The Surgeon’s Role in National Security and Federal Readiness Drills

My work as a trauma surgeon has given me many hours in an OR (operating room). The OR is a space that allows for focus. Every second counts in an OR. My work, however, does not stop when I leave the OR. Today's world includes surgeons in many new roles. As surgeons, we support national objectives. We assist in developing preparedness across many federal agencies. We lead teams in developing planning strategies for complex challenges.

I collaborate with leaders whose mission is to protect people, increase the readiness of agencies and organizations, and develop and implement planning strategies for preparedness across all types of settings. I can apply many of the principles I learned while caring for patients to areas beyond patient care.

Why Medical Perspectives Matter in Preparedness Planning

While preparedness planning may seem to be unrelated to medicine, it requires a medical perspective. Surgeons understand the reality of critical care. We understand what teams go through during those first few minutes of an injury. We understand the impact of resource limitations on the outcome of care. We understand the limitations of personnel, equipment, and communication.

Surgeons' perspectives will strengthen federal preparedness efforts.

Physicians will help ensure that planners develop plans based on what is available at the local level. Physicians will provide a treatment timeline. Physicians will help determine the most efficient ways to support local medical systems. Physicians will help create consistent expectations.

Exercises and Evaluations Conducted by Federal Agencies

Federal agencies frequently conduct structured training exercises. These exercises are used to assess preparedness in a safe and realistic manner. Teams will use these exercises to evaluate their processes. Teams will use these exercises to assess their ability to function under stress.

Physicians will participate in exercises by providing medical advice in the following areas:

planning

designing scenarios

conducting medical procedures

coordinating among agencies and hospitals

evaluating medical response components

Through physicians' participation, agencies will develop plans that reflect real medical needs.

Continuing Preparation

Preparedness is an ongoing process. It must be continually updated and evaluated. It must be practiced.

Just as we practice medical procedures to improve health care outcomes, federal agencies must engage in regular exercises and evaluations to build their readiness.

Following each exercise, teams will assess what worked well and what did not. Teams will discuss potential improvements to their planning strategies. Teams will update policies and training plans. The continued evaluation of their strategies and updating of their training plans will foster trust and improved coordination.

Including Medical Perspectives in Federal Strategies

Medical perspectives must be defined and incorporated into federal strategic planning. Surgeons will facilitate these discussions. Surgeons will share insights regarding capacity. Surgeons will describe the pathways of care in real time. Surgeons will emphasize the importance of training and logistics.

Through these discussions, federal policymakers will develop policies that reflect the medical realities of the situation. Through these discussions, federal decision-making will be aligned with the needs of the teams responding in the field and the healthcare professionals who provide patient care. These discussions will align the national strategy with the systems that provide patient care.

Interagency Collaboration

Preparedness requires collaboration among multiple entities. Federal agencies must collaborate with hospitals. Hospitals must collaborate with local agencies. Local communities must understand what to expect from agencies.

Surgeons will facilitate these collaborations.

The same principles of collaboration that underpin the delivery of patient care also underpin preparedness planning. When entities collaborate to prepare, they will respond better.

What Surgeons Bring to Federal Planning

Surgeons bring clear thinking to chaotic and complex environments. Surgeons operate in conditions that require calm judgment and orderly actions. The skills required of surgeons will be useful to the teams involved in developing preparedness strategies.

Surgeons will describe the patient pathway. Surgeons will help agency leaders establish realistic expectations. Surgeons will advise teams on how to plan for the immediate responses to injuries. The initial response is often the most critical aspect of any response to an injury.

Medical perspectives strengthen preparedness and federal strategy.

Cultivating a Culture of Readiness

A culture of readiness emphasizes the importance of training and preparation. The culture promotes communication. The culture promotes a shared understanding.

Surgeons can help cultivate a culture of readiness in government settings.

Surgeons can help create and promote ongoing training programs. Surgeons can help create training pathways. Surgeons can help promote the benefits of practicing procedures before they are needed.

Recommendations for Policymakers

Federal policymakers can improve preparedness planning by:

Include medical advisors early in strategic planning.

providing formal avenues for feedback.

aligning federal planning with regional healthcare systems.

continually investing in training and readiness cycles.

continually investing in communication channels between agencies and hospitals.

By implementing these recommendations, policymakers will improve alignment between capability and need. Policymakers will improve the likelihood of successful real-world implementation.

Conclusion

The United States will continue to prepare for various challenges. Preparedness will require collaboration. Preparedness will require thoughtful planning. Preparedness will require medical perspectives.

The operating room remains a major part of my work. However, preparedness is also a part of my purpose. Surgeons play a significant role in preparing the nation for various challenges. Surgeons' experiences will improve the quality of federal planning. Surgeons' insights will improve interagency coordination. Surgeons' partnerships will support agencies that work daily to make America safer.

When medical perspectives are considered in planning, more than just patients will benefit. More than just medical professionals will benefit. Partnerships will be strengthened. Systems will be strengthened. The nation will be strengthened.

With medical perspectives guiding planning, we will prepare with purpose and clarity.