Munson, University of Kansas Health System identify expanded training opportunities for Soldiers
The Oct. 27 visit built on an established partnership that already provides trauma training for Munson combat medic specialists, physicians, physician assistants and nurses. This discussion focused on other specialties whose Soldiers may have limited opportunities to perform certain military occupational tasks in Munson’s outpatient setting.
Soldiers must maintain proficiency in the tasks identified on their individual critical task lists, or ICTLs. However, some required skills are not routinely performed at an outpatient health center. Training at the University of Kansas Health System could help close those gaps through clinical immersion, procedural simulation and access to specialty subject-matter experts.
During a tour of Munson’s laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and medical maintenance sections, program coordinators learned which capabilities are available locally and which skills Soldiers need opportunities to sustain.
In pharmacy, Munson pharmacist Dr. Jason Brozek explained that military pharmacy technicians gain substantial experience in outpatient operations but have fewer chances to practice inpatient pharmacy procedures and medication compounding.
The discussion identified a potential opportunity to connect those technicians with University of Kansas Health System pharmacy professionals for additional training.
Radiology staff similarly highlighted that Munson provides X-ray imaging but does not offer computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Training at the health system could allow Soldiers to build or maintain experience with CT and MRI procedures that may be required at future assignments.
For Munson’s medical maintenance division, the visit identified a need for hands-on experience with equipment not maintained at the health center.
“Getting some experience on maintaining defibrillators and ventilators would be some great training for my team because we don’t work on those items here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Bates, chief of Munson’s medical maintenance division.
Laboratory personnel also discussed opportunities to sustain specialty skills through training alongside health system professionals.
The visit also demonstrated the value of the partnership’s existing programs. Rebecka Clark, a Munson civilian pharmacy technician and Army National Guard combat medic, recently completed the health system’s Advanced Medical Sustainment and Trauma Training for her duties in the guard.
Clark described gaining experience in the emergency department and burn unit, participating in hands-on anatomy training in a cadaver lab, and completing ambulance ride-alongs.
“It was amazing — 10 out of 10,” Clark said.
Her experience illustrated how training beyond a Soldier’s normal duty environment can provide exposure to patient care and procedures that may not be available at an outpatient facility.
Military Training Coordinator Angie Bobst said the program currently focuses on trauma education and certifications, clinical immersion, and procedural simulation. The program is also working to develop opportunities for additional specialties, including laboratory, radiology and biomedical equipment support.
“Developing opportunities often comes down to connecting Soldiers with the right subject matter experts across the health system,” Bobst said.
The University of Kansas Health System provides a nearby training resource for Munson Soldiers. The program is available at no cost to military members and may reduce the need to send personnel to larger military treatment facilities for comparable experience.
The partners will now use the information gathered during the tour to identify subject-matter experts and schedule training for Soldiers in additional specialties.
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