Other Writing

Physician Associates (PAs) in military and operational medicine are frequently placed in environments where clinical expertise must be matched with adaptive leadership. Traditional leadership models often fail to meet the demands of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in preparing for Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), humanitarian missions, and crisis response. Drawing on over 36 years of military medical leadership and diverse operational experiences—from trauma bays to forward...

Abstract

In the wake of loss—whether due to trauma, death, or professional disruption—individuals in military medicine must find pathways to personal and operational recovery. This article presents a novel resilience framework centered on three foundational commodities: time, knowledge, and financial wisdom. Drawing from clinical leadership, combat medical practice, and personal survival, this piece proposes actionable strategies and includes the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI)...

Is your hospital sustainable enough to survive the next decade?

From rising costs to workforce burnout and environmental risk—community-based hospitals are at a crossroads.

Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a tech trend but a lifeline for rural and underserved health systems. In this bold and timely piece, I will unveil the Sustainable AI for Community Health (SACH) model—offering practical, ethical, and scalable solutions that hospitals can implement today.

Learn how AI...

Author: COL James J. Jones, PhD, PA-C 11th Physician Associate Consultant to The U.S. Army Surgeon General

Abstract

Amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, rapid technological advancements, and the dynamic nature of multi-domain operations, the role of the Physician Associate (PA) in military medicine is undergoing a critical transformation. This article examines the competencies and strategic initiatives required for PAs to remain operationally relevant, clinically...

Abstract

Combat-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) pose long-term challenges that extend beyond physical rehabilitation. These injuries disrupt not only motor and sensory function but also the most intimate domains of human experience—sexuality, identity, and relational connection. While advances in trauma surgery and polytrauma care have improved survivability, providers often overlook the profound effect of SCI on sexual health and spousal intimacy. This article explores a real-world case...

In 2016, I was working a discreet protective mission in Peru, supporting Malia Obama’s gap-year cultural immersion journey through the Andes and the Amazon.

After five weeks of high-altitude emergencies, trauma care in the field, and treating indigenous patients in makeshift basecamps, we entered the final phase: the jungle. On a routine hike outside Pilcopata, I slipped in the mud—and landed on a fer-de-lance, one of the most venomous snakes in the Americas. Its fangs sank deep into my left...

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, or any government agency. All clinical scenarios are de-identified composites for educational purposes only.

Abstract

Background: Physician Associates (PAs), especially in military and operational medicine, are often placed in high-stakes environments that demand not only clinical excellence but also adaptive leadership....