VCOM 2021 Annual Report

ALUMNI VIEWS

Serving the Military and Community

Mike Brisson, DO VCOM-Auburn, Class of 2019 Family Medicine, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Foley, AL Q: How and when did you decide to become a physician? A: My deployment to Afghanistan in 2010-2011 solidified my motivation to become a physician. In the back of my mind, I had always wanted to be a physician, mainly because I grew up in medicine; my mother and father both attended medical school. While deployed to Afghanistan as a MEDEVAC pilot, I had the privilege of serving with a group of soldiers with one mission: to preserve and protect human life. The Flight Surgeons I deployed with were all DO’s, something I found to be unique. I often went to them for OMM, mainly because I began to develop back discomfort secondary to the long days (and nights) we spent flying. Unfortunately, the vibrations of a helicopter for 7-8 hours per day wear on you.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in Military Medicine? How can you or other physicians make a difference? A: I believe I have a unique perspective on the Military Medical System as I am not a physician in the Army. I still maintain my status as an aviator, and thus I rely on my Flight Surgeons to optimize my health so that I can perform my duties. When you think about it, less than one percent of physicians will ever serve in the United States Military. This is a very gifted group of physicians with experiences that far surpass anything they could potentially get in the civilian sector. Many of the innovations that the civilian medical community enjoys today were first pioneered by the military, and in particular by the United States Army. Less than one percent of physicians will ever serve in the United States Military. This is a very gifted group of physicians... A: COVID-19 was one of the most significant challenges faced by the Department of Defense. Regardless of the service you belong to, we were a nation still at war, with thousands of troops all over the world. Our Nation’s bidding does not stop in the face of a pandemic. However, our alignment shifted to allow for all components (Active Duty, Reserve and the National Guard) the ability to meet the needs of the United States, both domestic and abroad. ■ Q: How did COVID-19 impact the Military Medical Community?

Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the lives of your patients and community?

A: Having the ability to train and practice in rural and underserved communities is something I have aspired to do since entering medical school. This was a primary motivator for choosing VCOM as the mission aligned with my career goals and my family’s goals.

Q: What inspired you to join the military?

A: My family inspired me to join the Army, particularly my uncle John, my grandfather Mike and my father Dr. Paul Brisson. After September 11th, 2001, I felt the calling that many of my brothers and sisters felt, and I knew I could do more.

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