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MILITARY MILITARY
MEDICINE MEDICINE

In particular, we have supported notable innovations in research by
our scientists to include Dr. Kumar Sharma, who is collaborating with
Dr. Kevin Chung (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sci-
ences), in evaluating the efficacy of a novel blood pathogen filter, Ser-
aph. In addition, another UTHSA scientist, Dr. Susannah Nicholson,
is collaborating with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (ISR)
on microbiome research in trauma. MHI has also supported Dr. James
Lechleiter in developing a therapeutic that has great promise for the
treatment of TBI.
As innovation in military health research broadens, we provide ed-
ucational opportunities for our faculty, students and community, as ev-
idenced in our sponsorship of the Military Health Interest Group
(MHIG). The purpose of this group is to mentor students, who in their
future roles as health care providers, will be caring for service members,
veterans and their families. For instance, MHI recently supported the
MHIG by hosting a wounded warrior panel discussion, highlighting
military health care through veterans’ eyes.
MHI is also honored to host the Distinguished Lecture Series de-
signed to educate the community on diverse topics associated with mil-
itary health. Senior leaders in military medicine are invited to UT
Health San Antonio to provide insight into the extensive world of Left to Right: Brigadier General Clinton Murray, current
Commander at BAMC, shakes hands with Byron Hepburn,
DoD research. Past speakers include Vice Admiral (Dr.) Raquel MD, USAF Major General Ret.
“Rocky” Bono, Director of the Defense Health Agency in 2015;
Colonel (Dr.) Drew Morgan, U.S. Army Physician and NASA Astro- have been honored to serve on the South Texas Regional Advisory
naut; and Colonel (Dr.) Jeffery Tiede, Director of the Center for the Council (STRAC) Pandemic Medical Operations Working Group, and
Intrepid (CFI) and a leader in human performance research. Each the Metro Health Community Response Coalition. Such partnerships
speaker ignites impactful dialogue in military health research that leads provide a level of engagement that aids in achieving our ultimate goal:
to further collaboration and innovation. improving the health of the military affiliated community.
From the clinical perspective, MHI advocates for the continued en- the lives of service members, veterans and their families. We are ex-
The Military Health Institute is dedicated to its mission to improve
hancement of San Antonio’s integrated trauma system and its synergy
Eight Years of Impact: between our two level-1 trauma centers, Brooke Army Medical Center panding and strengthening a collaborative environment that produces
positive impacts in research, education, clinical advocacy and engage-
(BAMC) and University Hospital. This military-civilian partnership
is unique in the nation and facilitates the bi-directional flow of lessons ment. Most significantly, this impact is made evident by the increase in
AN OVERVIEW OF THE learned in trauma care. One notable outcome has been the use of whole the level of military health research efforts occurring at UT Health San
blood in trauma resuscitation, which was effectively used in recent mil-
Antonio and our growing interest in better serving the health care
MILITARY HEALTH INSTITUTE itary operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. MHI has also supported the needs of the military affiliated community. In this issue, you will find
Brothers in Arms program that serves as a blood donor pool of whole many examples of DoD research and innovation being conducted at
By Byron Hepburn, MD, USAF Major General Ret. blood across San Antonio. This collaboration allows our military-civil- UT Health San Antonio. While not comprehensive, this collection
ian partners to effectively synergize their efforts during trauma-related will provide a great example of research in military medicine. For more
“Military Health is in our DNA.” This is the motto of the Mil- Supporting research is our primary focus. As a facilitator, the Insti- events that impact South Texas. information on MHI and how to collaborate with us in military health,
itary Health Institute (MHI) at UT Health San Antonio. The Institute tute advises faculty and staff regarding DoD funding opportunities, We are also actively engaged with multiple local and national partners please visit militaryhealthinstitute.org.
was formed in 2014 to “strengthen the military health activities of UT the process of submitting research proposals and the importance of es- to increase the positive impact of their military health activities. The In-
Health San Antonio to improve the lives of our military service mem- tablishing collaborations with military partners. To encourage this ac- stitute has strong relationships with partners like the City of San Anto- Byron Hepburn, MD, USAF Major General Ret., is a UT
bers, veterans, and their families.” This mission is accomplished by con- tivity, we have established a Faculty Associate Program, in which the nio Military and Veterans Affairs Office, the San Antonio Chamber of Health San Antonio Associate Vice President and the inaugu-
centrating on four pillars: research, education, clinical advocacy and program members serve as mentors to faculty who are new to DoD re- Commerce Military Affairs Committee and the American Corporate ral Director of the Military Health Institute. He is a Clinical
engagement. In each pillar, MHI facilitates collaboration with the De- search. Our University’s DoD-focused research strengths include Partners program. Additionally, over the past two years, we have actively Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and a
partment of Defense (DoD) and the Veterans Administration (VA). trauma, pain management, PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). supported the San Antonio response to the COVID-19 pandemic and member of the Bexar County Medical Society.

20 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • February 2022 Visit us at www.bcms.org 21