Advancing science. Informing decisions and policymaking. Catalyzing action and tackling grand challenges. These are just some of the many missions and priorities Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), says NAM shares with researchers and faculty members of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
The CU Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield (COMBAT) Research and Department of Emergency Medicine co-hosted the guest lecture with Dzau, who has made significant impacts through cardiovascular medicine and genetics research, on Oct. 9.
“I want to show you the kinds of things we’re trying to do and the work we’re realizing, because it’s the same mission and vision of what you all do,” Dzau said during his talk, which covered NAM’s strategic plan and the common interests the academy has with many programs and projects led by faculty within the Department of Emergency Medicine, including the CU Center for COMBAT Research, the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative(FIPI), and the Climate and Health Program.
Leaders from the Department of Emergency Medicine pose for a photo with Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine.
“Dr. Dzau’s leadership at the National Academy of Medicine and his vision for transforming health care through innovation, equity, and global collaboration align perfectly with the work we are doing at CU,” said Vik Bebarta, MD, director of the Center for COMBAT Research and a professor and vice chair for strategy and growth for emergency medicine.
“His presence underscores the national importance of our mission—whether advancing military and civilian trauma care, driving cutting-edge research, or training the next generation of health care leaders. This visit is a validation of our team's efforts and a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in medicine today,” Bebarta continued.
Securing health for military personnel
Promoting the health of service members in the line of duty, during peacetime, and through retirement is a vital responsibility, Dzau said. Doing so has meaningful impacts for service members, their families, and civilian populations as well.
“We are so grateful to the sacrifice that the armed forces and people of the service have made to the nation, and so it's really important that we understand the issues placed in military medicine and how we can actually promote better solutions,” Dzau said.
Faculty members and researchers who work with the CU Center for COMBAT Research pose for a photo with Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has published several studies that prioritize veterans’ health, including treatment of post traumatic stress disorder, mental health and suicide, and how chemical exposure impacts health.
Similarly, the Center for COMBAT Research plays a crucial role in addressing critical gaps in military and civilian health through pioneering research in areas such as trauma care, digital health, and biomedical innovation.
“The whole idea is that military medicine creates a great model of national trauma care,” Dzau said.
Overcoming challenges present and future
On the battlefield and in health clinics across the country, physicians and health care workers often face similar challenges. In his lecture, Dzau pointed to misinformation, the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI), substance abuse, high costs of health care, disparities in access, and climate change as some of the most pressing issues health researchers associated with the NAM encounter.
Dzau highlighted efforts by Jay Lemery, MD, director of the Climate and Health Program and professor of emergency medicine, to better understand the intersection between the environment and human health and how the health care sector can adapt to climate change.
As a result of all these challenges, researchers should continue to consider the bigger picture.
“Medicine has to go beyond discovery to be meaningful to a population, to global health…because in what we do, we want to create a better society, so people can be healthier and also thrive,” Dzau said.
The same is true for military medicine.
“The Center for COMBAT Research develops cutting-edge solutions for combat medicine and translates those advances into civilian care, including technologies like AI for medical decision-making, advanced diagnostics, and new therapies that can be applied both in the battlefield and everyday healthcare,” Bebarta said. “COMBAT not only drives academic excellence and research advancements but also translates those innovations into practical applications that improve patient care and influence public health strategies.”
