Frontline to Forefront: Pioneering AI Medical Advancements for Combat Vets
COl Mike Ross, U.S. Army, retired, leader of an Arkansas non-profit for veterans, urges medical professionals and leading technology firms to take the initiative to identify veterans who could dramatically benefit from new artificial intelligence (AI) medical procedures. "Bureaucratic obstacles, insurance barriers, or delays must not impede their access to the forefront of AI medical advancements,” COL Ross emphasizes, “Their sacrifices in defense of our country merit the highest priority in receiving advanced care, symbolizing our gratitude and our nation's commitment to their well-being.”
The Moral Imperative: Why Combat Veterans Deserve Priority
Combat veterans, having faced extreme adversities, have made unparalleled sacrifices for our freedoms. It's not merely a matter of gratitude but a moral imperative that society reciprocates in equal measure, primarily through medical advancements. As AI and robotics open new possibilities, a significant evolution in veteran support is on the horizon.
Countless American soldiers have borne the brunt of our nation's battles, paying a steep price for the freedom we cherish. In the wake of combat, many return home carrying the scars of war—amputations, paralysis, severe burns—each a testament to their sacrifice. However, the advent of AI in healthcare brings a beacon of hope, offering groundbreaking treatments for injuries once deemed irrecoverable.
COL Ross wants to see every combat veteran at the forefront of receiving both experimental and approved AI-assisted medical treatments—irrespective of their insurance status or eligibility for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits. COL Ross is an ardent supporter of this stance and envisions a future where advancements in AI not only address physical ailments but also provide solace for emotional wounds experienced by combat veterans, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The potential of AI to transform lives is becoming increasingly recognized worldwide. Yet, his mission is to ensure that those who’ve served our country in combat are prioritized for these life-altering therapies. He urges every stakeholder—loved ones of wounded veterans, lawmakers, VA officials, medical practitioners, and technology innovators—to unite in this cause.
Serving on the front lines should unequivocally translate to being at the front of the line for medical assistance. This principle isn't just a guideline; it's a moral imperative that measures our nation’s gratitude and respect for those who have sacrificed so much. It's time to harness AI's potential to heal and honor our heroes with the dignity and priority they deserve.
Revolutionizing Recovery: AI's Role in Transforming Veteran Care
Imagine a future where losing a limb marks not an end but a new beginning, where AI-powered prosthetics not only restore mobility but also bring a sense of autonomy and freedom back to our veterans. For those who have paralysis, AI-enhanced exoskeletons and neural implants transform thought into action, offering new hope where none seemed possible. AI-driven bioprinting revolutionizes the treatment of severe burns, regenerating skin tissue to expedite healing and substantially reduce scarring. Furthermore, AI aids in retinal implant technologies, offering the gift of sight to those who have lost it.
Additionally, AI plays a pivotal role in mental health therapy, using advanced algorithms to personalize treatment for PTSD and other psychological challenges, ensuring veterans receive care tailored to their unique experiences and needs. This innovative approach is especially crucial in mental health care, where traditional antidepressants can have severe side effects that often compound the root problems of PTSD, such as increased anxiety, emotional numbness, and, notably, sexual dysfunction, which can further alienate and distress-affected veterans. By significantly reducing or eliminating the need for these medications and their negative side effects, AI offers a new hope for healing that holistically addresses the mind and body. This holistic approach to rehabilitation, powered by AI, envisions a future where full autonomy and a return to normalcy for veterans are within reach.
Veteran advocacy organizations, such as Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), are leading the way in harnessing advanced technologies that will substantially impact the lives of injured U.S. soldiers. WWP's recent announcement of a $100 million investment in mental health and brain injury care underscores their commitment to integrating innovative solutions, including AI-assisted technologies.
Interesting Engineering highlighted a breakthrough in Aug. 2023. An AI-powered brain implant developed by the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research enabled a quadriplegic patient to regain sensations and movement after a 2020 diving accident. This advancement signifies progress in reconnecting neural pathways and enhancing brain-body interaction. To read more, click here.
On Sept. 27, 2023, CNN reported a Swiss man paralyzed from an accident regained movement through a revolutionary AI-enabled implant surgery. This first-of-its-kind operation by the company, Onward, connects the brain to muscles, allowing thought-driven movements. This technique is reanimating limbs for those with spinal injuries, signaling new hope for independence.
Such stories highlight the power of AI to transform innovation into practical, life-changing solutions for veterans grappling with trauma. It's about making support a tangible reality, offering real healing and hope to those who have given so much.
Rallying for Change: The AI Revolution in Veteran Healthcare
COL Ross embodies a steadfast moral commitment to support his fellow veterans beyond their service on the battlefield, advocating tirelessly for their well-being and healing. With a distinguished 37-year career that includes commanding the 39th Brigade through the trials of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, Ross has seen firsthand the ultimate price of freedom. He's borne witness to the sacrifices of his soldiers, his brothers-in-arms, enduring not just the physical scars of war but the invisible ones that follow them home — PTSD, addiction, suicide, and the profound disorientation of returning to a life forever altered.
"The courage our veterans show on the battlefield should be matched by our commitment to providing them with the highest standard of care. Leveraging AI in their rehabilitation is not just an option; it's our duty," Ross asserts. “We don’t want them to wait on governmental, VA, insurance processes, or the conclusion of trials to be allowed access to new life-changing medical treatment.” COL Ross articulates his frustration with the bureaucratic red tape and the sluggish pace of the VA, stressing the urgency for veterans to gain immediate access to any technology that can swiftly improve their lives.
In a critical session with the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Nov. 2, 2023, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia underscored the urgent necessity for the VA to spearhead the integration of AI into veteran healthcare. His probing questions aimed at VA officials regarding the prioritization of the VA’s National Artificial Intelligence Institute highlight a pivotal call to action: "There’s no reason the VA shouldn’t be the world leader in adopting AI into healthcare practices... So, how is the work at the VA’s AI Institute being prioritized?" This focus on leveraging AI to revolutionize healthcare—addressing staffing challenges, predicting diseases, especially mental health issues, and innovating novel treatments—underscores a critical need for systemic improvements in veteran care.
Echoing this urgency, COL Ross states, "The potential of AI to transform veteran healthcare is immense, not just in predictive diagnostics and treatment innovations but as a testament to our nation's commitment to those who've served. Senator Manchin's call to action aligns with our hope for a swift movement to place our veterans at the front of the line to receive AI technology treatments that promise to greatly improve our wounded warriors' quality of life.” He added, “The VA must lead this charge now, showing our veterans through actions that we are unwaveringly committed to recognizing their service and sacrifices with the best of our care.”
This critical dialogue between legislative advocacy and veteran support champions a broader initiative for innovation in veteran healthcare, urging the VA and all governmental and private stakeholders to harness AI's full potential. It reflects a unified call for dedication and action toward equipping veterans with the most cutting-edge care available, marking a consensus on the imperative to prioritize and expedite the development and application of AI solutions in veteran healthcare services. For more information on Senator Manchin’s push for AI advancements in veteran healthcare, read the complete details in his official press release.
A New Frontier: Shaping the Future of Veteran Healthcare with AI
In a significant move toward revolutionizing healthcare for our veterans, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Assistant Undersecretary for Health for Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks, shed light on the VA's ethical and effective integration of AI. Speaking at the VA’s AI summit on Sept. 15, 2023, Dr. Clancy revealed how AI enhances the care of over 9 million veterans within the VA, the nation’s most extensive integrated health system.
As outlined by Dr. Clancy, the VA adheres to six foundational principles in its AI usage: purposefulness, effectiveness, security, fairness, transparency, and accountability. These principles ensure AI’s integration into healthcare does no harm, maintains privacy, and upholds the highest equity and clarity standards. This careful deployment of AI reflects a broader commitment to leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes for veterans.
Current initiatives feature a partnership with the National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) that has already advanced the VA National Surgery Program Office, showcasing AI's essential role in elevating surgical quality. This partnership represents the VA's broader push towards a transformative healthcare era, employing AI for diverse applications such as accurate chronic disease prediction, cancer treatment enhancement, and diagnostic refinement.
Dr. Clancy’s call for tangible proof of AI's positive impact on veterans underscores the importance of not merely envisioning a future where AI transforms veteran healthcare but actively ensuring it brings about the best care outcomes.
As a dedicated advocate for veterans, COL Ross urgently calls for swift access to advanced AI medical treatments, stressing that bureaucratic, insurance, or procedural delays are unacceptable. He firmly believes that the sacrifices made by veterans for our country entitle them to priority access to such care, reflecting our national gratitude and commitment. He envisions a future where every veteran is guaranteed the highest standard of medical care they rightly deserve.
Globally, the transformative power of AI in healthcare is becoming evident, yet the true test of our advancements lies in prioritizing those who have given the most. COL Ross insists that veterans, especially those scarred by combat, must be among the first in line for these cutting-edge treatments. By acting now, we can ensure that our veterans receive the swift, effective care they deserve, free from bureaucratic delays.
COL Ross urges medical professionals and leading technology firms to take the initiative to identify veterans who could dramatically benefit from these new procedures. Navigating the healthcare system can be a formidable challenge for veterans, especially those coping with combat-related injuries. COL Ross's call to action is clear: It's not enough to provide options; there's a pressing need to engage directly with veterans, making cutting-edge treatments accessible to those who've sacrificed so much for their country.
Prashant Natarajan, a leader at H2O.ai and an advisor at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco, made a significant statement to a U.S. Congress committee on Feb. 15, 2024. He talked about how AI is changing the game for veteran healthcare, especially in areas like treating brain injuries. Natarajan believes that AI should be more accessible in healthcare, as it can make a big difference in veterans' health by making it easier to use and understand health data. His message is clear: AI technology is here to help our veterans get better faster, and we need to ensure they get this advanced care quickly.
It is imperative that those at the forefront of medical technology and clinical trials proactively reach out to this deserving group, ensuring they are not only aware of these advancements but are also among the first to benefit. This approach is not just about providing access; it’s about actively seeking to change lives now, recognizing the urgency that the VA, with its broader mission and systemic challenges, may not be able to meet in the immediate future.
A recent report by AARP highlights six key areas where AI is making a significant impact. From assisting with diagnoses to managing tasks behind the scenes, AI technologies are improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery and the accuracy of medical diagnoses, particularly in mental health.
For example, AI dissects complex mental health conditions, delivering more precise diagnoses by analyzing human behavior and patterns data. Moreover, AI's role extends to operational improvements within healthcare systems, freeing medical staff to focus on tasks that necessitate human interaction and ensuring veterans receive timely and appropriate care.
One of the standout applications of AI in veteran healthcare is its use in managing Type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting a significant portion of VA patients. AI-enabled telehealth platforms connect veterans with healthcare professionals, providing timely interventions and personalized treatment plans. This approach has shown remarkable results, with some veterans experiencing significant reductions in insulin dosage and others achieving drug-free remission of their diabetes.
COL Ross urges companies and innovators to delve deeper into these transformative technologies. By doing so, they enhance care for our veterans and position themselves as market leaders in a field deeply connected to honor and service.
The VA embraces AI to enhance veteran healthcare and alleviate administrative burdens on its staff. VA Chief Technology Officer Charles Worthington highlighted to the House VA Committee on Feb. 15, 2024, that out of over 100 AI use cases identified, 40 are now operational, marking a significant step in incorporating AI to improve care and streamline processes. Initiatives include the REACH-VET program for suicide risk prediction and natural language processing tools for sifting through patient feedback to identify those in urgent need.
Blueprint for Transformation: AI’s Path Forward in Veteran Care
In this critical section, a pathway is outlined for transforming veteran care through the application of AI technology. COL Ross presents a strategic approach alongside potential collaborators from advocacy groups, the veteran community, and innovation sectors. The aim is to harness AI for impactful, prompt improvements in veterans' healthcare, demonstrating a unified dedication to honoring their service.
By exploring AI's extensive capabilities, particularly in mental health, Emotion AI emerges as a key area of focus. This technology, capable of discerning and interpreting emotional nuances through vocal tones and facial expressions, introduces a new level of personalized and compassionate care for veterans.
The VA takes a lead role in integrating Emotion AI to enhance mental health services and suicide prevention. Initiatives like Mission Daybreak exemplify its commitment to seeking and actively implementing innovative solutions that offer veterans empathetic support beyond traditional methods.
While embracing Emotion AI's potential, it is crucial to navigate ethical considerations, ensuring its application respects veteran privacy and addresses potential biases. This careful approach is vital for realizing the full benefits of technology in veteran care.
The blueprint for action includes forming strategic partnerships across technology firms, research institutions, and veteran organizations. These alliances are essential for amplifying the impact of advocacy, accelerating innovation, and influencing policy reform toward universally accessible AI-driven care for veterans.
Adding to this, Emotion AI's application in healthcare, particularly for individuals with dementia, illustrates its profound potential. As reported by Forbes, this technology can interpret biometrics and psychometrics, aiding in personalized care, such as music therapy, to address dementia's psychological symptoms. This innovative approach enhances patient care and supports caregivers by reducing burnout and fatigue through AI assistance in emotion monitoring.
Raising awareness about AI's transformative role in veteran healthcare is a key strategy. Through media, public speaking, and educational initiatives, there's an opportunity to build momentum and rally support for AI research and its application in veteran healthcare.
Central to this movement is the advancement of AI research and its practical deployment. Encouraging collaborative projects and innovation contests, the objective is to develop AI solutions designed to meet veterans' unique needs, facilitating a smoother transition to a life of autonomy and dignity.
As a call to action, this strategy emphasizes the collective effort required to transform the landscape of veteran healthcare with AI. It represents a commitment to ensuring that the care and support provided to veterans reflect the profound gratitude for their sacrifices, moving from potential to reality in offering hope, healing, and honor to those who have served.
How You Can Make a Difference
Advocate: Raise your voice to support policies and initiatives prioritizing AI advancements in veteran care. Contact your representatives and urge them to support legislation that brings these technologies to the forefront of veteran healthcare.
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organizations and projects using AI technologies to improve veterans' lives. Your expertise can contribute to developing, testing, or implementing these life-changing tools.
Donate: Your contributions can help fund research, development, and the deployment of AI solutions that can make a real difference in the quality of veteran healthcare. Every donation, big or small, accelerates our journey toward a future where every veteran has access to the best care possible.
Spread the Word: Share this mission with your community, on social media, and within your professional networks. Awareness is the first step towards action, and your voice can amplify the call for innovation and support.
Together, our collective efforts can turn this vision into reality. By embracing AI's potential, we can ensure our veterans receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve. This goal is more than a mission; it's a pledge to honor their service with action, innovation, and unwavering support.
Forging Ahead: The Collective Journey to Transform Veteran Care
The advancements in AI and PTSD care represent the beginning of what's possible when we apply technology with compassion and purpose. As we continue to explore and expand these technologies, we commit to keeping you informed and engaged with our progress. Follow us on our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and join our community on social media to stay updated on how AI is transforming veteran care and how you can be part of this revolutionary change. #SupportOurVeterans #AIForVeterans
Join us in our call to action: to join hands, hearts, and minds to support our veterans. Together, we will create a future where technology serves those who have served us, ensuring every veteran accesses the care they deserve and receiving the deepest gratitude and the best advancements we can offer for their sacrifices.
Your support in COL Ross’s non-profit work for veterans, whether through advocacy, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our mission, is invaluable. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
