Page 155 - JSOM Spring 2018

An Ongoing Series

Introduction

Michael Hetzler

n contribution to the Unconventional Medicine ongoing se- it always has been, in sponsoring and advocating returning
Iries, we hope to continue and evolve the exposure, education, military Prisoners of War to their home.
and use of medicine in unique and uncommon ways to meet
requirements in the austere and limited environments. This Last, please begin noting the devices, therapeutics, and prac-
does not always mean skills and therapeutics—at times, the tices used in Dr Christensen’s experience and forward nongov-
lessons learned or, more appropriately, the lessons identified ernment organization efforts. Many of these are universal and
are just as important to future success. Here, we can learn and require the respect and familiarity for productive use forward.
understand the experiences of others to minimize the mistakes We will continue to identify and educate these in this series.
we make in the same situations or locations.
For the first anniversary of this effort, please allow us to again
This is the first experiential work in this effort to pass on request your interest, feedback, and contribution. The most
knowledge and understanding of regions, cultures, and sys- desired impact is to meet future requirements and enable suc-
tems that are unfamiliar yet common to the remote, limited, cess, but those requirements must also be identified and voiced
and constrained situations. from the community as you see them. This series is now also
evolving into a long-term publication strategy as more people
First, this initial work connects generations. Many of us can become involved and interested. The subjects and work can
recognize and identify with the location, dynamics, and chal- also be actioned into workshops during The Special Opera-
lenges. History does repeat itself and this story yet again re- tions Scientific Assembly, such as this year’s maggot debride-
inforces the old adage, “If you want a new idea, read an old ment lab, hands-on workshop planned for the Charlotte, NC
book . . . it’s all been done before.” meeting. That recipe can only be more successful as time pro-
gresses and more people become involved.
Second, please take the time to appreciate the larger impact
and potential of non-government organizations. Here, the In- Respectfully,
ternational Committee of the Red Cross was instrumental, as Michael Hetzler

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