Dr. Jay Johannigman, a highly respected trauma surgeon and military doctor, is returning to Cincinnati, where his impressive career first took off. Currently working at Centura's St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, Dr. Johannigman has spent over 40 years in trauma care in hospitals and on the battlefield.
His career includes eight combat deployments, where he used his surgical skills in some of the toughest situations imaginable. These experiences have made him not only an expert in trauma surgery but also a caring leader who understands the profound effects of trauma on patients and their families.
As he heads back to Cincinnati, Dr. Johannigman brings valuable knowledge and experience that will significantly benefit the local medical community. His return to Cincinnati is not just a homecoming but a chance to continue his work improving trauma care and saving lives in the city, which played a significant role in his career.
A Legacy of Military Service and Medical Excellence
Dr. Johannigman has spent over 40 years in medicine and the military, serving as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. His career is impressive, with eight deployments between 2003 and 2021, showing his dedication to his country and work as a trauma surgeon.
Dr. Johannigman has worn many hats throughout his military service, including those of a Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) flight surgeon, Trauma "Czar," Deputy Commander, and Director of Clinical Services for combat hospitals. These roles placed him at the forefront of battlefield medicine, where his expertise was crucial in saving countless lives under the most challenging conditions.
His outstanding contributions have earned him several major awards, such as the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal, highlighting his bravery, skill, and leadership in military medicine.
The Cincinnati Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (CSTARS)
Dr. Johannigman was crucial in creating the Cincinnati Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (CSTARS), a training facility designed to prepare military medical personnel for combat challenges. He wanted to create a place where medics, nurses, and doctors could practice in conditions similar to battlefields. Under his leadership, CSTARS has become a top training center known for its tough programs that equip military medical staff with the necessary skills to save lives in war zones.
Dr. Johannigman's work at CSTARS has also influenced civilian trauma care. By bringing together military and civilian medical professionals, CSTARS has helped share knowledge and techniques that improve emergency care for everyone. This exchange of ideas has led to better trauma care in both military and civilian settings, benefiting soldiers and civilians alike.
CSTARS is a testament to Dr. Johannigman's dedication to improving trauma care. His efforts have ensured that valuable lessons from the battlefield are applied in civilian medicine, creating a lasting impact that will benefit future generations.
Integrating Battlefield Medicine with Civilian First Responders
In April 2014, Dr. Johannigman led a significant effort to improve emergency medical care in Cincinnati by bringing advanced military technology into civilian use. Thanks to a donation from Western & Southern Financial Group, this new equipment, designed for the harsh combat conditions, was provided to the city's first responders. The technology included easy-to-read screens, simple controls, durable construction, and long-lasting batteries, making it reliable in all types of emergencies.
Dr. Johannigman believed that the lifesaving techniques used in the military could also benefit city emergency services. By giving Cincinnati's first responders these advanced tools, he helped them provide better care during emergencies. This effort improved local emergency services and inspired other cities to adopt similar technologies, ultimately saving more lives and changing how emergency care is provided nationwide.
A Career Honored by Numerous Accolades
Dr. Johannigman's career is filled with many awards that highlight his exceptional work in both military and civilian medicine. These honors show his skill, dedication, and commitment to saving lives, even in the most challenging situations.
Early in his career, he earned the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Certification, essential for treating severe injuries. This certification was a crucial step in his journey, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.
During his military service, especially in conflict zones, Dr. Johannigman displayed remarkable bravery. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his courageous actions under fire, where he provided lifesaving medical care in dangerous conditions, helping many soldiers survive.
His contributions to military medicine didn't stop on the battlefield. He played a vital role in advancing military healthcare, which earned him the Distinguished Service Award from the Military Health System Research Symposium. This award recognizes his work in improving the survival and recovery of injured service members.
In addition to his military honors, Dr. Johannigman has also been recognized for his efforts in civilian medical education. He received the Good Samaritan Hospital General Surgery Residency Adjunct Teaching Award, showing his dedication to training future surgeons and improving the quality of surgical care.
Dr. Johannigman's impact reaches beyond the medical field to his hometown of Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bell honored him as a hometown hero, celebrating his achievements and strong connection to the community.
Leadership at the University of Cincinnati
Dr. Johannigman has strong connections to Cincinnati, both personally and professionally. As a Cincinnati native, he has significantly contributed to the city's healthcare system. As director of the Institute of Military Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, he played a crucial role in advancing military medicine and developing lifesaving protocols used in military and civilian care.
From 2001 to 2017, Dr. Johannigman led the Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery departments at University Hospital in Cincinnati. Under his leadership, the trauma center became a leading facility known for its high standards and excellence. He was committed to ensuring the hospital had the latest technologies and practices, often working with other institutions to improve patient care.
Dr. Johannigman was also a dedicated mentor, guiding many medical professionals and helping to establish the University of Cincinnati as a leader in trauma care. His work attracted top talent to the hospital and created an environment focused on innovation and excellence in patient care.
A Return to Cincinnati
As Dr. Johannigman prepares to return to Cincinnati, he does so with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment, recognizing the significance of his journey coming full circle. "I consider Cincinnati home," Dr. Johannigman has stated, underscoring his enduring connection to the city where he has spent much of his illustrious career. His return is not just a personal homecoming but a pivotal moment in a job that has profoundly influenced military and civilian medicine.
Over the years, Dr. Johannigman has played a vital role in advancing trauma care, including his work at the Cincinnati Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (Cincinnati CSTARS). He has brought military-grade medical technology into civilian hospitals, helping save countless lives.
With decades of experience, including eight combat deployments, Dr. Johannigman has developed a reputation for staying calm and making crucial decisions in challenging situations. His return to Cincinnati is eagerly awaited by colleagues, former students, and the medical community, as it's expected further to strengthen the city's standing in trauma care and provide valuable guidance to future trauma surgeons.
Conclusion
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Johannigman has saved countless lives on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan and revolutionized trauma care practices that continue to benefit patients globally. His work in military medicine, particularly in high-stakes environments, has led to the development of advanced medical techniques and technologies now widely adopted in civilian healthcare settings.
His leadership at the Cincinnati Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) has been pivotal in training military and civilian medical personnel, ensuring that the latest battlefield innovations are seamlessly integrated into emergency care protocols. This cross-pollination of military and civilian medicine has enhanced the readiness and capability of trauma centers, making Cincinnati a hub of cutting-edge medical practice.
As he prepares to return to Cincinnati, a city that has shaped much of his professional life, Dr. Johannigman brings with him a wealth of experience and a vision for the future of trauma care. His return signals not just a homecoming but an opportunity for Cincinnati to once again benefit from his forward-thinking approach. The city can anticipate the continuation of his legacy through ongoing advancements in medical education, trauma care, and emergency response.