CAPT (R) James Cole, MD- Trauma Surgeon serves with Seal Team 6 in Iraq and as Marine Expeditionary Surgeon in Iraq and Afghanistan

CAPT (R) Dr. James Cole joined the Navy and served three years in operational tours after his internship, becoming a parachutist and Scuba Diver with the 1st Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group. He then trained in general surgery and became the first Navy Doc selected to be a surgeon with the Joint Special Operations Command. He deployed to combat with Seal Team 6. He has deployed to Afghanistan (twice), Iraq, and Morocco. Uniquely, he also oversaw the building, equipping, and training of the first and only trauma center in Southwest Afghanistan. In this episode, Dr. Cole discusses his unique pathway through military medicine. He discusses his internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital serving with elite sailors, followed by his unique experience training and working in the Army before 9/11. He left the military in 2000, rejoining after the 9/11 attacks and serving with the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group- Seal Teams 6 and 8.  He discusses this experience and how he established surgical capabilities as a mobile surgeon no matter the location. He also discusses his role in helping four critically injured soldiers injured during an Osprey crash in Morocco and the challenges of being in this remote and austere environment. He describes how he helped train his team to prepare for this event.     Dr. Cole shares many insights and lessons learned over his distinguished career and provides some insight and sage advice for all listeners. You don’t want to miss this episode.                                                   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at www.wardocspodcast.com The WarDocs Mission is to improve military and civilian healthcare and foster patriotism by honoring the legacy, preserving the oral history, and showcasing career opportunities, experiences, and achievements of military medicine. Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of donations go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in military medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you.  WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.           Follow Us on social media. Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast