Newswise — MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine is joining in a nationwide initiative to train medical students on the unique medical needs of veterans and their families.
The stress of war, multiple deployments and frequent moves create health challenges for military families, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Stritch is among the 105 medical schools that have signed on to the initiative, called Joining Forces. The initiative was launched by first lady Michelle Obama, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Stritch Dean Linda Brubaker, MD, attended the Jan. 11 kick-off meeting in Richmond, Va.
Stritch School of Medicine is affiliated with Edward J. Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, which is located just west of Loyola's main campus in Maywood. Many Stritch faculty members have joint appointments at Hines, and third-year Stritch students rotate through Hines.
Last year, Stritch graduated 14 students who were members of the military. Every semester, these students attended workshops titled, "The Role of the Physician in the Military."
The curriculum for all third-year students is being enriched to include the best practices for veterans' health issues, such as PTSD and TBI. And community service options for students will include service options to benefit veterans.
"I'm inspired to see our nation's medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families," Mrs. Obama said. "By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they're ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned."
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