USU Research Team Seeks to Improve Combat Trauma Care
A Uniformed Services University study of Ukraine’s trauma system offers critical lessons for military medical readiness in Large-Scale Combat Operations.
 |
| Ukrainian soldiers stand at a joint exercise in 2018. (Courtesy photo) |
August 26, 2025 by USU News
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU)’s Center for Health Services Research (CHSR) has completed a landmark two-year study of Ukraine’s health and trauma system. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and attacks on civilian infrastructure, the study—led by Dr. Tracey Perez Koehlmoos and Dr. Lynn Lawry—provides actionable insights for improving trauma care and health-system resilience in large-scale combat scenarios.
“This work has produced a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at strengthening health-system resilience in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict,” said Koehlmoos. “Notably, these recommendations offer valuable insights that are broadly relevant to military health systems, including that of the United States, as they adapt to the evolving demands of modern Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO).”
Collaborative Research with Global Impact
In collaboration with the Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) and other organizations, the USU teams produced eleven manuscripts, nine of which have already been accepted or published. Contributors included USU public health doctoral students, faculty from several USU departments, CHSR research associates, and collaborators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Lviv National Medical University. The project also engaged graduate students from both U.S. and allied armed forces, underscoring the international scope and relevance of the research.
A key outcome of the project is the Ukraine Trauma System Assessment Tool (TSAT), adapted from the Global Trauma System Evaluation Tool (G-TSET) for use in low- and middle-income countries. The TSAT has proven effective in assessing trauma systems during major conflicts and is now being used in studies in the Philippines and Nordic countries—regions of strategic interest for the U.S. and its partners.
“Working with both military and civilian partners has shown the critical importance of integrated efforts in delivering care under the most challenging conditions, including LSCO,” said Lawry. “We not only improve the speed and quality of care but also strengthen resilience across the entire health system.”
Key Lessons for Military Medical Readiness
The research provides practical knowledge on integrating military and civilian resources, managing logistics, and developing health policies during conflict—valuable lessons for any region facing large-scale emergencies or complex operational environments. The team’s findings have been shared at professional meetings and contributed to the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medical Lessons Learned.
The project has also sparked new research initiatives, including a NATO-requested Delphi panel on medical stockpiles, an analysis of Department of Defense health research investment in Ukraine, and a study of volunteer experiences. Lawry is also leading ongoing research on mental health and conflict-related issues.
Shaping Policy and Future Readiness
The team’s work has already influenced policy at the Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, highlighting USU’s role in supporting health security and improving medical readiness for military operations worldwide. “This has been a tremendous opportunity to learn from and support international partners, and to engage with tremendous leaders from across the Department of Defense, HJF, and Aspen Medical,” said Koehlmoos. “The work has been meaningful and we anticipate that it will have a great positive impact on military medical operations in Ukraine and in the U.S.”
As conflicts evolve, continued research and collaboration will be essential to ensure military medical systems remain agile, resilient, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow’s battlefields. With ongoing study of combat trauma care and military health systems, USU’s researchers are producing valuable knowledge to improve medical readiness and save lives.
