A Combat Medic’s Tale of Resilience and Teamwork- CSM Gabriel R. Wright, MPA, RRT

   Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Wright shares his extraordinary journey from serving with the Army Rangers to becoming a senior respiratory therapist in military medicine. His transformation was profoundly influenced by the events of 9-11, leading to deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he faced the harsh realities of combat head-on. With passion and earnestness, CSM Wright reveals the demanding Ranger selection process and the specialized training that shaped his initial military career. He also imparts invaluable advice for enlisted soldiers eager to pivot into medical careers, stressing the pivotal role mentorship plays in their professional development.

  Listeners will gain an intimate look into the life of a respiratory therapist in combat zones as CSM Wright recounts his deployment with the 31st Combat Support Hospital at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. The challenges were immense, from managing polytrauma and blast injuries to setting up a hospital with scant resources. Yet, through teamwork and adaptability, CSM Wright demonstrates how the critical task of managing airways and ensuring patient stabilization was successfully accomplished. His stories of resilience and education underscore the formidable training and coordination necessary for effective patient care and evacuation in such environments.

   The episode further explores the collaborative spirit of military medicine through CSM Wright’s 2015 deployment to Iraq. Here, the focus is on teamwork across various military branches and international partners, all working together to achieve a common life-saving goal. CSM Wright shares his insights on the evolving landscape of medical logistics, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and the Global Combat Support System-Army. Through discussions on leadership and mentorship, he reflects on the empowering effects of guiding soldiers and fostering an environment of trust. The profound impact of leadership on both personal and professional landscapes is woven throughout his narrative, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of a military career marked by dedication and transformation.

 

Chapters:

(00:04) Military Medicine Journey and Mentorship

(11:33) Combat Hospital Respiratory Therapist Duties

(22:59) Military Medical Collaboration and Mission Success

(34:56) Medical Logistics and Career Development

(44:44) Leadership and Mentorship in Military Medicine

 

Chapter Summaries:

(00:04) Military Medicine Journey and Mentorship

 

CSM Gabriel Wright's journey from the Ranger Regiment to Army Respiratory Therapist, deployment experiences, and advice for enlisted soldiers pursuing medical careers.

 

(11:33) Combat Hospital Respiratory Therapist Duties

CSM Gabriel Wright's RT experiences in a military setting, managing airways and stabilizing patients with limited resources.

 

(22:59) Military Medical Collaboration and Mission Success

CSM Gabriel Wright’s RT skills play a critical role in managing airways during a 2015 deployment to Iraq with the 10th CSH, while first sergeants must rapidly assemble surgical teams for deployment to Egypt.

 

(34:56) Medical Logistics and Career Development

  Army's medical logistics transition to GCSS-Army for efficient management, interoperability, career pathways, and mentorship for enlisted soldiers.

 

(44:44) Leadership and Mentorship in Military Medicine

   Leadership and mentorship in the military, empowering soldiers, cross-training, and personal impact and fulfillment.

 

 

Take Home Messages:

1. Transitioning Careers in the Military: The episode highlights the potential for military personnel to pivot into different career paths within the military, such as transitioning from combat roles to medical professions. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance in facilitating these transitions, offering insights and advice for those interested in pursuing medical careers.
2. Resilience and Adaptability in Comb