CU Center for COMBAT Research

Excited to see Dr. Judy Regensteiner, Director of the Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus recognized for their groundbreaking leadership in women’s health research. Her work sets the standard nationally, addressing critical gaps in care and understanding that impact women everywhere—including those serving in the military. Advancing women’s health is essential to military readiness and operational effectiveness, and we are proud to collaborate with leaders like Judy at CU to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions for military service members, veterans, and their families.

 Brain health is a critical focus of the CU Center for COMBAT Research, and we're proud to collaborate with exceptional researchers like Dr. David Howell, PhD, whose innovative work is highlighted in this article. He mentors and collaborates with our military units from the US Army and Military Health System at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and University of Colorado Department of Emergency Medicine Dr. Howell and his team are exploring how digital tools, such as apps, can support recovery after concussions—an area of great importance to the military, athletes, and anyone impacted by brain injuries. This research not only advances our understanding of recovery but also aligns with COMBAT's mission to innovate and improve health outcomes for those we serve. https://lnkd.in/g8Dyk9s5

Ian Stanley, PhD, assistant research professor in the University of Colorado Department of Emergency Medicine and psychological health lead for the CU Center for COMBAT Research at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, spoke with ABC News about the mental health toll California residents and first responders are facing as they deal with the tragic California wildfires.   "You can think of kind of the 3 Hs here: Do you want to be helped? Do you want to be hugged? Or do you want to be heard?" Stanley said. "Some people just want a shoulder to cry on. Some people want you to go into problem-solving mode, and some people just want a listening ear." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g7mYypKs

The Military Health System Research Symposium is the United States Department of Defense's largest #military medical conference and 2025 #MHSRS Abstracts are due Feb. 16, 2025! To submit an abstract, visit mhsrs.health.mil today.

Frank Butler’s leadership has revolutionized prehospital care and reshaped military medicine on a national scale. His work continues to set the standard for innovation and excellence in caring for those on the battlefield and beyond. The CU COMBAT Center is proud to work alongside innovators who lead the way in advancing care for those who serve.

Good Morning. Happy New Year from all of us at the Journal of Special Operations Medicine. At the top of the year, it is an honor for us to announce on behalf of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Frank Butler, that he is one of the 20 Americans being honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal. It's the nation's second highest civilian honor. At a White House ceremony on Thursday, his efforts and contributions were highlighted. A statement reading in part, “As a pioneering innovator, Navy Seal, and leader in dive medicine, Dr. Frank Butler introduced Tactical Combat Casualty Care to the medical world that set new standards for tourniquet use not only for injuries in war, but injuries across daily civilian life. He has transformed battlefield trauma care for the United States military and saved countless lives." Thank you Dr. Butler for your incomparable service to our country and military. https://lnkd.in/e_pc2D7y

Happy holidays, and have a wonderful New Year! We hope everyone is having a wonderful and refreshing holiday break. Best wishes from the CU Center for COMBAT Research! 🎄

The recent Congressional United States Department of Defense bill highlights the urgent need to address traumatic brain injuries (#TBI) in our military community, especially subconcussive #blast exposure. At the CU Center for COMBAT Research and the Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH), we combine research and clinical care to make a real difference. - Over the past several years: We have been advancing research on TBIs from blast exposures, leading to better diagnostics and treatments. Also, we provide personalized care at MIBH, supporting veterans and active-duty service members with cutting-edge treatments. - Looking Ahead: We’re already expanding our research on TBI long-term effects and therapeutic innovations while increasing access to specialized clinical care for those who’ve served, including subconcussive blast exposures. - Through relentless effort, we honor the sacrifices of our #warfighters and #veterans by improving their recovery and quality of life. https://lnkd.in/ehxrHdkJ

MTEC is excited to announce the 10th Annual Membership Meeting will be held in Auroa, CO on May 28 & 29, 2025. Registration will open in March! Kathy Zolman Lauren Palestrini, PhD Shawn J. Green Rick Satcher Jill Sorensen Christopher Steele Madison Bell Chuck Hutti, PhD Seth Tomblyn, PhD, MBA Dave Hood Donna Boston George Ludwig Stuart Tyner Susan Raymond, Ph.D. John Steblein Steven Lebonville Rebecca Harmon Taylor Hummell Evan Kellinger MSPM, PMP, CSM Carley Kelly Victoria Dux Charlotte G. Brittany Nunnally Kasandra Kloc Heather Benson, MBA

This past weekend, while watching the US Army-US Navy game (well done, United States Naval Academy - coming from a proud United States Air Force Academy grad!) and then flying back from an NIH meeting, I was reflecting on mentorship—and on the incredible mentees I’ve been fortunate to work with, especially those from the military services. After a hard-fought game, no one planted flags on the other team’s logo. That’s because, when the clock ran out, they were all working for the same flag: one American flag. At the CU Center for COMBAT Research, we are privileged to mentor a diverse group of COMBAT Scholars and Fellows—extraordinary individuals from all backgrounds. From former enlisted 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army soliders and United States Army Special Operations Command operators to Naval Special Warfare Command - Navy SEAL & SWCC Teams personnel, Navy Top Gun fighter pilots, and United States Air Force Force weapons officers, these leaders are now pursuing careers in medicine and nursing. Many of our Scholars and Fellows aren’t from military backgrounds, but they find purpose in taking on the military’s toughest challenges: psychological health, TBI, and traumatic injuries, all publishing over 20 papers to change policy and practice. We are also fortunate to attract some of the most talented and top-tier students and residents to the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. One standout is LCDR Ian Eisenhauer. Ian came to us after graduating from the United States Naval Academy and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, transitioning from a Special Operations operational billet into our emergency medicine residency and COMBAT Fellows program. It has been a privilege to mentor him as he, in turn, mentored others—both military and civilian—across a wide range of studies. Ian didn’t just complete research; he led it, securing grants of his own and guiding his peers along the way. As the Senior COMBAT Fellow, Ian’s leadership stood out among his fellow residents and COMBAT Fellows, and while we miss his energy here at CU COMBAT Center, we know his next chapter will be extraordinary. As he takes on his new billet in Virginia, serving Sailors and Marines and training Navy medics, I’m confident he will continue to lead with purpose, humility, and resolve. As a United States Air Force Colonel, I look forward to the day I call him Sir—or Admiral. That’s the way mentorship should be: investing in people who will go farther, lead stronger, and shape the future for all of us. Fair winds and following seas, Ian. We’re cheering you on.