the following articles for our Spring podcast: Our JSOM Podcast team of Alex Merkle and Josh Randles will review the following articles for our Spring podcast: Development and Implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure for Military Working Dog Blood Collection, Storage, and Transport by Elizabeth L. Evernham, Benjamin T. Fedeles, and Kayla M. Knuf (https://jsomonline.org/product/development-and-implementation-of-a-standard-operating-procedure-for-military-working-dog-blood-collection-storage-and-transport/) Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion Training for Ukrainian Health Professionals in Austere Environments by Zachery L. Brown, Joshua P. Cuestas, Kevin J. Matthews, Jonathan T. Shumaker, Durwood W. Moore, and Rebekah Cole (https://jsomonline.org/product/emergency-fresh-whole-blood-transfusion-training-for-ukrainian-health-professionals-in-austere-environments/) JSOM Guest Editor Captain Cam Strawn reviews Development and Implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure for Military Working Dog Blood Collection, Storage, and Transport. Capt Strawn serves as an Air Force Combat Rescue Officer and combat veteran who teaches leadership as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Brigham Young University, where he is also completing a premedical post-baccalaureate program. He is a SOFtoSOM Scholar applying to medical school this year. JSOM Guest Authors Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion Training for Ukrainian Health Professionals in Austere Environments authors SFC Zachery Brown and HM1 Kevin John Matthews are interviewed by our podcaster team about their article. SFC Zachery Brown enlisted in the Army on 15 September 2009. He has served with the 75th Ranger Regiment for the past 13 years: 7 years in the 1st Ranger Battalion and 6 years in the Regimental Reconnaissance Company (RRC). He served as a Ranger Squad Leader, Regimental Reconnaissance Team (RRT) Medical Sergeant, RRT Assistant Team Sergeant, and RRC Operations NCOIC and has nine combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, amounting to over 500 Special Operations Raids. In 2021, the Uniformed Services University of Health Services (USUHS) selected him for one of seven Army slots for the 24-month Cohort 9, Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2). This program prepares top-performing enlisted Servicemembers to apply to medical school. He is currently enrolled as a graduate student and aims to continue serving our nation and global community as a military physician and medical officer in the United States Army. SFC Brown earned a BS in Biology, Bio-Engineering Concentration, from the University of Arkansas in 2008, an MS in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston, and is currently working towards completing an MS in Biology at George Mason University. Hospital Corpsman First Class, HM1 (FMF/ SW) Kevin John Matthews enlisted in the Navy in 2016. Operationally, HM1 Matthews served as the Senior Line Corpsman, Scout Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, deploying to Africa and the Middle East aboard the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in 2021. Upon returning from deployment, the Navy Education and Training Office (NETO) selected HM1 Matthews as a Combat Trauma Management and Valkyrie Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion training instructor. He oversees the training of all medical personnel attached to Marine Corps expeditionary ground forces at 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. Hand-selected by the Division Surgeon, he was appointed the founding Course Manager for the inaugural Prolonged Casualty Care Course, prepa
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Winter 2023 JSOM Podcast
Jan 30, 202400:45:54Tap to summarizeOur 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. (https://jsomonline.org/product/optimizing-brain-health-of-united-states-special-operations-forces/) Bluetooth Tactical Headsets Improve the Speed of Accurate Patient Handoffs by Daniel J. Stinner, Cory McEvoy, Michael A. Broussard, et al.(https://jsomonline.org/product/bluetooth-tactical-headsets-improve-the-speed-of-accurate-patient-handoffs/) 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. (https://jsomonline.org/product/effectiveness-of-sternal-intraosseous-device-in-patients-presenting-with-circulatory-shock-a-retrospective-observational-study/) 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. Follow us on Social Media @jsomonline or on our website https://www.jsomonline.org
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