University of Arizona Joins Top Military Health Researchers at 2024 MHSRS

University of Arizona researchers at the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium. 

— Tucson, AZ —

In August 2024, the University of Arizona and other representatives of the nation's top institutions researching military health convened at the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) in Kissimmee, Florida. The annual event showcased groundbreaking work in trauma recovery, mental health and cutting-edge medical technologies. Topics included Warfighter Medical Readiness and Expeditionary Medicine.

One of three U of A presenters, John Elfar, MD, Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at U of A, has received substantial support from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for his research in trauma recovery and regenerative medicine. Elfar gave a presentation titled “4-aminopyridine augments BMP2 expression and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation to Accelerate Tibial Fracture Healing,” often citing Prem Kumar Govindappa, PhD, Assistant Research Professor of Orthopedics, as his right-hand man in the work. Elfar reported that his research and the publication that follows it will be the basis of a new clinical trial at the U of A. "This is an example of active efforts in translational, clinically relevant discovery at our home institution that advances care of patients," said Elfar. 

Kumar felt the MHSR meeting was invaluable particularly because it provided an opportunity to share the team’s research findings with eminent scientists and clinicians. “We will continue to participate in this area to present our novel translational research findings relevant to nerve, skin, bone and muscle trauma or battlefield conditions,” he said, adding, “We are looking forward to securing grants to advance our pre-clinical research to clinical trials.” 

Srikar Adhikari, MD, U of A chief of the Emergency Ultrasound section and Fellowship Director, showcased a poster, “ULTRA-EYE: Automated Ultrasound Technology for Retinal Detachment Assessment," detailing an innovative, portable diagnostic tool. "Retinal detachment is a time-sensitive condition that, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can lead to permanent vision loss,” Adhikari explained. “We are offering a solution that empowers healthcare providers to make critical diagnostic decisions quickly and accurately. Whether in a battlefield or civilian practice, this innovation could play a valuable role in enhancing patient care and helping preserve vision."

William “Scott” Killgore, PhD, professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Medical Imaging and director of the Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Lab, is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve with more than 23 years of service, including five years on active duty. Killgore has devoted much of his career to understanding and improving military personnel's mental health and cognitive performance. He is currently assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as part of the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) Cognitive Domain program. 

At the symposium, Killgore delivered three oral presentations and a poster on psychological and sleep-related challenges faced by military members—a topic informed by his experiences and ongoing research funded by the Department of Defense. 

Two of Killgore’s postdoctoral researchers, David Negelspach and Katherine “Kat” Kennedy, helped with many of the 17 posters from the U of A community presented at the symposium. U of A poster topics focused on Emotional Intelligence (EI) training, sleep and cognition, PTSD and mental health therapies and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery. 

Research Development Services (RDS) associate Nathan Hogan said the strong Arizona showing at MHSRS underscores the university’s commitment to advancing military medicine and fostering collaborations that enhance the well-being and readiness of service members. 

Adhikari praised the symposium as an invaluable opportunity for both basic science and clinical researchers:  “MHSRS is a unique platform for fostering collaborations and networking with individuals who work in forward-deployed environments, providing insights into the real-world needs and challenges that drive impactful research.” He said the symposium offers a chance to "identify research gaps, build collaborations and learn about new strategies that can be applied directly to military settings, ultimately enhancing the health and performance of service members in diverse and challenging environments.”

Visit the MHSRS website for more information on this annual event.