MHS Research Symposium to highlight vital military medical research
The health of the military community is vital to readiness and national security. Accordingly, Leidos has supported military medicine for more than 35 years. Through discovering unmet needs, developing new capabilities, and improving treatment techniques, Leidos scientists help to enhance medical readiness and improve mission effectiveness.
Leidos researchers will join the military scientific community at the 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium in Florida, August 14-17. The symposium provides a collaborative environment for academia, industry, and government agencies to share research information, address gaps in deployment-related medical capabilities and accelerate research progress. Our distinguished scientists who support military health research will deliver poster and oral presentations – as leading authors on 19 sessions and as contributing authors on 45 sessions.
Here is a sample of the latest research topics in military medicine they will address.
Sleep problems after concussion
Dr. Samuel Chung and his colleagues will present "Initial and Persistent Sleep Problems After Deployment-Related Concussion: Examining Mechanism of Injury." They will highlight the importance of considering sleep issues in traumatic brain injury recovery. As described in their study, they found that traumatic brain injury caused by high-level blasts is associated with a higher chance of sleep problems, both immediately and in the long term. Furthermore, they discovered that comorbidities, especially PTSD and depression, may aggravate sleep issues.
Stressors and support for sailors
In another presentation, Lauren Hurtado and her co-authors will present "Stressors and Support Experienced by Active-Duty Navy Personnel at Sea." They investigated active-duty sailors' experiences and occupational stress while at sea. The researchers found that sailors—especially women—perceive shipboard life as stressful and could benefit from noise mitigation strategies, improved bathing areas, and better mental and physical healthcare access.
Anger and adjustment during civilian transition
Cynthia LeardMann and her colleagues will present "Problematic Anger and Adjustment Difficulties During the Military-to-Civilian Transition." This team of researchers studied problematic anger, which is defined as anger associated with distress and difficulty functioning. Not only did one in four participants screen positive for problematic anger, but the military-to-civilian transition was associated with an increasing prevalence of problematic anger. They also discovered that problematic anger predicted difficulties in behavioral, functional, relationship, and economic health five years after the transition. The researchers will discuss the need to address problematic anger and equip service members with skills to manage their anger before transitioning and continued support over the following years.
Military science research is crucial
These presentations highlight the critical support Leidos provides in seeking to understand healthcare challenges of service members. The research alongside our customers is essential to advancing knowledge of military operations in hostile environments and helping develop solutions for a healthy and resilient military.
"We are extremely proud of our scientists' work and dedication to the military medical mission," says Kevin Kaiser, Leidos vice president and division manager for whole health solutions. "Our research assists in optimizing performance, studying the unique medical needs of our warfighters, safeguarding wellness, and improving readiness."
