In this episode, Drs. Jeff Conner and Jay Yelon speak with COL (ret) Matthew Martin, MD, to discuss the realities of providing surgical care at a Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility. Drawing from extensive deployment experience, Dr. Martin outlines the clinical, operational, and leadership challenges that surgeons encounter in this environment. Topics include the essential mission of damage control surgery, managing trauma care with limited imaging and subspecialty support, strategies for blood product management, preparation for orthopedic and complex injuries, and the critical importance of team cohesion and effective communication.

The episode also highlights best practices for predeployment readiness and continuity of operations. As referenced in the discussion, listeners may access an example “Volume of Experience” handoff document created for a Forward Surgical Team in Afghanistan.

View “655th Forward Surgical Team Combat Trauma Volume of Experience; Protocols, Practices, and Lessons Learned” here.

Literature Mentioned:
Front Line Surgery: A Practical Approach
Top Knife: The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery
Emergency War Surgery

Keywords: Role 2 MTF, Forward Surgical Team, Damage Control Surgery, Military Trauma Care, Resource-Limited Trauma Care, Walking Blood Bank, Operational Medicine, Trauma Leadership