235: Lessons Learned from a Guerrilla Surgeon with Jason

Last Updated: November 23, 2025

In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis interviews Jason, a seasoned surgeon with extensive military experience. They discuss the challenges and adaptations required for surgical practices in austere environments, the importance of mindset in trauma care, and the need for effective training in both military and civilian contexts. Jason shares insights from his combat deployments and humanitarian work, emphasizing the necessity of flexibility and resourcefulness in providing care under challenging conditions. The conversation also touches on the differences between definitive care and damage control surgery, and offers advice for new providers looking to work in austere settings.

Takeaways:

Jason has extensive experience in military and humanitarian surgical care. Adapting to limited resources is crucial in austere environments. Training in military settings provides invaluable experience for trauma care. Definitive care may be necessary when follow-up is uncertain. Surgical practices must be flexible to accommodate different environments. Understanding the context of care is essential for effective treatment. Courage and basic principles are key for new providers in austere medicine. Experience helps in determining what surgical tools are truly necessary. The global surgical capacity is insufficient for the growing population. Effective communication with local partners is vital for successful operations.