USU Researchers Focus on Family Readiness and Environmental Extremes on Day Two of MHSRS 2025

Researchers from the Uniformed Services University present new findings on the mental health of military families and the physiological challenges of warfighter readiness in extreme environments.

On the second day of the 2025 MHSRS, USU researchers highlighted how military readiness

extends far beyond the individual warfighter. (Photo credit: USU External Affairs)

August 6, 2025 by USU External Affairs

Uniformed Services University (USU) researchers, on the second day of the 2025 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS), highlighted how military readiness extends far beyond the individual warfighter. Presentations from USU faculty and staff focused on two key areas: the critical role of military families in force resilience and the physiological challenges of operating in environmental extremes. These topics collectively underscored the symposium's overarching theme of designing medical solutions for the changing battlefield and preparing the military community for the unique stressors of modern conflicts.

Addressing the Silent Sacrifices of Military Families

A significant portion of the day's presentations addressed the mental and behavioral health of military families, a topic that Dr. Stephen Ferrara, acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and keynote speaker for the conference, noted as vital for force resilience and readiness. The research identified unique challenges faced by military-affiliated children and parents and highlighted a critical need for enhanced support systems.

Dr. Kezia Edmondson, a USU assistant professor of Health Administration and Policy, presented a qualitative study titled "Silent Sacrifice: Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Military-Affiliated Adolescents." The research found that frequent moves and forced separations led to feelings of detachment and disconnectedness among military children. The study also identified a strong stigma around mental health, as both parents and adolescents feared a diagnosis could harm the active-duty parent's career. This "suck it up" mentality often led to the minimization of mental health issues, despite high rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harming behaviors. The findings underscore the need for a review of military policies and increased support for mental health services to address these challenges.

Dr. Jeffrey Goodie presented two studies focused on family physicians' roles in supporting

military children and adolescents. (Photo credit: USU External Affairs)

Following this, Dr. Jeffrey Goodie presented two studies focused on family physicians' roles in supporting military children and adolescents. The first presentation, "Trends in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care," revealed an increasing trend in mental and behavioral health (MBH) diagnoses over time in both direct and purchased care settings, particularly for anxiety and fear. The study highlighted the significant role of family physicians in addressing the mental health needs of military families and the need for optimized resources and training for these physicians. The second, presented on behalf of Dr. Paul Crawford, was a qualitative study on the experiences of family physicians providing MBH care. It identified significant barriers to care, including a shortage of mental health providers, long wait times, and issues with TRICARE access. The research concluded that family physicians serve as a crucial safety net for military community care. 

Ms. Colleen Runnion, a Qualitative Research Associate, presented a study on the experiences of military parents raising children with mental, developmental, and behavioral health needs. Runnion's research, which utilized focus groups with 18 parents, identified key barriers such as provider shortages, long waitlists, and a lack of care continuity due to frequent military moves. A central theme was the parents' constant need to advocate for their children and their worry that seeking care could negatively impact their spouse’s career. The study concluded that addressing these healthcare issues is essential for both family well-being and overall military readiness.

Dr. Elizabeth Hisle-Gorman’s research, titled “Post Injury Mental Health Care Utilization: Care Rates for Active Duty Service Members, Their Spouses and Children,” revealed a significant gap in care. Following a serious injury, spouses and children received substantially less mental healthcare compared to the service member. For instance, children who experienced major limb loss received over 90% less care than their parents. Hisle-Gorman’s study concluded that while post-injury mental healthcare for service members has improved, more attention is needed for family members to ensure they receive the care required to support recovery and maintain readiness.

Dr. Kezia Edmonson's research found that frequent moves and forced separations led to

feelings of detachment and disconnectedness among military children. (Photo credit: USU

External Affairs)

Innovating for Operations in Environmental Extremes

The focus shifted to the physical challenges of military operations in a session moderated by Dr. Francis O’Connor, professor of Military and Emergency Medicine and medical director of USU’s Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP). This session featured presentations on topics ranging from wearable technology for heat illness prediction to gender differences in heat tolerance and new treatments for frostbite and altitude sickness. 

Dr. Joshua Kazman, a CHAMP scientist and USU alumnus, presented new findings on how sickle cell trait (SCT) may affect military readiness. His study found that service members with SCT were more likely to be medically evacuated or return early from deployment. These results suggest that SCT could increase health risks in extreme environments like combat zones and highlight the need for further research to guide future policy decisions.

Dr. Nicholas Chartrain, a researcher from 4DBio3, presented on the use of 3D printing in austere and military environments. The presentation detailed how 3D printers can enhance health and operational capability by producing essential medical equipment, replacement parts, and advanced bioprinted bandages directly at the point of need. The team's research and field deployments took place in challenging scenarios, including deserts, the Arctic Circle, and the International Space Station. A notable example highlighted a $1,000 snowmobile knob being 3D-printed for just $3 in the Arctic, demonstrating the cost-effectiveness and practical value of digital manufacturing in remote locations. The presentation also addressed key challenges, such as regulatory hurdles, the need for robust digital model databases, and operator training, while offering recommendations for future success.

The presentations from USU researchers on day two of MHSRS 2025 demonstrated a deep commitment to a holistic view of military readiness. The work on military family mental health underscores the fact that a strong, resilient force is built on a foundation of healthy and supported families. Simultaneously, the research into environmental extremes and the use of technologies like 3D printing in austere environments shows that USU is actively developing agile, adaptable solutions for the physiological and logistical challenges of modern conflict. Taken together, this body of work illustrates that the future of military medicine is not just about treating battlefield injuries but also about proactively addressing the physical and psychological well-being of service members and their families to ensure the force is ready for any challenge, anywhere.

Dr. Joshua Kazman (left), a CHAMP scientist and USU alumnus, presented new findings on how

sickle cell trait (SCT) may affect military readiness in a session moderated by Dr. Francis

O'Connor (right). (Photo credit: USU External Affairs)