INTEGRATING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN ARMY MEDICINE

From Combat Medic to Research Contributor: A Personal Journey into Medical Innovation

By SGT Robert Higgins

Article published on: August 14th, 2025, in the August 2025 Issue of The Pulse of army Medicine

Read Time: < 6 mins

THE MEDIC’S ADVANTAGE IN RESEARCH

“All right - little pinch,” I say as I prepare for a routine blood draw. Over the years as a military paramedic, I’ve performed this procedure countless times on sick and injured patients. However, this time, the individual in front of me is not a patient needing immediate medical care, but a healthy research participant. This distinction sets the stage for an exciting fusion of clinical skills and scientific inquiry, an area where medics hold a distinct advantage.

As I reflect on this routine blood draw, I consider the significant role medics play in research initiatives aimed at improving Soldier health, particularly in understanding and treating traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by external forces. Military paramedics are crucial in bridging practice and research by bringing their unique frontline experience to the table. Their practice-informed expertise ensures that research findings remain relevant and applicable to combat scenarios in Army medicine.

For many military medical professionals, the connection between research and practice first becomes clear during clinical education. Places like my training ground, the Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Center, part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), exemplifies the integration of research and practice in Army medicine. At the Center, Medics and other military medical professionals focus on TBI research from both academic and practitioner perspectives, encompassing treatment and the real-life impact on military personnel.

By working together, researchers and practitioners create solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also grounded in the everyday realities faced by Soldiers. Integrating research with frontline experience is key to developing practical, evidence-based solutions. Within this framework, medics contribute to medical research in ways few others can because their roles demand an immediate response to acute medical emergencies and the management of ongoing health concerns in operational environments.

The combination of clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the health challenges faced by military personnel provide medics with a distinctive perspective on how research can inform and improve Soldier care. Ultimately, this collaboration enhances the translation of research findings into effective practices that support the well-being of service members.

U.S. Army Soldiers conducted the field and war phases, also known as the ‘Whiskey’ phase, of the U.S. Army’s Combat Medic (68W) Military Occupational Specialty Transition Course hosted by the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 254th Regional Training Institute on Joint Base McGuire- Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 24, 2025.

THE EVOLUTION FROM COMBAT MEDIC TO RESEARCHER

My own path reflects the intersection of clinical experience and research, illustrating how medics may contribute to scientific advancement while staying grounded in the realities of Soldier care. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 68W (combat medic), igniting a lifelong passion for medicine and service. This journey took me from serving as an infantry platoon medic in an airborne unit to becoming a paramedic and attending Penn State University. At Penn State, my participation in research on asthma comorbidities sparked my interest in merging clinical practice with scientific inquiry. This foundational experience set the stage for a significant transition when I received orders for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).

At WRAIR, I focused on neurological research, particularly on blast-induced neurotrauma and traumatic brain injury (TBI). At the Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Center, I collaborated with experts such as Dr. Walter Carr and Dr. John King, whose mentorship bridged my clinical and research experiences. Together, we approached TBI from multiple angles, integrating physiological measurements with real-world data while acknowledging the challenges of conducting ground-breaking research within military environments. This fusion of practice and research underscored the importance and necessity of connecting the practice-focused expertise of military medics with the academic rigor of scientific research.

Initially, I worried that expanding my focus from patient care to research would diminish the personal connections that make medicine so rewarding for practitioners. However, I discovered that the empathy, communication skills, and understanding of individual health needs gained as a medic empowered me to genuinely connect with research participants. By working directly with Soldiers, many military medical professionals find that research becomes more than just a scientific pursuit. The work is meaningful, and participants often thank us for the chance to help with projects that can improve their health and the health of their peers.

While the human connection in research proved deeply fulfilling, expanding my role into the research domain also came with its own set of challenges. I had to address and overcome significant gaps in training on research methodologies and potential resistance within the military structure. For example, collecting precise data on TBI in a military environment can be challenging. Often, we must conduct research during training exercises in the field, where adverse weather and limited electrical access can complicate our efforts. Notably, phlebotomy, typically a familiar skill, demands constant adaptability in these settings. However, I persevered, gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and support—and ultimately succeeded in research efforts to contribute to the medical field.

Thanks to the guidance of experts like Jeffrey Nemes, the biochemistry research assistant, and SGT Scott McMillan, the team’s former NCOIC, I learned strategies to maximize productivity and efficiency, such as streamlining sample collection processes and developing effective workflow management strategies. Working alongside such a talented and dedicated team of researchers was an enriching experience. Our combined efforts to improve Soldier health and mitigate the effects of TBI significantly impact military readiness. Ultimately, by integrating these operational challenges with research methodologies, we were able to create more efficient and practical solutions in the field.

The lessons I learned through this collaboration not only enhanced our immediate research outcomes but also highlighted a broader truth about the value of clinical insight in scientific work. This remarkable integration of clinical experience and research is invaluable to Army medicine research and practice. It ensures our work translates into tangible benefits for those we serve—Soldiers whose health, resilience, and readiness depend on our collective efforts. This bridging of skills and experiences makes medics and other military medical professionals integral to the medical field, and our contributions deeply valued. Building on these experiences, I offer a call to action for medics to recognize their potential as contributors to military medical research.

LESSONS LEARNED: A CALL TO ACTION FOR MEDICS IN RESEARCH

As I reflect on my journey from medic to researcher and the contributions of my mentors, I appreciate how critical the integration of clinical expertise and research is for advancing Army medicine. Working as a medic in a research environment reinforced my belief that combining practice-based knowledge and scientific inquiry offers unparalleled opportunities to contribute to military medical progress. This integration of care and research is not just beneficial – it’s essential. Combining professional experience with academic research provides Soldiers with better treatment options and a deeper understanding of the health concerns unique to military personnel.

Medics possess a unique blend of practical experience and medical knowledge, allowing us to connect the hands-on aspects of patient care with the research and scientific methods used to study health issues. Our insights and experiences are vital for improving comprehension of military health challenges, particularly in areas such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other injuries sustained during military operations. As the military continues investing in medical research and innovation, there is an urgent need for individuals like us who combine professional experience with a passion for science.

Seeking opportunities that actively integrate clinical practice with scientific inquiry is essential for continued advancement in military medical research. I encourage other medics considering a research career to explore this path. We must advocate for medics to leverage their exceptional experiences to drive innovation and create solution-oriented research that benefits our service members and their families.

Our role in this continued advancement is crucial, and our contributions are what will drive us forward. By integrating practice and research for Army medicine, we empower military medical professionals to draw on their practical knowledge to contribute meaningfully to advancements in military medicine. Together, we can significantly impact the health and wellbeing of those who serve.