Tudor Ships, Warfare and Medicine
Introduction Previous articles describe the development from prehistory to the end of the Viking period, of a cycle whereby increasing trade necessitated larger and more efficient ships to transport merchandise and better weapons to defend or attack, both of which facilitated more trading opportunities.1,2,3,4,5 However, it was not until the 18th century that Western medicine had… Read more »
A 9th Light Horseman Lieutenant Geoffrey Ochiltree Robertson 1
Geoffrey Ochiltree Robertson was born on 01 April 1896 at ‘Mortat’, Goroke, Victoria. The fourth of five children, his eldest brother James (J.O.) was my paternal grandfather. He received most of his education as a boarder at Scotch College in Melbourne from 1904 to 1914. He followed in the footsteps of his elder brothers, James,… Read more »
Novel approaches to point of injury care utilising robotic and autonomous systems
Abstract Army has developed a robotic and autonomous system (RAS) strategy (2018); however, health has yet to feature in this domain. Artificial intelligence can be used to augment surgical and resuscitative intervention on the battlefield utilising current heads-up display technology, aligning with three key strategic aims of the RAS document of 1) maximising soldier performance,… Read more »
Principles and applications of military leadership to improve civilian trauma medicine training
Abstract This article examines how the principles and applications of military leadership improve civilian trauma medicine training. Military leaders have been pivotal in driving the development and improvement of a multidisciplinary trauma care course, the Definitive Perioperative Nurse Trauma Course (DPNTC). The development of the DPNTC has benefited from leadership principles underpinned by the experiences… Read more »
Examining clinical presentation and workup of veterans with irritable bowel syndrome in a single medical centre: A case series
Abstract Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) that affects about 10% of the adult population in the United States. IBS pathoetiology understanding has evolved and clinical management improved despite the underdevelopment of diagnostics. Within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, the prevalence and impact of DGBIs are high. Yet there is… Read more »
Dual Loyalty and the medical profession for Australian Defence Force Medical Officers
Abstract Background: Military medical officers often practice in the context of dual loyalty and manage professional obligations to both their patients and the militaries in which they serve. Purpose: This article considers specific frameworks through which Australian Defence Force (ADF) Medical Officers practice. It seeks to highlight the potential interaction between such frameworks and dual… Read more »
Fundamental Inputs to (ADF Health) Capability: Organisation
Introduction A previous series of papers have analysed the following functions and roles of military health services necessary to conduct their three elemental and distinct yet intrinsically interlinked missions: providing treatment services, enabling operational capability and facilitating civilian re-integration:1 ‘Military health support’, pending a better term indicating that, whether deployed or not, all ADF commanders… Read more »
Changes in Patient Profile and Neurosurgical Procedures in a Large Military Hospital in Colombia Before and After the Peace Process: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Records
Abstract Aim: Colombia concluded a peace agreement with its largest guerrilla group (known as FARC) in 2016. The study aimed to compare neurosurgical procedures performed at the largest national military hospital during a two-year period at the height of the armed conflict (2003–2004) with a similar period around the official signing of the agreement (2015–2017)…. Read more »
The Case of The Soldier Who Failed to Return: Reflections on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Combat Veteran
Abstract The effects of war on combat veterans’ mental health are numerous and well established. Several effective interventions exist based on cognitive–behavioural therapy that aim to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD that many veterans struggle with. However, little attention has been paid to psychodynamic psychotherapy and documenting its use in treating the… Read more »
Body Regions Susceptible to Musculoskeletal Injuries in Canadian Armed Forces Pilots
Introduction Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) are a common problem for militaries around the globe.1,2 Countries of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America) spend millions of dollars on direct patient care in the treatment of MSKI. In 2017, Canada allocated nearly CA$200 million towards implementing strategies… Read more »
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy/Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome in Military Personnel
Introduction Australian Defence Force (ADF) service members’ occupational history, consisting of repeated minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) with accompanying cognitive, behavioural, mood and movement disorders, are cardinal symptoms suggestive of the diagnosis of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In 2015, Beran1 published an opinion piece alerting the medical and legal profession that… Read more »
Cultivating Family Resiliency in the Context of the Military to Civilian Transition and Mental Health Problems
Introduction Relinquishing military employment has the potential to be a life transition laden with emotional, financial, relational and physical stressors for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families.1-2 This article explores how intimate partners of CAF veterans who have operational service in Atlantic Canada and live with a mental health problem cultivate family resiliency during the military… Read more »
Changes in Stigmatising Beliefs and Help-Seeking Intentions Following a Recreational Peer- Based Program for Young People Affected by Military Associated Parental Mental Illness
Abstract Children living in Defence families affected by parental mental illness face increased stressors, pressure for self-sufficiency and potential exposure to adverse outcomes, including future mental illness. Little is known about the impact of mental health early interventions on the help-seeking tendencies of military young people affected by parental mental illness. Similarly, the responsivity of… Read more »
‘More Important Than Winning’: a Retrospective Online Research Survey Evaluating the Effects of Participating in an Adaptive Sports Program for Wounded, Injured and Ill Australian Defence Force Veterans
Abstract Background: The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Adaptive Sports Program offers participation in recreational and competitive sports to wounded, injured or ill veterans to support rehabilitation, recovery and social reintegration. There has been limited research on the impact of sport participation on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of current and former serving ADF… Read more »
Physical and Morphological Component Normative Data Among Spanish Navy Students
Abstract Background: The acquisition of normative percentile values for fitness could help understand fitness progression in relation to age and grade level and establish cut-off points for low fitness levels in a military population. Purpose: To establish specific normative reference values by gender and academic year over five physical fitness tests taken by naval school… Read more »
Employment Patterns During Middle Adulthood Among Japanese-American World War II Veterans
Introduction An enduring question in military research is how military experiences influence post-service psychosocial outcomes, such as employment. Of interest is how military service and combat exposure affect employment patterns in middle adulthood (age 45–64). Middle adulthood represents an opportunity to study long-term consequences or delayed onset of issues related to military service. Employment is… Read more »
Australian Defence Force Academy Lecture Theatre Six First session: the Fifth Annual ADF Medical Officer Orientation Course 0910, Monday 7 July 2031
Author’s Note This article is the last of a series regarding the role of occupational and environmental medicine in the ADF.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 These articles and a recent Productivity Commission inquiry11 describe why high workplace illness and injury rates confirm the need to improve the management of hazards associated with ADF workplaces, with better emphasis on prevention…. Read more »
Assessment of musculoskeletal Pain Associated with Combat- Related lower limb injuries leading to foot and ankle disorders
Abstract Background: Injury distributions showed that extremity injuries accounted for a higher percentage of all combat injuries. Extremity injuries were responsible for the greatest consumption of resources during the treatment period. Combat-related extremity injuries disabled 64% of those injured. Purpose: The study aimed to assess musculoskeletal pain associated with combat-related lower limb injuries leading to… Read more »
Treating combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)
Abstract Therapeutic fly-fishing is a nature-based intervention that is experiencing increased use to adjunct mental health treatment with current and former uniformed service professionals. While promising, literature suggesting the use of therapeutic fly-fishing with evidenced-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any other mode of psychotherapy, does not appear to exist. This raises several… Read more »
Chemical Veterans’ use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines and Quality of Life: a Survey in Southeast Iran
Abstract Background: Chemical veterans are commonly faced with physical, psychological, occupational and social problems. These veterans use relatively high levels of complementary and alternative medicine. Purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) usage and quality of life of chemical warfare veterans. Material and methods: Three hundred and… Read more »
2025 AMMA Conference
