Page 80 - JSOM Summer 2023

The Impact of Special Operations Medics
and Corpsmen on Military Medical Student Training

A Qualitative Study

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Rory Wagner *; Rebekah Cole, PhD ; Jeffrey Thompson ;
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Sean J. Egan ; Matthew W. VanShufflin ; Laura Tilley, MD 6
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ABSTRACT

Operation Gunpowder is a high-fidelity military medical field medical field practicum “Operation Gunpowder.” The two-day
practicum conducted by the Uniformed Services University of high- fidelity simulation is held at the National Guard Training
Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD. During this multi-day combat Center at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. During Operation Gun-
simulation, Special Operations Medics and Corpsmen teach powder, the students practice Tactical Casualty Combat Care
military medical students how to treat patients in an austere, (TCCC), Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC), and en route care in
resource-limited environment. To investigate the effectiveness support of a mission located in a simulated resource-limited op-
of this teaching model, our research team used a qualitative erational environment. Following the field practicum’s unique
phenomenological design to explore medical students’ experi- and innovative teaching model, enlisted medical personnel
ences being taught by Special Operations Medics and Corps- collaborate with military physicians, physician assistants, and
men during Operation Gunpowder. We found two themes certified nurse anesthetists to train third-year medical students
regarding the medical students’ personal and professional de- throughout the simulation. 4
velopment: an increased understanding of medics’ skills and
capabilities and the realization of their future roles as edu- At Operation Gunpowder, Special Operations Medics and
cators and leaders. Our study suggests that the use of Special Corpsmen take on the role of educators, teaching students
Operations Corpsmen and Medics in medical student training how to overcome the many obstacles they will encounter in
is a valuable model for both military and civilian medical ed- an austere tactical environment. Instructors included Special
ucation and training. Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen from Marine Special
Operations Command, members of the Joint Medical Unit,
Keywords: medical student; educators; professional develop- 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups, Naval Special Warfare,
ment; training; simulation; qualitative study; military med- Ranger Regiment, Air Force, and Army Special Operation
ical officer; teaching model; medical student experiences; Commands, instructors from the Special Operations Combat
medic capabilities; corpsman capabilities Medic course, and command surgeons from 1st Special Forces
and US Army Special Operations Commands.
These medical professionals exhibit a mastery of unique skills
Introduction
including tactical triage and evacuation, invasive and non-
Medicine is an interdisciplinary field relying on the expertise invasive lifesaving procedures such as advanced airway place-
of a plethora of medical professionals. Thus, medical students ment and trauma resuscitation, tactical casualty management,
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should be prepared to work as part of a diverse healthcare team and tropical and preventive medicine. They demonstrate how
in their future work as physicians. The potential benefits of in- to treat patients with limited supplies, maintain security, com-
terdisciplinary team training include an understanding of the municate using proper radio etiquette, transport patients safely
roles, capabilities, and utilization of personnel, and enhanced using litters, and a host of other field specific skills. The med-
communication and teamwork leading to better patient care. ics’ direct teaching styles differ extensively from the Socratic
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Despite these advantages, only five out of 35 civilian academic method used by physicians in teaching hospitals. Specifically,
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healthcare centers offered interdisciplinary courses, and no they provide students with a window into enlisted life and the
research to date has focused specifically on how paramedic autocratic leadership style they adopt for combat settings.
involvement in medical student curriculum can benefit learn-
ing, communication, and understanding of emergency medical To date, there is no research regarding the role of medics and
responder roles outside of the healthcare setting. 3 corpsmen as teachers of future Military Medical Officers
(MMO). The purpose of this qualitative study was therefore
In contrast, because of military medicine’s emphasis on pre- to explore the experiences of 35 third-year military medical
hospital care, the Uniformed Services University (USU) expe- students during Operation Gunpowder to understand how
rientially teaches military medical students about the role and being taught by enlisted medical personnel in an operational
skills of Special Operations Medics and Corpsmen through a environment impacted their learning.

*Correspondence to rory.wagner@usuhs.edu
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1 Rory Wagner, Dr Rebekah Cole, Jeffrey Thompson, Sean J. Egan, Matthew W. VanShufflin, and Dr Laura Tilley are all affiliated with the
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda MD.
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