Prolonged Field Care Podcast SOMSA '25 - Medical Training In NATO SOFCOM
Sep 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Mike Hetzler, a faculty member at University College Cork and expert in NATO SOFCOM Defense Medicine, dives into specialized medical training for irregular warfare. He showcases the Advanced Surgical Training and Advanced Medical Concepts courses, stressing the importance of tactical decision-making and understanding local medical traditions. The conversation also highlights innovative training methods, including live tissue practice and the significance of ultrasound in medical interventions. Rehabilitation and adapting training to meet national needs are key focuses.
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Tailored NATO Medical Training
- NATO courses are tailored to nation-specific mission analyses rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
- University College Cork and JMED validate and deliver customized training to meet each nation's operational needs.
Push Teams Out Of Their Comfort Zone
- Orient surgical teams out of their comfort zone to prepare for semi- and non-permissive environments.
- Minimize bulky electronic kit and focus on skills like vascular, orthopedic, and neuro care that make a battlefield difference.
Concepts Over Skills For Resistance Support
- Advanced Medical Concepts is a concepts-first course focused on internal resistance medical support rather than replicating U.S. skill courses.
- It teaches nations to understand requirements so they can build locally appropriate solutions.