Andrew Cowart-Oberle, PhD(c), MHA and the Trauma Survivors Network

Today’s guest is Andrew Cowart-Oberle who shares his extraordinary story of how he was mauled by chimpanzees and nearly lost his life. In his mission to reduce the prevalence of post-traumatic stress and mental health conditions that arise after trauma, Andrew shares how he created the Trauma Survivors Network, a holistic program that aims to give patients the resources necessary for a successful recovery. Alongside his story of survival, we also discuss marathon running, the compassion of the healthcare workers who fought for Andrew to receive groundbreaking reconstructive surgeries, re-stabilizing identity after trauma and much more.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction01:10 – Marcus gives Andrew the floor to share is story and journey of compassion.07:40 – Andrew talks about his injuries, physical and emotional, and his hospital stay after the attack.14:30 – Andrew is asked about his recovery and lifestyle now. Andrew talks about Helen and the effort she made to help Andrew get back home and on the road to recovery. 20:02 – Marcus asks about a time where Andrew witnessed compassion.26:40 – Andrew shares his career journey and his passion for his work. Really explaining the need and work that needs to be done around trauma and recovery.43:00 – Andrew and Marcus begin to talk about the benefits for healthcare staff, to be able to offer this trauma support that goes beyond the physical.47:00 – Marcus asks his rapid-fire questions. Andrew would like everyone to just “Be Kind.”53:45 – Thank-Yous and GoodbyesResources for you: More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oberle-mha-04a03053/Connect with Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewOberleConnect with Andrew:  https://www.andrewoberle.comLearn more about the Oberle Institute: https://twitter.com/OberleInstituteLearn more about The American Trauma Society: https://www.amtrauma.orgSubscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcastAbout Andrew Cowart-Oberle, PhD(c), MHA:In June 2012 while conducting his anthropology master's research in South Africa, Andrew Cowart-Oberle was viciously mauled by two adult male chimpanzees and nearly lost his life. After two weeks in a coma, four weeks on a ventilator, two months in a Johannesburg intensive care unit, four weeks in acute care, six weeks in a rehabilitation hospital, over two dozen surgeries, and countless hours of rehabilitation, he is thriving. At the time of recording, Andrew served as the Executive Director for the Oberle Institute at Saint Louis University, where he led efforts to build a community that heals together and supports individuals on their journey from surviving to thriving.  He is also a health management and policy doctoral student, studying the effects of survivor support programs on trauma patient and family outcomes, a member of the American Trauma Society Board of Directors, and chair of their Legislative and Policy committee. Andrew is a nationally renowned leader and advocate for improving the trauma care system. Date: 7/10/2023 Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Health