Once again JMVH demonstrates the diversity of military medical practice with an array of papers all relevant to those working in health service support to Defence Forces.
With somewhat conflicted interest in the paper reporting on Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health Introduction to Military Medicine course, I can testify that this is worthwhile reading if only to be aware of the direction of vocational training in our field. The course has been conducted now over two semesters via on-line delivery through the University of Queensland. The report not only describes this first year, but also the role such a course will play in the evolution of vocational military medical education as partnerships between Defence and University produce courses to meet Defence requirements. Units like the Australian Defence Force Academy are now well established and functioning examples of such a relationship, however, this is a new group in Health Service Support.
It is never difficult to extol the variety of clinical experience available in military and veterans’ health to health practitioners considering a career in our field. The paper by Stephenson illustrates well the marriage of knowledge of hyperbaric and hypobaric medicine necessary in the management of Decompression Illness cases in remote and military environments. Many military health practitioners will need to develop an understanding, if not experience and expertise, in both these niche areas of medicine uncommon in civilian practice. Stephenson provides a thorough grounding in the basic management of Decompression Illness before expanding upon the complexity of higher level management requiring rotary wing or fixed wing aeromedical evacuation.
Communicable disease and the peculiarities of management within the close quarters and arduous environments of military service have been an issue for Miliary Health Services since before the Tatars moved west. Investigation and management of these non-battle casualties are of military significance and a core skill of military health practitioners. These skills are required to maintain operational manpower resources as well as ensuring minimal civilian population impact. The Thomas’s describe an outbreak of Norovirus among Army personnel in south Queensland where both these issues are important. Notably, while we believe this is the first report of such an outbreak, Norovirus is not currently a civilian reportable (or notifiable) disease, however, such an outbreak did require reporting in the military health system.
Management of communicable disease as a core military health skill has established Public Health as a domain of military health practice. Professor Peter Leggat, a Public Health Consultant and military physician on the Editorial Board of JMVH, has reviewed Essential Public Health: Theory and Practice by Gillan, Yates and Badrinath, paying particular attention to its value in practical application of the discipline and in comparison to other texts in this space. Readers seeking to expand their library and knowledge in public health will find this review valuable. Similarly, the review by Associate Professor Peter Aitken of Fast Facts – Eczema and Contact Dermatitis will be valuable to clinicians in both military and veterans’ health practice.
The notable case in this edition of the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health is provided by Darrell Duncan and co-authors from the Middle East. An out-of-theatre injury, that probably is a story in itself, resulted in a high flow priapism detected and managed on return to operational military service. The investigation and management of this case is a triumph in clinical skill from primary to definitive urological care by deployed military health personnel and a testimony to the level of care able to be focused in support of military operations.
Once again a number of members of the Association have been honoured for their contributions in the fields of military and health service. These achievements are recognised with the details of citation and followed by the recognition of a lifetime (so far) of Reserve military health service by Rear Admiral Graeme Shirtley RANR culminating in his posting as Surgeon General. The Journal also recognises with both sadness and respect the life of Lydia Stevens, an inspiring Czech- Australian whose worthy contributions to Air Force Nursing and Cadets are recalled by her husband, David Stevens.
Finally, having been inspired yourself by the articles in this edition of the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health, the Instructions to Authors are provided to guide your contributions. For those less certain of the form of your creative contribution, categories of submissions to the Journal are listed within the back page. The Editorial Board are also very pleased to receive direct calls to discuss contributions.
Thank you for your support of our Journal. Good reading.
Scott Kitchener
Managing Editor
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