119. What It’s Really Like Operating In A War Zone

In this week’s episode of the Life of Flow podcast, a conversation about vascular surgery and entrepreneurship quickly turns into something far heavier: combat trauma, operating on wounded Marines in Iraq, life-or-death decisions made in minutes, and the emotional weight that follows surgeons long after the operating room goes quiet. Dr. Erin M. Moore, MD, shares the defining moments that shaped his career, from discovering surgery at Parkland Hospital to performing damage control operations during the surge in Al Anbar under conditions most physicians will never experience firsthand. The episode also explores military culture, mentorship, surgical training before endovascular therapy, life aboard aircraft carriers, and the moments that pushed him toward vascular surgery and eventually entrepreneurship.04:05 Growing up in Dallas, early interest in science, and working through college10:53 Miguel reflects on his own path into medicine and surgery16:46 Navy training, officer indoctrination school, and early lessons in discipline18:18 Life aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and seeing the world through military service21:00 9/11, the USS Constellation, and returning to San Diego under completely different circumstances37:55 Trauma surgery stories and the PTSD that can follow surgeons home45:59 The emotional reality of treating wounded Marines in Iraq58:10 Dr. Moore’s final reflection on conflict, culture, and understanding the long gameWho Should ListenThis episode is especially relevant for vascular surgeons, trauma surgeons, military physicians, surgical trainees, and anyone interested in the realities of combat medicine and leadership under pressure. It will also resonate with physicians exploring nontraditional career paths and the psychological side of practicing medicine in extreme environments.About Dr. Erin M. Moore, MDErin Moore is a vascular surgeon in Jacksonville, Florida, affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside Hospital. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and has been in practice for more than 20 years. During the episode, he reflects on his path through military medicine, service in the United States Navy, deployments aboard aircraft carriers, trauma surgery during the Iraq War, and the experiences that shaped his career in vascular surgery.Connect with Erin💼 LinkedIn: Erin Moore Follow Life of Flow📲 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LifeofFlowPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠👍 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Life of Flow Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Life of Flow Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@VascularPodcastIf this episode changed how you think about military medicine, trauma surgery, and the emotional realities that come with caring for patients in combat, share it with a colleague who would value the conversation. And if you’re enjoying Life of Flow, a quick review helps more physicians find conversations like this.