November 12, 2012
Joining Forces Wellness Week Addresses Health Needs of Veterans, Military Service Members, and Their Families
America’s Medical Schools and Teaching Hospitals Renew Commitment to Initiative
Washington, D.C. — In recognition of Veterans Day, the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) today announced the start of Joining Forces Wellness Week, a week-long effort organized to heighten awareness of the health needs of the nation’s veterans, service members, and their families. Through Joining Forces, medical schools and teaching hospitals have committed to ensuring that today’s medical students—and tomorrow’s doctors—will be well prepared to care for those who have served our country.
“Medical schools and teaching hospitals that are participating in Joining Forces are working together to ensure that physicians understand and can meet the unique health needs of our military families,” said Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and CEO of the AAMC. “They are conducting critical research on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) to improve health and wellness for America’s military service members, veterans, and their loved ones.”
As part of Joining Forces, more than 100 AAMC-member medical schools across the country have signed a pledge recognizing the sacrifice and commitment of current and returning military service members. Through this pledge, participating institutions have committed to educating and training the nation’s physicians to meet the health care needs of military service members and their families by mobilizing their integrated missions in education, research, and clinical care.
Joining Forces Wellness Week will take place from November 12-16. As part of this effort, AAMC institutions nationwide are planning local events, seminars, and symposia to honor veterans and address the health care needs of returning military service members. Additionally, the AAMC will host an interactive webinar series for medical school faculty, staff, and students that focuses on a variety of military health-related topics. Each webinar will feature experts in military health care, mental health, and other related areas, and will incorporate themes such as:
• Understanding the Military Culture as an Aspect of Patient Diversity
• Traumatic Brain Injury: TBI Education in Medical Schools
• Military Combat Veterans and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder*
• Promoting Resilience in Military Families: Practical Perspectives for Physicians*
• Women Veterans Health Issues
*Includes a related patient simulation or standardized patient demonstration.
Click here to view the full schedule and register to participate in one of the free webinars.
For more information on Joining Forces, visit: www.aamc.org/joiningforces.
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The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 141 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 51 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and nearly 90 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 128,000 faculty members, 75,000 medical students, and 110,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.