John Joseph O'Connell, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Rex A Kiteley MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Patricia K Lillis-Hearne MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Dusten Macdonald MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Harvey B. Wilds MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Daniel F. Flynn MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nathan Jones DO, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Erik Stickney MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edward Francis Miles MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

John W Nelson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David Eastham MD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Purpose/Objective(s): To review the experience of U.S. military Radiation Oncologists performing duties as non-combatant medical personnel in combat operations since 2001.Materials/Methods: All Radiation Oncologists known to the authors who deployed in combat operations since 2001 were contacted to record their contributions, experiences and roles on the modern asymmetric battlefield.Results: Since 2001, at least eleven military Radiation Oncologists have deployed in support of U.S., NATO and Coalition Forces efforts in Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom. They served in combat for a total of 6.5 years in periods ranging from 3 to 15 months. They served in predominately leadership positions responsible for planning and overseeing the delivery of healthcare during combat operations as well as advising military commanders on relevant medical and healthcare issues to include but not limited to radiation and nuclear disaster response. Most performed primary care duties to varying degrees. All were trained to deliver combat casualty care with a few providing advanced trauma life support during mass casualty events. Their job positions ranged from commanding hospitals and other medical units, to advising NATO and Theater commanders, to providing healthcare for wounded insurgents, to serving as Battalion and Sustainment Brigade Surgeons, to serving on a Provincial Reconstruction Team. Most participated in civilian medical missions to varying extents. Despite the different roles, missions and phases of combat operations, a common thread among the experiences was that many of the skills that successful Radiation Oncologists must master especially in core competency areas of systems based practice, professionalism and practice based learning and improvement were clearly relevant and transferable to their roles on the modern battlefield. Following reintegration with their families, they were able to successfully immerse themselves back into the practice of Radiation Oncology.Conclusions: Despite the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare, radiation oncologists serving in the U.S. military have made many contributions serving in various roles on the modern battlefield. The skills learned in Radiation Oncology training programs and mastered in clinical practice are easily translated into successful performance in various roles on today’s battlefield. With time, effort, and appropriate resources the clinical skills of patient care and medical knowledge specific to the practice of radiation oncology are successfully re-mastered upon return to specialty practice.The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense nor the U.S. Government.

O'Connell, J, Kiteley, R, Lillis-Hearne, P, Macdonald, D, Wilds, H, Flynn, D, Jones, N, Stickney, E, Miles, E, Nelson, J, Eastham, D, The Role of U.S. Military Radiation Oncologists in Modern Warfare.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11030124.html