#United States #Cincinnati #Jay Johannigman #US Military #Trauma Surgeon

A Legacy of Service: Colonel (Dr.) Jay Johannigman's Retirement

After an extraordinary 46-year commitment to the United States military, Colonel (Dr.) Jay Johannigman has announced his retirement, marking a significant milestone in a career devoted to enhancing trauma care for both military and civilian sectors. His journey has been one of unwavering dedication and profound impact, shaping the landscape of medical care for injured soldiers.

Dr. Johannigman's career is distinguished by his service in both the Air Force and the Army, where he became one of the most respected figures in trauma surgery. His military tenure included eight combat tours in the Middle East, where he served in high-pressure environments, including as a trauma surgeon at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital in Afghanistan and as a contracted surgeon at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas.

A pivotal moment in his career was his role in establishing the Critical Care Air Transportation Team (CCATT). This groundbreaking program is designed to provide critical care during transportation for injured service members, and under Dr. Johannigman's leadership, it achieved an impressive 99 percent survival rate for those transported from combat zones, setting a benchmark in military medical standards.

Dr. Johannigman has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, including Director of Trauma and Critical Care at the Department of Defense Health Affairs. His influence extended beyond direct care; he served as a liaison for the USAF Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) where he trained countless healthcare professionals in advanced trauma techniques, significantly improving care in emergency situations.

He has contributed to the medical community through over 100 peer-reviewed publications, with his work laying the foundation for improved trauma and critical care protocols on a global scale. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Johannigman has received a multitude of honors recognizing his bravery and contributions, such as the Legion of Merit (for his deployment in Afghanistan), the Bronze Star Medal for combat valor, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, and the Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the Military Health System Research Symposium in 2015.

In reflecting upon his career, Dr. Johannigman poignantly shared, "Forty-six years of service do not come without sacrifice... Service is both a burden and a privilege, and I would choose it again." These words encapsulate the essence of a man who has dedicated his life to the care of others, embodying both courage and compassion in every endeavor.

As he embarks on this new chapter of life, Dr. Johannigman returns to his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. He looks forward to continuing his contribution to trauma medicine and education in the civilian sector. The systems he helped create, the medical professionals he mentored, and the countless lives he saved all stand as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Dr. Johannigman leaves behind a remarkable legacy in military medicine, one that will resonate through the years as his influence continues to guide future generations in the field of trauma care. With grateful hearts, the community and military recognize the extraordinary contributions of Colonel (Dr.) Jay Johannigman and celebrate a career that exemplifies service above self.