title: Peacekeeping and stability operations: a military surgeon's perspective.
abstract: Military surgeons serve a unique role in peacekeeping and stability operations and in response to natural disasters. Military medical units are the best medical resource to respond early in times of cri-sis but are often less equipped for prolonged missions and subsequent management of the chronic health care needs of the masses. Because endemic and host-nation diseases often add complexity to the management of these cases, military surgeons must perform operations outside the scope of their usual civilian practice. The primary medical mission is to treat the peacekeeping force, but the reality lies in eventually treating the refugees and victims of hostile conflict, including women, small children, and the elderly. This article explores the unique features of a surgeon's role in the support of these missions.
authors.affiliation: Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, 7521 53rd St Ct W, University Place, Tacoma, WA 98467, USA. bwstarnes@comcast.net
authors.forename: Benjamin W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Starnes
mesh_terms: D004190:Disasters; D013502:General Surgery; D006772:Hospitals, Military / Q000458:organization & administration; D006775:Hospitals, Packaged / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine; D010819:Physician's Role; D014857:Warfare; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery*