Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

Annual Report

2015
The mission of the Defense and Veterans Brain 

Injury Center (DVBIC) is to serve active-duty 

military, their beneficiaries, and veterans with 

traumatic brain injury (TBI) through state-of-thescience clinical care, innovative clinical research 

initiatives and educational programs, and support 

for force health protection services as the Defense 

Department’s TBI Center of Excellence.

DVBIC fulfills this mission through ongoing 

collaboration with DoD, military services, the 

Department of Veterans Affairs, civilian health 

partners, local communities, families and 

individuals with TBI.

“As we carry out our mission to serve active -

duty military, their beneficiaries, and veterans 

with traumatic brain injuries, 

we must never forget 

that everything we do is aimed at providing 

the very best care for those 

who serve us so bravely.”

- Col. Sidney Hinds II, U.S. Army

DVBIC National Director

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass 

Communication Specialist Michael B. Watkins
Table of Contents

4 The Year in Review

6 Letter from the Director

8 Leadership

9 DVBIC in the News

10 2015 Awards

Divisions 10

12 Introduction

18	 Clinical Affairs

24 Research

30 Education

40	 Chief of Staff

Network 44

46 Network Site Reports

61 International Outreach

Resources 62 64 Resources

64 A Head for the Future

66 Practitioner and Patient Resources

67 Publications and Presentations

71 Acknowledging Collaborators

3
4
5

The Year in Review
6

Letter from 

the National Director

Dear Colleagues: 

This has been another productive year in 

advancing our knowledge about traumatic brain 

injury (TBI), exporting state-of-the-science 

clinical practice recommendations, sharing 

important research and increasing awareness of 

TBI.

The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center 

(DVBIC) continued to strive for collaboration 

among all TBI stakeholders. This year marks the 

formalized agreement among the military 

services to unify clinical care, research and 

education under the TBI Pathway of Care 

(TPWoC). The Defense Department named 

DVBIC manager of the TPWoC, and DVBIC 

works with the services, Veterans Affairs (VA), 

and non-military, non-governmental 

collaborators to strengthen an outcomes-based 

care system and improve standardization 

throughout the Military Health System and 

veteran populations.

For those of you who have worked with TBI 

subject matter experts within the U.S. military, 

you may already know of the informal TBI 

Quad-Service Work Group, which has 

spearheaded development of up-to-date clinical 

recommendations over the past eight years. The 

TBI Advisory Committee (TAC) is the 

recognized and chartered natural progression of 

this work group and is governed by the TriService Specialty Care Advisory Board of the 

Defense Health Agency Medical Operations 

Group. Composed of voting members and 

advisory members, the TAC adds value by 

decreasing variation and optimizing care 

through continuous performance improvement. 

The TAC expedites review and execution of TBI 

policies and programs to better the lives of our 

beneficiaries.

In the future, we look forward to a simplified 

process and tool for making research protocols 

visible and research data available to better 

identify gaps and redundancies. In 2016, the 

entire TBI community will be watching as the 

VA and Defense Department field TBI clinical 

practice guidelines developed in 2015. We 

especially look forward to this new use of an 

evidence-based tool that features the clinical 

recommendation products DVBIC has 

championed with our many collaborators.

My final thoughts for 2015 are those of 

gratefulness and appreciation.

I am grateful for the partnerships that we have 

made and fostered this year with the VA, Health 

and Human Services, the National Intrepid 

Center of Excellence, and the Defense Centers of 

Excellence for Psychological Health and 

Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). I am also 

grateful for our partnerships with external 

organizations, including the National Collegiate 

Athletic Association, National Football League, 

NFL Players Association, research joint program 

committees, Walter Reed Army Institute of 

Research, and the many other organizations and 

individuals with whom we’ve had the fortune to 

work. I deeply appreciate their commitment and 

willingness to support a unified effort for TBI.

I would like to thank all of those DVBIC and 

DCoE staff members — at the headquarters in 

Silver Spring, our 11 military treatment facilities 

and four VA medical centers — for all of their 

hard work to improve the lives of service 

members, veterans and family members in need 

of care and compassion because of TBI.

Finally, I appreciate the preparation for and 

enthusiastic support of a smooth transition in 

early 2016 from the U.S. Army Medical 

Research and Materiel Command to the Defense 

Health Agency.

With my humblest thanks and deepest respect,

Col. Sidney Hinds II, U.S. Army

National Director, DVBIC

LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR
7

Col. Sidney Hinds with Kevin Beachum, offensive tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Col. Hinds 

visited several NFL practice facilities during 2015. DVBIC has partnered with the NFL and the NFL 

Players Association in seeking new approaches to the identification and treatment of TBI.

DVBIC photo by Carlson H. Gray

LOOKING FORWARD / DVBIC IN THE NEWS
8

Leadership

National Director

Army Colonel Sidney R. Hinds, MD, MC, became DVBIC’s national director on July 1, 2013. Previously, he was the 

deputy director of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute for Military Medical Operations, the in-theater 

neurologist in Afghanistan, and chief of Nuclear Medicine Services at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. 

He was the nuclear medicine integration chief for the Base Realignment and Closure process that combined the former 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center.

As national director, Col. Hinds oversees all aspects of the organization’s mission, which is to serve active duty military 

and veterans with traumatic brain injury through state-of-the-art medical care and care coordination, and innovative 

clinical research and educational programs.

Colonel Hinds, who is board certified in neurology and nuclear medicine, leads DVBIC with integrated multidisciplinary 

approaches to care.

While deployed to Afghanistan from February to July 2012, he oversaw standardization of care at 11 concussion care 

centers as the theater neurology consultant. Performing site visits allowed him to ensure that staff had appropriate 

training, education, and resources. He reviewed cases, shared best practices, and worked with theater providers to identify 

and close gaps in patient care.

From August 1990 to March 1991, Colonel Hinds was the executive officer, treatment platoon leader, and ambulance 

platoon leader of C Company, 224th Forward Support Battalion, 24th ID, in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He completed the 

US Army Medical Department patient administration course and served at the Army Defense Medical Information 

System from 1991 to 1992.

Colonel Hinds has held multiple appointments and academic posts, including nuclear medicine consultant for the North 

Atlantic Regional Medical Command. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1988 and served as a 

Medical Service Corps Officer from 1988 until 1992. He received his MD from the University of Connecticut Health 

Center and was commissioned as an Army Captain in 1996.

Colonel Hinds completed his neurology internship and residency at the former 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center 

from 1996 to 2000. He was the staff neurologist and then chief of neurology 

at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center from 2000 to 2004. He completed the 

Walter Reed Nuclear Medicine Fellowship Program in 2006 and has been a 

staff nuclear medicine physician in the national capital region since that time.

Colonel Hinds is the fifth national director of DVBIC, which is celebrating 21 

years of service this year. A Department of Defense-funded collaboration with 

the Department of Veterans Affairs, DVBIC supports 16 care and treatment 

sites nationwide; conducts clinical research; educates service members, medical 

personnel and caregivers; and consolidates and reports all DoD TBI-related 

incidence and prevalence data.

Col. Sidney R. Hinds,

MD, MC
9

Deputy National Director

Katherine Helmick, DVBIC deputy director since 2012, brings considerable 

leadership, clinical, educational and research experience in the field of neuroscience 

to include more than 100 regional, national and international presentations and more 

than 15 peer-reviewed publications. 

As deputy director, Ms. Helmick leads a senior level team of highly specialized 

and skilled professionals to guide and influence clinical care, clinical research and 

education missions of the DoD’s TBI Center of Excellence. 

Ms. Helmick holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Virginia 

Commonwealth University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in family and child 

development from Virginia Tech University. She has earned certifications as Adult 

Nurse Practitioner (ANP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center 

and Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) through the American Board of 

Neuroscience Nursing. 

Katherine (“Kathy”) M. Helmick, 

M.S., CRNP, ANP-BC, CNRN

DVBIC in the News

The following examples highlight the media’s coverage of DVBIC throughout 2015:

■ Dr. Donald Marion, DVBIC senior clinical consultant, discusses cognitive assessments that play an important role in DoD 

concussion care. (http://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2015/09/25/Cognitive-assessments-playing-an-important-role-inDoD-concussion-care) — Health.mil (September 25, 2015)

■ Col. Hinds recognizes the quality of presenters at the DCoE Summit in September. (http://www.health.mil/News/

Articles/2015/09/11/Defense-Centers-of-Excellence-summit-seeks-to-improve-the-lives-of-service-members-veterans-families) 

— Health.mil article (September 11, 2015)

■ Lt. Cmdr. Cathleen Davies offers tips on avoiding head injuries. (http://issuu.com/leesburgtoday/docs/be_271b48be45830c) 

— Belvoir Eagle, by Amanda Stewart (July 9, 2015, p. A9)

■ Richmond DVBIC regional education coordinator (REC), Randy Gross was the subject of an interview in March published 

on the DCoE blog to coincide with Brain Injury Awareness Month. (http://www.dcoe.mil/blog/15-03-09/Former_Army_

Medic_Supports_Service_Members_with_TBI_Q_A.aspx)

■ The JBER DVBIC REC, Patty Raymond Turner, was interviewed March 16, 2015, about TBI on the University of Alaska 

Anchorage (UAA) “Infomania” radio show. UAA has a high proportion of student veterans.

■ Fort Carson DVBIC REC, Robin Wininger, was interviewed by radio host Coba Hoban during Brain Injury Awareness Month.

■ Staff Sgt. Joseph Christian Hill, NCOIC, Behavioral Health Care Services, Aberdeen Proving Ground, discusses the 

relevance of TBI awareness and DVBIC’s role in tracking numbers of service members who sustained a TBI. 

(http://armymedicine.mil/Documents/Mar15-Mercury.pdf) -- Army Medicine Mercury, vol. 42, No. 6. (March 2015)

■ The DVBIC Deputy Director was interviewed, as a member of the virtual panel of experts and commentators on 

TBI issues, during the launch of Concussion TV (www.concussiontv.com), “an online clearinghouse for live and ondemand Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury-related video programming.” (http://concussiontv.com/Events/

EICNetworkConcussionTVPortalLaunch.aspx) – Concussion TV portal launch (Dec. 11, 2015)

■ Vets may have brain scarring from war injuries, says WRNMMC radiologist specializing in the brain, according to a U.S. 

News & World Report article. DVBIC is named as a resource for more information on TBI. (http://health.usnews.com/

health-news/articles/2015-12-15/scans-show-many-injured-us-vets-may-have-brain-scarring) — HealthDay, by Randy 

Dotinga (Dec. 15, 2015)
10

2015 Awards

DVBIC Deputy Director Katherine Helmick holds the 2014 Arthur S. Flemming Award in June 2015, given 

annually to outstanding federal employees. In the photo, from left to right, are Dr. Kathryn Newcomer, 

director, Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and professor of Public Policy and 

Public Administration at The George Washington University; Ben Vinson III, dean, Columbian College of Arts 

and Sciences; and Robert G. McSwain, keynote speaker and acting director of Indian Health Services. (Photo 

courtesy of George Washington University Marketing and Creative Service)

Deputy Director Named 66th Annual Recipient

of Arthur S. Flemming Award

In June 2015, the George Washington University recognized Katherine Helmick, DVBIC’s deputy 

director, in the category of Social Science, Clinical Trials and Translational Research for her 

successful leadership in 2014 overseeing DVBIC’s divisions. Ms. Helmick led the development of a 

unique clinical recommendation, “Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion/Mild 

Traumatic Brain Injury,” founded on civilian and military lessons learned and clinical experience, 

that provided steps to return concussed patients back to duty with a supervised, logical and medically 

sound approach. According to George Washington University, the clinical recommendation “has 

been praised by the TBI community as having a monumental impact on patient recovery.”

The Arthur S. Flemming Awards are coordinated by the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and 

Public Administration at the George Washington University.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
11

Dr. Rael Lange. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Rael Lange)

Dr. Rael Lange, left, shares the Nelson Butters 

Award with collaborator Dr. Grant Iverson

(Photo courtesy of National Academy of 

Neuropsychology)

DVBIC Scientists Recognized for Professional 

Contributions in Research

The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) awarded the Nelson Butters Award for Research 

Contributions to Clinical Neuropsychology to Dr. Rael Lange, senior scientific director for DVBIC’s 

15-year congressionally mandated TBI study at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 

(WRNMMC), Dr. Grant Iverson, senior author and DVBIC consultant, and other collaborators.

Presented at the NAN conference in November 2015, the award recognized the most influential 

scholarly paper published in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology in 2014. The paper highlights 

Dr. Lange’s civilian mild TBI data from his Vancouver lab at Vancouver General Hospital and the 

University of British Columbia.

“Typically we talk about TBI in four buckets, if you will,” stated Katherine Helmick, DVBIC deputy 

director referring to DVBIC’s policy during a panel discussion during the launch of Concussion TV. 

“Mild traumatic brain injury, known as concussion, moderate traumatic brain injury, severe traumatic 

brain injury and penetrating brain injury.” Ms. Helmick outlined defense policy as it relates to concussion 

and TBI for service members, the research that is ongoing and what families should look for when a 

service member returns after a TBI injury, stressing that every concussion is not the same. “If you’ve seen 

one concussion, you’ve seen one concussion,” Ms. Helmick commented.

—Money News (Canada), (Dec. 17, 2015)

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
12
13

Divisions
14

Introduction

23 Years of Service

DVBIC was congressionally mandated in 1991 and opened its doors in 1992, largely in response to the first Persian 

Gulf War, under the name Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program. At that time, its goal was to integrate 

specialized TBI care, research and education across military and veteran medical care systems. 

Twenty-three years later, DVBIC is part of the U.S. Military Health System (MHS) and the TBI operational 

component of DCoE.

Run@Work Day, September 18—DVBIC personnel prepare to run or walk at lunchtime during the General 

Dynamics Health Solutions sponsored Run@Work Day. Education network coordinator, Dr. Brooke Heintz, 

first row, left, arranged the event, geared to encouraging 30 minutes of physical activity during the work day. 

(Photo courtesy of Daryl Boddie)

1974

NIH Phase I

Vietnam Head

Injury Study

1991

1st Persian

Gulf War ends

1993-2000

DVHIP documents

peacetime TBI

1999

DVHIP establishes

Concussion Clinic,

Camp Pendleton, CA

2001

OEF begins

DVHIP renamed DVBIC

DVBIC - Charlotesville

named first civilian partner

2004

NIH Phase III

Vietnam Head

Injury Study

Military TBI Con

lessons learned

New Joint Read

Clinical Advisor

1981

NIH Phase II

Vietnam Head

Injury Study

1992

Brain Injury Resource

Center developed 

with BIA

Congress establishes

DVHIP; six TBI

centers

1994

Naval Medical

Center San Diego

is lead TBI center

2000

First large

randomized 

clinical trial of

TBI rehab

2003

OIF begins

Top priority to 

wartime TBI cohorts

WRAMC - 

1st comprehensive

TBI screening program

INTRODUCTION
15

nference -

d

diness

ry Board

2006

MACE deployed

“Guidelines” with

 brain trauma found

Laurel Highlands NeuroRehab, Landstuhl join

DVBIC network

2nd randomized study

TBI rehab—VA patients

mild to severe TBI

Conference-acute

management of mTBI

in-theater

2005

BAMCC, Ft. Bragg, 

Ft. Carson join DVBIC network

VA & DVBIC create 

polytrauma system of care

2007

Camp LeJeune, Fort 

Hood join DVBIC network

Gen. Colin L. Powell, 

(Ret) TBI documentary

1st annual TBI military 

training conference

DVBIC TBI surveillance 

per DHA policy

Regional Care 

Coordination launched

DVBIC—primary operational 

TBI component of DCoE 

2008

VA/DoD evidence-based

working group

DVBIC tele-TBI clinic

2nd annual TBI military

training conference

Laurel Highlands renamed

DVBIC-Johnstown

BrainLine.org launched

DVBIC BrainWaves published

1st Family Caregiver Panel

2015

Research completes the 

Congressionally mandated 

Study of Cognitive Rehabilitation 

Effectiveness for mild TBI (SCORE), 

posts study manuals on DVBIC web

Education & Research Divisions 

support joint DoD & NCAA 

“Mind Matters” Challenge

Tri-Service Specialty Care 

Advisory Board (TSSCAB) 

approves Pathway of Care 

TBI Advisory Committee charter

Research completes the 

Head to Head study on 

the reliability and validity 

of computerized neurocognitive assessment tests

Clinical Affairs, Services and 

DVBIC participate in the NATO 

publication of the Science and 

Technology Organization (STO) 

Technical Report, "TBI In a Military 

Operational Setting," which 

summarizes current knowledge 

and practices in managing mTBI 

in military operational settings

2009

3rd annual TBI military 

training conference

VA Boston joins DVBIC

Jt. Chiefs of Staff/DVBIC 

mission to Iraq/Afghanistan

to optimize TBI care

DVBIC led U.S. delegation to 

NATO team for international

standards on mTBI

Co-sponsored IBIA meeting

1st U.S.-Japan TBI symposium,

military info exchanges-Israel, 

Republic of Korea

2010

Lakeview Virginia

NeuroCare renamed

DVBIC-Charlottesville

2012

DVBIC celebrates 

20 years of service

2013

Col. Sydney R. Hinds, M.D.

named National Director

DVBIC 1st Global

Synapse, live & virtual

2014

DVBIC named Pathway 

of Care manager

DVBIC launches 

A Head for the Future

DVBIC 2nd Global 

Synapse, live & virtual

DVBIC, as the Defense Department’s TBI Center of Excellence, helps service members, their beneficiaries, and 

veterans with TBI through state-of-the-science clinical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational 

programs, and support for force health protection services. DVBIC assists in screening and briefing troops heading 

into theater, performs provider training at military treatment facilities, gathers data mandated by Congress and DoD, 

and oversees research programs.

The Deployment Health Clinical Center (DHCC) and the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2), 

the other two components of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury 

(DCoE), work with DVBIC toward the common goal of helping service members and veterans. For example, 

DVBIC’s Education Division coordinates the annual DCoE Psychological Health and TBI Summit with DHCC. 

DVBIC’s Clinical Affairs Division is working with T2 to develop a digital platform for clinical recommendations. 

DVBIC’s Office of the Chief of Staff Human Research Protections Program (HRPP) has regulatory oversight for all 

of DCoE’s research efforts

Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, DVBIC has a network of 15 sites, operating out of 11 military treatment 

facilities (MTFs) and four VA polytrauma centers. The DVBIC network includes a research infrastructure to support 

the execution of military-relevant TBI research projects including congressionally mandated studies; in 2015, there 

were 60 active research studies. The DVBIC network uses a regional approach to education by providing each MTF 

and VA facility in the system of care with state-of-the-science educational products and outreach efforts through the 

work of regional education coordinators (RECs). Recovery support specialists (RSSs) help service members, veterans 

and their families find and use the right services for their needs. 

Research, education and clinical support activities vary at each site. From the moment of injury to return to duty or 

reintegration into the community, DVBIC directs care providers in the treatment of service members and veterans 

with mild, moderate or severe TBI. DVBIC evaluates best practices and the state of the science and provides clinical 

recommendations to the MHS.

INTRODUCTION
16

DVBIC Named Manager of the TBI Pathway of Care:

The Defense Department further solidified DVBIC’s TBI leadership role by naming it the office of responsibility for 

the TBI Pathway of Care (TPWoC). In 2014, Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, 

assigned DVBIC to manage the MHS TPWoC for clinical, research, education and training activities. On June 24, 2015, 

the Tri-Service Specialty Care Advisory Board (TSSCAB) unanimously approved the TBI Advisory Committee (TAC) 

charter. On June 25, 2015, Army Col. Stephen C. Phillips, TSSCAB Chair, signed the TAC charter. 

In its new role, DVBIC is accountable for the main objectives of the TPWoC: 

■ Maximize warfighter and beneficiary outcomes

■ Advance high clinical standards 

■ Implement continuous performance improvement

2015 research highlights reflect DVBIC’s longstanding leadership upholding TPWoC objectives:

■ The 15-year Longitudinal Study. At its network site at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, DVBIC 

designed and executed congressionally mandated research on the effects of TBI in Operation Enduring Freedom 

(OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) service members and their families.

■ Head-to-Head Study. The independent study at DVBIC Fort Bragg evaluated the reliability and validity of 

computerized neurocognitive assessment tools. In December, Jacques P. Arrieux, M.A., DVBIC Senior Clinical 

Research Associate, and Wesley R. Cole, Ph.D., DVBIC senior clinical research director, Fort Bragg, presented the 

DVBIC webinar, “Head to Head” Study: A Psychometric Comparison of Brief Computerized Neuropsychological 

Assessment Batteries.

■ SCORE. The Research Division and DVBIC San Antonio MMC completed the “Study of Cognitive Rehabilitation 

Effectiveness” (SCORE) for mild TBI symptoms lasting more than three months, released preliminary results at a 

VA symposium in May 2015, and posted the study manuals on the DVBIC website in September.

In its new role as manager of the TBI Pathway of Care, DVBIC continues to lead the TBI community in the following areas: 

■ TBI-specific evaluation, treatment standards and follow-up care for military personnel, their dependents and 

veterans with TBI

■ Clinical research that defines optimal care and treatment for individuals with TBI

■ Educational materials and training for the prevention and treatment of TBI and management of its long-term 

effects 

■ Subject matter expertise on a variety of Defense Department and congressional initiatives

■ TBI worldwide surveillance of service members in the U.S. and at deployment locations

■ Chair of monthly Neurocognitive Assessment Implementation Working Group meeting

IMPORTANT EMAIL CHANGES

Effective April 1, 2015:

The new email address to obtain information on accessing the TBI.consult service is 

med.consult.army@mail.mil.

The new email address for retrieving ANAM assessment reports, such as pre-deployment baseline 

assessments, is: usarmy.jbsa.medcom.mbx.otsg--anam-baselines@mail.mil.

INTRODUCTION
17

Defense and Veterans

Brain Injury Center

Clinical Practice/

Clinical 

Recommendation

Recovery

Support

Outcomes

and

Assessment

Surveillance

Research

Activities

Clinical

Translations

Program Improvement

and Evaluation

Education

Materias

Clinical Education

and

Training

Education

Outreach

Strategy Plans

and Programs

Business

Operations

Communications

and

Technology

Military Treatment Facilities (11)

Veterans Affairs Facilities (4)

Clinical

Affairs

Research

Education

Chief of

Staff

DVBIC

Network

INTRODUCTION
18

Clinical Affairs

Soldiers, from the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment are shown during a 19-hour flight from Alaska to Australia trying 

to get some sleep on the floor and seats of a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster, July 8, 2015, during Exercise 

Talisman Sabre 15. Soldiers, who are deployed, average just three hours of sleep a night, said Lt. Col. Kate E. Van 

Arman, medical director, Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic on Fort Drum, N.Y. (U.S. Army photo)

CLINICAL AFFAIRS
19

Katherine Stout, DPT

Director, Division of Clinical Affairs 

Dr. Stout is director of the Clinical Affairs division at the Defense and 

Veterans Brain Injury Center. She received her doctorate in physical 

therapy from Northeastern University and her master’s degree in business 

administration with a concentration in healthcare administration from the 

University of Scranton. She is a board-certified neurological specialist by 

the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. For the last 10 years, 

she has worked in TBI and military medicine in a variety of roles to include 

direct clinical care, research portfolio management and program management 

within Telehealth. In addition to her work with the military, Dr. Stout is 

adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is 

currently serving a four-year term as a board member for the Maryland Board 

of Physical Therapy Examiners. She has authored several publications and a 

book chapter.

Gary McKinney 

Chief, Clinical Practice/Clinical Research 

Gary McKinney is the chief of Clinical Practice and Clinical 

Recommendations in the Clinical Affairs division at DVBIC. Mr. McKinney 

holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports and health science with a 

concentration in sports performance and management. He has over two 

decades of experience in healthcare and fitness while in the U.S. Army as a 

healthcare specialist, emergency trauma technician, senior enlisted leader, 

educator and strategic operations leader. In addition to his military career, he 

has worked in the private sector as certified brain injury specialist, national 

director of veteran and military development, director of marketing, clinical 

evaluator and regional veterans liaison. His clinical interests include sports 

concussion prevention and rehabilitation treatment. He is an active member 

of the American College of Sports Medicine and Brain Injury Association of 

Maryland.

Capt. Cynthia A. Spells,

Chief, TBI Recovery Support Program

Capt. Spells earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, 

clinical master’s of social work from Atlanta University and license in clinical 

social work from the state of New York. Capt. Spells is board certified in 

clinical social work, and holds certifications in integrated behavioral health 

management and PH treatment of military, veterans and family members/

caregivers. Capt. Spells has been a U.S. Public Health Services officer for 13 

years and earlier served four years as an Air Force officer. Before coming to 

DVBIC, she served as chief of the Community Behavioral Health Clinic at 

Fort Stewart Army Base in Hinesville, Georgia.

CLINICAL AFFAIRS
20

Elisabeth Moy-Martin

Acting Chief, Outcomes and Assessments

Elisabeth Moy Martin, R.N.-B.C., M.A., the acting chief of Outcomes 

and Assessments in the Clinical Affairs division, is a registered nurse with 

certification in adult behavioral health nursing. She is honored to have 

worked with DVBIC since 1994, when it was known as DVHIP, and has 

authored or co-authored several manuscripts and presented at conferences on 

TBI in the U.S. military. She has been and is currently an associate principle 

investigator on several DVBIC studies.

Lt. Cmdr. Ranjodh S. Gill

Chief, TBI Surveillance 

Lt. Cmdr. Ranjodh S. Gill is DVBIC’s Clinical Affairs chief of TBI 

surveillance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from San Francisco 

State University and a master’s of public health from University of Alaska 

Anchorage, with concentration on occupational health, infectious diseases 

and epidemiology. He is also part of U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) 

Rapid Deployment Force and was deployed in 2015 to support the USPHS 

Ebola Response Mission in Monrovia, Liberia. Lt. Cmdr. Gill’s interests 

include global health, health promotion, and prevention. He is also an active 

member of the U.S. military athletic community and a competitive cyclist.

Mission Essential Components

■ Clinical Guidelines and Clinical 

Recommendations

■ TBI Surveillance

■ Recovery Support Program

■ TBI Health Outcomes and Assessments

CLINICAL AFFAIRS
21

DVBIC’s Clinical Affairs Division provides clinical guidance and tools built on state-of-the-science TBI 

knowledge to clinical care providers and clinical support to service members, veterans and their families. In achieving 

its mission, the division works in partnership with the Service TBI program directors, the National Intrepid Center 

of Excellence (NICoE), the VA, and other federal agencies, civilian partnerships, academic institutions and private 

industry. Four offices support this division:

■ Clinical Practices/Clinical Recommendations develops, reviews and revises clinical recommendations 

(CRs) and provides TBI subject matter experts for internal and external stakeholders. 

■ The TBI Recovery Support Program provides unique, long-term follow-up to rehabilitation and reintegration 

of service members and veterans who sustained a TBI and ongoing services to caregivers and families. 

■ Outcomes and Assessment captures and evaluates TBI patient outcomes within the MHS and internal analysis 

of DVBIC products and programs related to the care of service members with TBI.

■ TBI Surveillance works with DoD to provide quarterly TBI-relevant numbers regarding severity of injury, 

location of injury, type of care (purchased vs. direct/inpatient vs. outpatient). 

Read articles about TBI and the military at: dvbic.dcoe.mil/about/tbi-military.

ICD-10 Coding in Effect Now! 

As of Oct. 1, 2015, all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 

(HIPAA) covered entities are federally mandated to implement ICD-10 code 

use for TBI diagnoses. Quick reference sheets for guidance related to ICD-10 

TBI codes coming soon. For more information, visit health.mil. 

Four experts presented a DCoE webinar, moderated by DVBIC, to discuss how 

a major update of the classification codes for illnesses and conditions applies to 

care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the Military Health System. Training 

slides are available at https://dvbic.dcoe.mil/material/icd-10-coding-guidancetraumatic-brain-injury-training-slides.

CLINICAL AFFAIRS
22

TBI Surveillance

Effective October 2015, the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and 

Related Health Problems (ICD) was implemented across the Military Health System (MHS). This 

implementation and the 2015 Assistant Secretary of Defense Memo on the TBI case definition allow 

for more moderate traumatic brain injuries to be captured. Please consult the Armed Forces Health 

Surveillance Branch (AFHSB) TBI case definition for additional information. 

Worldwide numbers represent medical diagnoses of TBI that occurred anywhere U.S. forces are 

located including the continental United States since 2000.

Concussion/Mild TBI is characterized by the following: Confused or disoriented state which 

lasts less than 24 hours; or loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes; or memory loss lasting less 

than 24 hours. Excludes penetrating TBI. A CT scan is not indicated for most patients with a Mild 

TBI. If obtained, it is normal.

Moderate TBI is characterized by the following: Confused or disoriented state which lasts 

more than 24 hours; or loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes, but less than 24 hours; or 

memory loss lasting greater than 24 hours but less than seven days; or meets criteria for Mild TBI 

except an abnormal CT scan is present. Excludes penetrating TBI. A structural brain imaging study 

may be normal or abnormal.

Severe TBI is characterized by the following: Confused or disoriented state which lasts more 

than 24 hours; or loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours; or memory loss for more than seven 

days. Excludes penetrating TBI. A structural brain imaging study may be normal but usually is 

bl

A case of TBI is defined based on the DoD Standard Surveillance Case Definition for TBI, which is available 

online at the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (https://www.afhsc.mil/Home/CaseDefinitions). The 

first inpatient or outpatient TBI medical encounter is identified using billing codes from insurance claims 

defined in the International Classification of Diseases, previously ICD-9-CM and currently ICD-10-CM 

guidelines. Military treatment facilities also code medical encounters using both ICD-10-CM and other 

DoD specific codes. Case counts for the current year and immediate past calendar year are updated quarterly. 

For all other years, case counts are updated annually.

Individuals with multiple TBI health care encounters are counted only once for the purpose of this reporting. 

An individual is considered a “TBI surveillance case” only once per lifetime. The Armed Forces Health 

Surveillance Branch using the Defense Medical Surveillance System and the Theater Medical Data Store 

provide the data, which DVBIC TBI Surveillance tracks and reports quarterly. To see the annual worldwide 

numbers, go to http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/dod-worldwide-numbers-tbi. 

CLINICAL AFFAIRS
23

2015 Selected Clinical Affairs Achievements

Recovery Support Program

■ Used a web-based data repository, known as the Wounded, Ill and Injured Registry, or WIIR, that 

allows for measurement and documentation of recovery progress. WIIR is used internally to review 

outcomes and improve reporting procedures. 

■ Created the TBI Recovery Support Program fact sheet, which is available at 

http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/files/2014_TBI_RSP_Brochure.pdf.

■ Created Military TBI Case Management Quarterly Newsletter: TBI Case Management Community 

of Interest, which is available at http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/case-management-resources#newsletters.

Outcomes and Assessments ■ Identified trends in variants of TBI diagnoses and reporting that now includes beneficiary information.

■ Initiated NICoE/DVBIC collaboration to evaluate initial NICoE cohort outcomes for process 

improvement.

■ Clinical Affair s works with the services and DHA to finalize the mild TBI Form for the Armed Forces 

Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA). AHLTA is the electronic medical record system 

used by DoD medical providers since its initial implementation in January 2004.

Clinical Practices/Clinical Recommendations

■ Developed the Management of Headache Associated with Concussion/mTBI initiative. The headache 

clinical recommendation is the first CR planned to be beta-tested at select DoD and VA sites before 

general release.

■ Created comprehensive revision plan to update the 12 TBI-related clinical recommendations.

■ Continued to support the TBI Consult program, a service for deployed providers to ask clinical 

questions related to TBI.

CLINICAL AFFAIRS
24

Research

Falcon defensive back Brian Lindsay pulls down Navy quarterback Trey Miller as Air Force met the Navy 

Midshipmen at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo 

by Mike Kaplan)

RESEARCH
25

Saafan Malik, M.D. 

Director, Division of Research

Dr. Malik is the director of the Research Division at the Defense and 

Veterans Brain Injury Center. He received his medical degree from King 

Edward Medical University and has been working in the field of TBI for 

over 10 years. He undertook his postdoctoral work at the University of 

Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Carolinas Healthcare System 

and clinical neurosurgery at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Malik served as the senior 

research investigator at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of 

Medicine and at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Dr. 

Malik has expertise in basic science, translational and clinical research/care 

related to TBI. He is the recipient of several academic awards and grants, 

including the National Institutes of Health-National Research Service Award 

on TBI and the Murray Goldstein Award from the National Neurotrauma 

Society. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book 

chapters.

Felicia Qashu, Ph.D. 

Deputy Director, Division of Research

Dr. Qashu is the deputy director of the Research Division for DVBIC. 

In this position, she helps direct DVBIC’s research mission by providing 

recommendations in support of clinical research priorities, monitoring 

outcomes and results of TBI research, and facilitating the integration and 

implementation of research findings in clinical practice. Dr. Qashu serves 

as the principal investigator of two research studies at DVBIC headquarters. 

She is also the acting chief of DVBIC’s Program Improvement and 

Evaluation Office. Before becoming deputy director, Dr. Qashu joined 

the Research Division as a research advisor, supporting the advancement 

of DVBIC’s research portfolio. Prior to joining DVBIC, Dr. Qashu 

worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Uniformed Services University of 

the Health Sciences (USUHS), studying the effects of nerve agents on the 

neuroanatomical and physiological properties of the amygdala. She received 

her doctorate in neuroscience in 2009 from USUHS.

Elisabeth Moy-Martin

Chief, Clinical Translation

Elisabeth Moy Martin, R.N.-B.C., M.A., the clinical translation chief of the 

Research Division, is a registered nurse with certification in adult behavioral 

health nursing. She is honored to have worked with DVBIC since 1994, when 

it was known as DVHIP, and has authored or co-authored several manuscripts 

and presented at conferences on TBI in the U.S. military. She has been and is 

currently an associate principle investigator on several DVBIC studies.

RESEARCH
26

Sean Manion, Ph.D.

Chief, Research Activities

Formerly at Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Dr. 

Manion received his doctorate in neuroscience in the Psychiatry Department 

there along with post-doctoral training in conjunction with the Center for 

Study of Traumatic Stress. In 2009, he began at DVBIC as a deputy chief of 

staff. Research was the initial focus of his work, as he also dual-hatted as the 

acting deputy director of research into 2011. Eventually, his role expanded 

to include plans and programs in all areas of DVBIC operations. Based on 

his research background, he returned to the DVBIC Research Division in 

2014 as research activities chief. Attending to the DVBIC research network, 

he oversees facilitation of research opportunities and portfolio management 

for 60 different studies across 12 different sites. Locally at the DVBIC 

headquarters, Dr. Manion oversees research staff leading or participating in 

12 different research studies from the portfolio. Looking toward the future, 

he is working to determine the return on investment of DoD TBI research 

and outline the appropriate portfolio balance for the different research models 

across the MHS.

Capt. James Blankenship 

Chief, Program Improvement and Evaluation

Capt. James Allen Blankenship is chief of DVBIC’s Program Improvement 

and Evaluation (PIE) Office, which is responsible for overseeing PIE 

initiatives at DVBIC and its 15 network sites. 

A 25-year veteran, Blankenship enlisted in the U.S. Navy and later was 

commissioned as an ensign in the Naval Reserve. He transitioned into the U.S. 

Public Health Service in 1998. His tours of duty include serving with the Navy’s 

6th Fleet, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Defense.

Blankenship is a certified family nurse practitioner with more than 20 years 

of experience. He received his undergraduate degree from the College of 

West Virginia and his graduate degree as a family nurse practitioner from 

the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He is enrolled in 

Liberty University’s Masters in Theology program.

His past duties include regional site director for DVBIC Charlottesville 

and Johnstown; administrative officer for Defense Centers of Excellence 

for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury; and health services 

administrator, nurse practitioner and registered nurse with the Bureau of 

Prisons. Blankenship also serves as a nurse practitioner at the Hunter Holmes 

McGuire Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

RESEARCH
27

DVBIC’s Research Division advances the scientific understanding of TBI through a clinically focused research 

network of military treatment facilities and Veterans Affairs medical centers.

The Research Division conducts, guides and supports research across the DVBIC network through three offices: 

■ Research Activities conducts and supports research projects that address the foundational science of TBI, as well 

as areas of focus across the continuum of care for TBI — from screening and assessment to treatment and clinical 

management to rehabilitation and reintegration. 

■ Clinical Translation catalyzes the translation of promising clinical research through dissemination of findings to 

stakeholders in support of the development of evidence-based clinical and educational tools.

■ Process Improvement and Program Evaluation utilizes a systematic methodology to measure and improve the 

effectiveness of DVBIC’s projects, processes, initiatives and programs with the goal of improving performance and, 

ultimately, improving the health, wellness and quality of life of service members, veterans and their families. 

DVBIC’s research portfolio spans a broad range, from congressionally mandated longitudinal population studies to 

investigator-initiated clinical research.

In 2015, DVBIC’s Research Division had 60 active TBI research studies and projects in high priority focus areas related to 

TBI. Through innovative clinical research, DVBIC provides evidence-based knowledge to improve treatment and outcomes 

for service members and veterans who have sustained a TBI. These targeted efforts help patients, health care providers and 

policy makers take action and make informed decisions.

Mission Essential Components

■ Develop, support and conduct innovative clinical 

research initiatives for TBI

■ Manage and support DVBIC’s research portfolio 

■ Establish and maintain visibility on current TBI research

■ Support gap analysis related to TBI research 

■ Catalyze the translation of promising clinical research

■ Provide mechanisms to evaluate, measure and improve 

the effectiveness of DVBIC’s projects, processes, 

initiatives and programs

RESEARCH
28

2015 Selected Research Achievements

SCORE team members presented preliminary results from the 

three-year study at the VA Polytrauma Symposium in May. 

From left to right, Dr. Doug Cooper, Mariana LeBlanc, Linda 

Picon, Dr. Amy Bowles, and Melissa Ray. (Photo courtesy of 

Sean Manion)

Research Activities Office

■ Completed initial analyses of the congressionally mandated “Study of Cognitive Rehabilitation 

Effectiveness” (SCORE) for Mild TBI in 2015. See the SCORE study manuals at http://dvbic.dcoe.

mil/study-manuals.

■ Presented preliminary SCORE results at the VA Polytrauma System of Care Workshop: 

New Perspectives in TBI Rehabilitation.

■ Developed the study, “Improved Understanding of Mental and Psychological Needs in Veterans and 

Service Members with Chronic TBI,” to complement the existing DVBIC 15-year studies to fully 

address the congressional mandate. This study will be conducted at the Tampa VA.

■ Completed the Head to Head study on the reliability and validity of computerized neurocognitive 

assessment tests.

■ Supported the joint DoD and NCAA “Mind Matters Challenge” initiative by reviewing scientific 

research and education grant proposals. See story about an app for athletes, developed during the 

challenge, http://phys.org/news/2015-09-app-athletes-concussions.html#jCp.

■ Developed a multi-site study to evaluate the recently released clinical recommendation, Progressive 

Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Held a study workshop 

to train researchers on the study procedures to ensure standardization and fidelity of study execution at 

the Camp Pendleton, Fort Bragg and Navy Medical Center San Diego study sites.

■ Uploaded DVBIC research portfolio information input into the FedRePorter (http://federalreporter.

nih.gov) to allow broad visibility on federally funded DVBIC studies. [Enter “Defense and Veterans 

Brain Injury Center” in the Organization field and hit return to display the portfolio.]

■ Developed the DVBIC Research Network profile book to provide an overview of all research activities 

taking place throughout the DVBIC research network.

RESEARCH
29

Clinical Translation Office ■ Published research reviews on the current level of scientific understanding of multiple TBI/multiple 

concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy on the DVBIC website.

■ Identified and developed a catalog of ongoing knowledge translation (KT) activities at DVBIC, 

in coordination with all DVBIC divisions.

■ Supported the TBI end points development (TED) consortium as a member of the government oversight 

committee and as the scientific advisory board member for Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium 

(CENC) and TBI Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center.

■ Provided a quarterly environmental scan of TBI “hot topics.”

■ Presented at and attended multiple TBI-focused clinical and research conferences and venues.

RESEARCH

Continuous Process Improvement 

and Program Evaluation Office

■ Developed and implemented online mentoring workshops within DCoE to improve staff 

understanding of program evaluations and process improvement efforts.

■ Completed an evaluation of DVBIC’s 2015 Brain Injury Awareness Month activities, results of which 

allow for improvements in 2016 BIA month activities.

■ Conducted a program evaluation of the 2015 DCoE PH/TBI Summit.

■ Initiated process improvement projects with DVBIC’s Research, Clinical Affairs and Education 

Divisions.

■ Presented at the Military and Veterans Topical Interest Group at the American Evaluation Association 

annual meeting in November on “Creating a Program Evaluation Office at the Defense and Veterans 

Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) through Capacity Building to Improve Processes and Programs.”
30

Education

Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Meadows and art therapist Jackie Biggs discuss a painting during an art therapy 

session at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital’s TBI clinic at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Meadows, assigned to 

Fort Belvoir’s Warrior Transition Battalion, suffered a TBI in 2012 when his vehicle rode over an improvised 

explosive device in Afghanistan. Biggs manages the Wounded Warriors program in the TBI clinic. See story by 

Terri Moon Cronk, DoD News, Nov. 12, 2015. http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/628768/arttherapy-provides-lifeline-for-wounded-warriors. (DoD photo by Marc Barnes)

EDUCATION
31

Scott C. Livingston, Ph.D.

Director, Division of Education

Dr. Scott Livingston became DVBIC’s Education director in January 

2015. Previously, he was the program manager for the Warrior Adaptive 

Reconditioning Program of Wounded Warrior Battalion East — one of 

two Wounded Warrior Battalion components of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 

Wounded Warrior Regiment. He also served as a Medical Service Corps 

officer (physical therapist) in the U.S. Navy and has held several academic 

positions at the University of Kentucky, the George Washington University, 

and Gannon University. 

Dr. Livingston has worked in a variety of clinical settings in physical therapy 

and athletic training, ranging from the inpatient and outpatient hospital 

setting to Division I-III intercollegiate athletics. His area of research expertise 

is the evaluation and management of sport-related concussion/mild traumatic 

brain injury. He has numerous professional publications and conference 

presentations on the electrophysiologic assessment of concussion in an athletic 

population.

He received his doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Virginia, 

his Master of Science in advanced physical therapy (post-professional) from 

the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his bachelor’s degree 

in physical therapy (entry-level) from Ohio University. Dr. Livingston is 

board certified as a sports clinical specialist (SCS) by the American Board of 

Physical Therapist Specialities, and is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) by the 

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. 

Lt. Cmdr. Cathleen Davies

Chief, Clinical Training andEducation

Lt. Cmdr. Cathleen Davies, M.S., CCC-SLP/CBIS, USPHS, is the chief of 

Clinical Training and Education at DVBIC. In that role, she is responsible 

for the development, dissemination and evaluation of TBI education 

materials for the Military Health System. Prior to joining the U.S. Public 

Health Service, Lt. Cmdr. Davies held multiple clinical and administrative 

roles within skilled nursing facilities, hospital, and home health settings. 

She is a certified brain injury specialist through the Brain Injury Association 

of America and a clinical specialist for adult dysphagia and neurological 

diseases. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and 

her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from The Pennsylvania 

State University. 

Lt. Cmdr. Ranjodh S. Gill

Chief, Education Materials

Acting Chief, Clinical Training and Education

Lt. Cmdr. Ranjodh S. Gill is DVBIC’s chief of Education Materials and 

acting chief of Clinical Training and Education. He holds a bachelor’s degree 

in nursing from San Francisco State University and a master’s of public health 

from University of Alaska Anchorage, with concentration on occupational 

health, infectious diseases and epidemiology. He is also part of U.S. Public 

Health Service (USPHS) Rapid Deployment Force and was deployed 

in 2015 to support the USPHS Ebola Response Mission in Monrovia, 

Liberia. Lt. Cmdr. Gill’s interests include global health, health promotion, 

and prevention. He is also an active member of the U.S. military athletic 

community and a competitive cyclist.

EDUCATION
32

Maj. Pamela DiPatrizio

Chief, Education and Outreach

Maj. Pamela DiPatrizio enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1986 as a 

communication specialist. After deployment in 1991, she commissioned into the 

U.S. Army Reserves as an Army Nurse Corps officer. Following mobilization in 

support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Maj. DePatrizio transitioned to the 

active duty force. Throughout her career, Maj. DiPatrizio has served in many 

capacities, such as staff and emergency nurse, sexual assault nurse coordinator, 

chief of Education Training and Research at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, 

and director of resuscitative services for the Korean peninsula. Among her many 

awards and decorations is the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf 

Clusters. She is DVBIC’s chief of education outreach.

Maj. DiPatrizio received her Associate of Science in nursing from Miami Dade 

Community College and her bachelor’s of nursing, cum laude, from Florida 

International University. She received her master’s degree in nursing, with 

an emphasis in public health, from Grand Canyon University. She holds board certification in emergency nursing and 

pediatric emergency nursing and maintains instructor certifications in basic life support, pediatric advanced life support, 

advanced cardiac life support, and trauma nursing core course. She is a certified sexual assault forensic examiner. 

DVBIC’s Education Division develops and delivers TBI education programs built around state-of-the-science 

knowledge. The division provides activities and resources along the care continuum from prevention to recovery by 

educating and training healthcare providers, performing outreach and education to various stakeholder groups (including 

members of the Armed Services, veterans, families, caregivers, providers, line leaders and commanders), and producing 

state-of-the-science education and training materials. The division has three offices:

■ Education Materials produces state-of-the-science education and training resources and conducts product life-cycle 

management on existing and new products.

■ Clinical Education and Training provides education and training of medical and allied health care providers.

■ Education Outreach performs outreach and education to various stakeholder groups.

These offices provide members of the military, veterans, and their families, supporters, and care providers with the knowledge 

they need to prevent or recover from and reintegrate into the community following aTBI. 

The DVBIC network uses a regional approach to education by providing each Military Treatment Facility and VA facility in 

the system of care with state-of-the-science educational products and outreach efforts through the work of regional education 

coordinators. The division’s multimedia education products deliver high-quality, clinically relevant education to clinicians and 

provide education about the means of prevention, causes and care of TBI to the broader military community. 

In 2015, the Education Division facilitated a total of 4,800 education, outreach and training events related to TBI and reached 

an audience total of 287,000, which included service members, veterans, families, providers and community members. This is 

a 262 percent increase from the events and 151 percent increase in attendance seen during FY2014, when the DVBIC network 

facilitated 1,830 events and saw 189,844 service members, veterans, families, providers and community members. 

EDUCATION
33

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill

Army Maj. Pamela DiPatrizio, (left) education and outreach chief at DVBIC, discusses TBI issues with Dr. Joel Scholten, acting national 

director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program Office at Department of Veterans Affairs. Both participated in the Brain 

Injury Awareness Day event on Capitol Hill, March 18, 2015. Also shown are Dr. Saafan Malik, DVBIC’s Research director, speaking with 

Dr. Tammy Crowder, former DVBIC chief of staff. (DVBIC Photo by Gary Arasin, DVBIC public affairs officer)

Mission Essential Components

■ Development of educational tools and resources to 

promote TBI awareness and training opportunities

■ Educational product development and distribution

■ Regional education and outreach coordination 

throughout the DVBIC network sites EDUCATION
34

dvbic.dcoe.mil

PREVENT

RECOGNIZE

SUPPORT

YOUR MIND ABOUTBRAIN INJURY

This DVBIC poster promotes brain injury awareness and reflects the 2015 Brain Injury Awareness Month 

theme, “Change Your Mind About Brain Injury: Prevent, Recognize and Support.”

EDUCATION
35

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill

“The people who contributed to the sessions 

are not only known within the DoD and VA 

realms; they are well-established national 

leaders in TBI and psychological health. The 

impact of the things that they’ve done is farreaching beyond their respective organizations, 

or the military.”

 -- Col. Sidney R. Hinds, National Director 

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

(http://www.health.mil/News/

Articles/2015/09/11/Defense-Centers-ofExcellence-summit-seeks-to-improve-the-lives-ofservice-members-veterans-families)

The 2015 DCoE Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Summit featured experts in the treatment 

of TBI and psychological health diagnoses. The three-day summit combined a “live” in-person event at 

Defense Health Headquarters (DHHQ) in Falls Church, Virginia, with a “virtual” online component to 

reach a worldwide audience. DVBIC, DHCC and T2, with DCoE event planning team and public affairs 

collaborated on organizing the summit.

The summit registered 1,800 participants. Eligible participants received up to 19 continuing education (CE) 

credits across a spectrum of medical and allied health professional organizations. More than 9,000 CE credits 

were awarded to participants — more than 4,000 for the TBI track. 

DVBIC solicited for all papers, selected the summit presentations from the submissions, aligned the summit 

agenda for the three days, vetted all presentations for accuracy of content and agreement with DVBIC 

treatment recommendations, and acted as moderators and facilitators for all presentations. 

Presentations at the 2015 DCoE Summit also were available

virtually, registering 1,700 participants. (Photo by Terry 

Welch, DVBIC Public Affairs) 

New Tactics Proven Effective for Treating TBI Symptoms

Rena Courtney, research assistant at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center, told her summit audience 

that sometimes service members initially snicker when presented with treatment options that include yoga 

or acupuncture, but preliminary research – and the veterans’ experiences – support their value as part of a 

complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approach to treating TBI. Courtney said that CIM tactics 

have proven effective in treating symptoms such as anxiety, depression, headaches and chronic pain.

EDUCATION
36

2015 Selected Education Achievements

Clinical Education and Training

■ Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, a computer-based tool known as 

ANAM, is a neurocognitive assessment of acute neuropsychological effects of battlefield concussion, 

compared to a cognitive baseline. DVBIC developed (with the Quad Services input) two training slide 

presentations for primary care providers and neuropsychologists as guidelines for implementation of 

the ANAM. 

■ Quarterly Grand Rounds is a series of four presentations in conjunction with DCoE and the VA 

that afford an opportunity for health care providers to discuss TBI and best practices in treatment and 

care. In 2015, 186 registered and 156 attended.

■ Update of TBI-201 is an interactive web-based educational platform developed at the request of 

the Services’ TBI program directors to fulfill training requirements for military medical healthcare 

providers.

■ Update of TBI educational annual training presentation materials completed for providers, 

line leaders, and service members to meet the annual training requirement. 

Fort Belvoir’s regional education coordinator, Pamela Sjolinder, 

uses a real, plasticized brain to explain its functions to visiting 

middle school students during Brain Awareness Week March 

16-20, 2015, at the National Museum of Health and Medicine 

in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Photo courtesy of Matthew 

Breitbart, National Museum of Health and Medicine)

EDUCATION
37

Education Outreach

■ Brain Injury Awareness Month (March 2015), themed “Change Your Mind About Brain Injury: 

Prevent, Recognize and Support,” featured events that highlighted DoD’s efforts to prevent TBI and 

provide care for active-duty military, their beneficiaries and veterans with TBI. The REC network 

facilitated over 600 nationwide events. 

■ DVBIC’s Brain Injury Awareness Month kick-off event March 2 at the Walter Reed National 

Military Medical Center reached more than 900 health care providers nationwide.

■ DVBIC participated in the congressional Brain Injury Awareness Day Task Force exhibitors’ fair 

March 18 on Capitol Hill to raise awareness about TBI in the Military Health System.

■ “A Head for the Future,” a multi-year web and media initiative to promote TBI and concussion 

awareness, prevention and recovery re-launched in 2015 with a redesigned website, video filming, and 

TBI Champion Campaign. 

■ In 2015, A Head for the Future’s news releases resulted in 515 media placements, including an 

original news story in the Fort Belvoir Eagle, featuring an interview with Lt. Cmdr. Cathleen Davies

■ Twitter page launched in November with the A Head for the Future handle: @AHFTF_Page.

■ Monthly webinar series, in conjunction with DHCC and T2, on clinical and technology topics related 

to TBI assessment and treatment targeted health care providers, but attendance is open to the public. 

Listen to the full 2015 webinars at http://www.dvbic.dcoe.mil/training/webinars.

■ NCAA “Mind Matters Challenge.” The Education Division supported the Research Division in 

this landmark initiative to enhance the safety of student-athletes and service members. The challenge 

focused on two important areas related to concussion: changing attitudes about concussions in 

young adults (a research challenge) and educational programs targeting young adults (an educational 

challenge). See story about app developed for student athletes as a result of the challenge, 

http://phys.org/news/2015-09-app-athletes-concussions.html#jCp.

■ New concussion/mild TBI fact sheet for patients titled “Help with Ongoing Symptoms,” addresses 

why symptoms continue to persist in some patients following concussion and how they can cope or 

seek additional help.

EDUCATION
38

Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Victor Medina, right, addresses a class of future nurses about what it is like 

to live with a TBI. Medina and his wife, Roxana Delgado, left, share their story with future health care 

providers to give them an understanding of TBI other than what textbooks teach. (U.S. Army photo by 

24th Press Camp Headquarters)

EDUCATION
39

Nationwide REC and RSS Network

 Region 13

CA, AZ, Pacific

Site: Camp Pendleton & San Diego

REC: Angela Basham, Clint Pearman

RSS: Susan Gallardo

Region 12 

WA, OR, NV

Site: Palo Alto VA

REC: Stephanie Bardossek

RSS: Gillian Boyd

Region 9

OK, AR, LA

Site: Fort Hood

REC: Margie Luton

RSS: Tameika Way

Region 7 

FL, AL, MS

Site: Tampa VA

REC: Brent Concklin

RSS: Tina Barton

Region 6

SC, GA

Site: Camp Lejeune

REC: Kasey Timberlake

RSS: Beth Yoho

Region 5

NC, TN

Site: Fort Bragg

REC: Jessica Conard 

RSS: Donna Dennis 

Region 2 

PA, OH, KY

Site: Fort Belvoir, VA

REC: Pam Sjolinder 

RSS: Teresa Burke

Region 1

ME, NH, CT, CT, RI, MA, NY, NJ

DVBIC Site: Boston VAMC

REC: TBD (Heather- coverage)

RSS: TBD (Elizabeth- coverage)

Region 3

MD, DE, DC

Site: WRNMMC

REC: Heather Kopf

RSS: Elizabeth Pletcher

Region 8

ND, SD, MN, WI, MI, 

NE, IA, IL, IN, KS, MS

Site: Minneapolis VA

REC: Justin Hessakker

RSS: Sarah Schettler

Region 11

MT, ID, WY, UT, CO, NM

Site: Fort Carson

REC: Robin Wininger, Tami Clark

RSS: Tina Fanello

Region 15

Europe

Site: LRMC

REC: Lakisha Ross-Mitchell

RSS: Melissa Andrews

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

Regional Education Coordinator and Recovery 

Support Specialist Catchment Areas

Region 4

VA, WV

Site: Richmond VA

REC: Randy Gross

RSS: Carolyn Donahue

Region 10

TX

Site: JBSA

REC: Toni McCall

RSS: Harold Thibodeaux

Region 14 

AK, HI

Site: JBER

REC: Patty Raymond-Turner

RSS: Renee Reardon

AZ

CA

NV

UT

WA

OR

AR

LA

OK

TX

MO

AK

KS

WY

CO

ID

MT

NC

GA

SC

KY

TN

MI

FL

MS AL

IL

HI

IN

IA

SD

VA

WV

OH

DE DC

MD

NE PA NJ

MA NH VT

ME

CT

RI

WI NY

MN

ND

NM

How RECs Impact Our Service Members,Veterans and Families

JAN 2015-MAR 2015 APR 2015-JUN 2015 JUL 2015-SEP 2015 OCT 2015-DEC 2015

Events* Audience** Events* Audience** Events* Audience** Events* Audience**

1,503 89,892 1,174 64,683 1,232 63,754 1,328 79,734

* Education, outreach, training

** Service members, veterans, families, 

providers, community member

EDUCATION
40

Chief of Staff

U.S. Army Reserve drill sergeants Maurice Tucker, of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Kristina Martinelli of 

Columbia, S.C. - both Sgts. 1st Class with Company B., 1st Bn., 321st Inf. Reg. - case the colors after a 

change of command ceremony at Fort Jackson, June 13, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar)

CHIEF OF STAFF
41

Capt. H. Charles Cathlin

Chief of Staff

Capt. H. Charles Cathlin directs the Office of the Chief of Staff, which 

is responsible for the operational and administrative support functions 

of DVBIC and its 15 network sites, to include personnel, budgeting, 

communications, strategic planning, and logistics.

Capt. Cathlin has served for over 20 years as a military and commissioned 

corps officer and has earned decorations for accomplishments while deployed 

to the Middle East (Operation Southern Watch), Albania (Kosovo War), 

Mozambique (Operation Atlas Response), New York (9/11 attacks), and the 

Gulf Coast Region and Texas for hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Gustav. 

Prior to DVBIC, Capt. Cathlin served as chief of the Radiology, 

Anesthesiology, and Neurology Devices Branch at the FDA, where he was 

responsible for regulating the design, manufacturing, and marketing of 

complex medical devices. He also served as an Air Force bioenvironmental 

engineer and was responsible for managing occupational health, 

environmental, and radiation safety programs. 

Capt. Cathlin received his Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental 

engineering from the U.S Air Force Academy and his master’s of public 

health from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Samantha Finstad, Ph.D.

Chief, Strategy Plans, and Programs

Dr. Samantha Finstad is the chief of the Strategy, Plans, and Programs 

section in the office of the Chief of Staff. She joined DVBIC in October 2015 

and works with leadership to set and implement strategic and organizational 

goals, while ensuring alignment to the mission. Before joining DVBIC, she 

worked at the National Cancer Institute and brings extensive experience 

in science planning, program evaluation and scientific writing. Dr. Finstad 

received her doctorate in molecular and cellular biology from Tulane 

University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess 

Medical Center at Harvard Medical School.

CHIEF OF STAFF
42

2015 Selected Chief of Staff Achievements

The office of the Chief of Staff provides internal support to advance DVBIC top priorities, assuring infrastructure, 

regulatory compliance, and financial accountability is in line with DCoE guidance, the DVBIC mission and DVBIC 

strategic direction. The office of the chief of staff is comprised of three sections:

■ Strategy, Plans and Programs enables DVBIC to achieve its strategic goals and increase its effectiveness and 

efficiencies through quality management and assurance, and deliberately planned, organization-wide efforts. 

■ Business Operations manages personnel, logistics and office management, business and administrative services 

and executes partnership agreements. .

■ Communications and Technology provides internal and external communications, public affairs, writing and 

editing services, graphics design, web content and design, social media, video and photography, TBI technology and 

IT support. 

For the answer, go to the DVBIC 

Facebook page, https://www.

facebook.com/DVBICpage/

photos/ 

Business Operations

■ Executed seven DVBIC network site support agreements

■ Completed the DVBIC Manpower Concept Plan

CHIEF OF STAFF

Strategy, Plans and Programs

■ Welcomed Dr. Samantha Finstad as chief of the Strategy, Plans and Programs unit 

■ Streamlined the Institutional Review Board process for DVBIC and DCoE studies and initiated 

research determinations capability

■ Planned and developed the DVBIC mission essential task list 

■ Executed the DVBIC internal training program

Communications 

and Technology

■ Led the effort to revitalize DVBIC’s web presence through 

updating the website

■ Launched DVBIC social media initiatives, including Facebook 

and Twitter

■ Created the TBI Technology internal quarterly newsletter, “TBI 

Tech Watch”

■ Participated in the video filming of TBI Champions for the 

“A Head for the Future” website campaign, Norfolk, Virginia, 

planned for 2016
43

Connect with us!

To fulfill its mission to serve its target audience, DVBIC connects with service members, veterans, families, 

caregivers and health care providers. “In order to connect and participate in the conversation about TBI,” said 

DVBIC’s social media specialist Nina Corin, “we need to be where our target audiences are, on the social media 

platforms that they are on.” 

According to Pew Research, nearly two-thirds of American adults (65 percent) use social networking sites. One 

fifth of Americans are online “almost constantly,” while 73 percent of Americans go online daily. Facebook 

remains the most popular social media site (72 percent of online American adults use Facebook). 

DVBIC’s Facebook page launched in 2015. Click on the link to connect with us:

https://www.facebook.com/DVBICpage.

Two of Our Most Engaging Facebook Posts from 2015

CHIEF OF STAFF
44
45

Network
46

Network Site Reports

DVBIC supports 15 care and treatment sites nationwide through a DoD-funded collaboration with the VA. The 

network sites conduct clinical research, educate service members, medical personnel and caregivers, and consolidate 

and report all DoD TBI-related incidence and prevalence data.

To find out more, go to http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/locations.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, 

Anchorage, Alaska 

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Mild Traumatic Brain 

Injury Clinic is DVBIC’s sole Air Force-based TBI facility. DVBIC 

JBER uses state-of-the-science diagnostic and rehabilitative equipment 

and complementary interventions, such as acupuncture and restorative 

yoga, to provide holistic care to a population of more than 166,000 

beneficiaries, including active-duty service members, retirees and 

dependents. The site includes medical, clinical, administrative, and 

education/prevention-based staff. 

 In 2015, DVBIC JBER received over 300 new patient referrals during 

the year and accomplished 5,500 total patient visits, resulting in a 98 

percent return-to-duty rate. The clinic led the base-wide Automated 

Neuropsychological Assessment Metric (ANAM) screening of more than 

500 service members and civilians prior to deployment. 

The recovery support specialist assisted 35 service members, veterans, and their family members during their care 

transition, as well as 139 patients enrolled in the JBER clinic. The regional education coordinator reached 9,366 

service members, veterans, family members, providers, local law enforcement, education professionals and community 

organizations by sharing information about TBI prevention, screening and care. 

DVBIC REC Patricia Raymond staffs the 

DVBIC exhibit at the 2015 Alaska Brain 

Institute annual conference on Nov. 4, 2015. 

(Photo courtesy of Patricia Raymond)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
47

Camp Pendleton, California 

DVBIC Camp Pendleton works collaboratively with Navy Hospital Camp Pendleton Concussion Care Clinic to 

provide optimal clinical care and education to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1MEF) and other service members 

at Camp Pendleton. 

DVBIC spearheads clinical research initiatives involving traumatic brain injury specifically focused on epidemiology, 

the impact of repetitive sub-concussive blast exposures and the chronic neurobehavioral impact of brain injury. In 

2015, DVBIC Camp Pendleton’s research program contributed to multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications as well 

as numerous national presentations for medical professionals and the military.

Clinically, DVBIC supports the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton with various treatment providers to include social 

workers, neuropsychologists, and physicians, who evaluate and treat injured Marines through specialized TBI 

assessments, patient/family education, acupuncture and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. The recovery 

support specialist assists service members and veterans with TBI as they transition from the Department of Defense to 

the VA Health Care System. 

Camp Pendleton has an extremely active education outreach program. In 2015, DVBIC Camp Pendleton conducted 

209 educational events that reached over 17,000 people and an annual TBI symposium that provides education to 

military physicians and other treatment providers on the latest advances in the clinical treatment of brain injury. 

DVBIC Camp Pendleton plays a key role providing the TBI annual training requirements for Marines and Navy 

Health Services Support Personnel assigned to 1MEF to include the corpsman providing in-field medical care.

DVBIC research staff recently completed a study manual for researchers and clinicians based on the “Study of Cognitive 

Rehabilitation Effectiveness” (SCORE). SCORE team members in a lighthearted moment spelled out S-C-O-R-E. (Photo 

courtesy of DVBIC staff)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
48

Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California

DVBIC at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) works collaboratively with the Office of Neurotrauma/ 

NAVMED West and TBI Clinical Services at NMCSD to provide an array of clinical services, including TBI screening, 

evaluation and patient/family education, neuropsychological assessment, duty status determination and consultation 

services. DVBIC at NMCSD also conducts state-of-the-science research examining various aspects of TBI, such as 

mechanisms of injury from blasts, the relationships of cumulative blast exposure and interval of blast exposure to central 

nervous system pathology and neurocognitive function, and the impact of TBI on aggression. Staff continue to drive 

DVBIC’s congressionally mandated studies, while also developing, researching and publishing TBI-related protocols and 

manuscripts. 

DVBIC at NMCSD coordinates care for TBI patients and provides extensive educational services. The regional education 

coordinator gained visibility throughout the year by facilitating 173 education and training events reaching over 28,000 

stakeholders. Included in these extensive outreach and education efforts were the hosting of the second Annual TBI 

Symposium at NMCSD and an all-encompassing outreach campaign to Hawaii. 

(From left to right) DVBIC REC Angela Basham at NMCSD; Ann 

Ballasidney, TBI nurse case manager at NMSCD; Bob Woodruff, 

former ABC World News Tonight anchor; and Lt. Cmdr. Lynita 

Mullins, TBI medical director at NMCSD at the Scripps Health Brain 

Injury Rehabilitation Conference March 13, 2015. (U.S. Navy photo 

courtesy of Angela Basham) NETWORK SITE REPORTS
49

Fort Carson, Colorado

DVBIC Fort Carson resides within the Evans Army Community Hospital’s Warrior Recovery Center and Soldier 

Readiness Center. Fort Carson is a large Army post with continuing deployment cycles and is an ideal site for extending 

DVBIC’s mission. DVBIC supports this site with two regional education coordinators, a recovery support specialist and 

a research team. The RECs were able to reach out to nearly 16,000 participants in educational presentations and events. 

The RSS provided invaluable resources and ongoing support to service members and veterans in transition. 

DVBIC at Fort Carson provided clinical expertise, database and statistical support to quality improvement initiatives 

through the Outcome Measures Project. Research studies at Fort Carson, in collaboration with DVBIC headquarters and 

Fort Bragg, examine deployment-related mTBI in soldiers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi 

Freedom and to look at posttraumatic stress disorder and TBI (in collaboration with the Denver VA Medical Center). In 

addition, two other studies have tested new technologies, interactive metronome and global z-score neurofeedback, and 

reported benefits in treating cognitive impairments after TBI.

DVBIC National Director Col. Sidney Hinds visits 

the Fort Carson TBI Center with Fort Carson DVBIC 

Director, Cmdr. Renee Pazdan, left, and Senior 

Clinical Research Director, Dr. Margaret McDonald. 

(Photo courtesy of Col. Hinds)

Fort Carson REC Robin Wininger, presents 

in July at the Warrior Symposium at Buckley 

Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado. (Photo 

courtesy of Connie Roy)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
50

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, 

Landstuhl, Germany

The mission of the Traumatic Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Clinic 

at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) is to increase cultural 

awareness and understanding of traumatic brain injury. The TBI clinic 

evaluates all military personnel, civilians (DoD and contractors) and 

coalition military partners returning from theater of operations before 

returning to duty and cares for service members, veterans, family 

members and other dependents experiencing TBIs. The TBI clinic 

provides service members, veterans, family members and community 

members with the latest educational information 

about traumatic brain injury. 

DVBIC opened its first formal European site in 2015, beginning with 

the placement of a recovery support specialist. The RSS actively reaches 

out to patients and family members in the European theater to provide 

advice and support, connecting service members and veterans who 

have sustained a TBI, their family members and caregivers to TBI and 

psychological health support services, as well as other medical and 

non-medical resources. The RSS helps ease patient transitions that are 

particularly challenging between overseas treatment facilities within 

Europe and military duty stations or veteran status in the United States. 

The Landstuhl RMC DVBIC Network Site 

hosted a TBI/DVBIC education table at the 

Warrior Care Month Wheelchair Basketball 

Tournament, left, at Ramstein Air Force 

Base. DVBIC TBI recovery support specialist 

Melissa Andrews, above right, provides 

educational information and support during 

the tournament. (Photos courtesy of Lorrie 

Cappellino)

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center honorary REC Lorrie Cappellino, far right, attended the 2015 Central European 

Football Camp in Ansbach, Germany, where 283 athletes and 47 coaches from Germany, England, Italy, Spain, France 

and Austria were joined to provide concussion education by “HeadsUp Football” and “USA Football” guest coaches 

Michael Hayes and Chad Hester. Pictured in photo: (left to right) Camp Conditioning Coach Lin Hairstone, Trevir 

Miller, Glen Alexander Jr., Jaylen Bussey, Jeremiah Champ, Andre Fields, Jordan Hodson, Jakob Stenbeck, Austin 

Khidsukhum, and LRMC TBI Nurse Educator Lorrie Cappellino. (U.S. Army Photo)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
51

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, 

Maryland

The DVBIC site at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) undertakes clinical research, ensures 

clinical care and develops educational programs in coordination with other DVBIC sites and the overall TBI program 

at the hospital. In 2015, TBI care on the WRNMMC campus was formally integrated with the assets of the National 

Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) Institute. This new partnership is further supported by the assets of the Uniformed 

Services University of the Health Sciences (“America’s Medical 

School”) and partnerships with the National Institutes of Health. 

This unity of effort has advanced care options for patients and boosted 

research expertise.

In 2015, WRNMMC saw tremendous growth in the 15-year studies; 

the 15-year study team currently has 24 positions. From the 

beginning of the 15-year studies through the end of 2015, the 

team published 57 manuscripts and conducted 66 conference 

presentations. The Natural History Comprehensive Pathway had 

557 consented participants and conducted 301 baseline evaluations; 

the Brief Pathway had 656 consented participants and completed 

384 baseline evaluations. The Caregiver Study had 362 consented 

participants and conducted 276 baseline evaluations. The TBICare Quality of Life Development Study completed the military 

focus groups and developed the military items, completed cognitive 

interviews on the general items and started field testing the general 

items. The Natural History Brief and Caregiver Studies expanded 

recruitment to Naval Medical Center San Diego and Camp 

Pendleton and hired a research assistant at both sites. 

The National Institutes of Health sub-award for the TBI-Care Quality of 

Life Development Study was finalized between the University of Michigan and General Dynamics Information Technology. 

In 2015, the Brain Fitness Centers at WRNMMC and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital had 2,334 patient visits, 

which include visits from 271 new patients in 2015. Of those, 92 patients are still active. This year, the WRNMMC 

Brain Fitness Center initiated a four-class mind-body seminar and expanded heart rate variability biofeedback training. 

The center staff also presented two posters and were invited to speak at many local and national venues. This care 

option for patients has brought significant attention to WRNMMC efforts to improve cognition and functioning. 

This expertise has been increasingly sought out by psychiatry, oncology and neurosurgery at the hospital.

Maj. Michelle Mummers (Ret.), who had 

sustained a TBI, tells her story about why 

she joined the Marine Corps and why she 

decided to compete in the Warrior Games.

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/408635/

conquering-hills-and-waters#.VliDoBHlvIU

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
52

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

DVBIC Camp Lejeune is the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast and plays an important role in the Marine Corps’ 

expeditionary abilities. The base actively maintains combat-ready units for deployment, including the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 

a Marine Air Ground Task Force of 47,000 Marines and sailors. Several training schools are housed at Camp Lejeune, including 

Camp Geiger, the Marine Corps School of Infantry, East; and Camp Johnson, the Marine Corps Combat Service Support School. 

Camp Lejeune, with its various satellite camps, housing, training areas and New River Air Station is the largest concentration of 

Marines and sailors in the world. 

In 2015, Camp Lejeune Intrepid Spirit Concussion Recovery Center provided services for 496 Marines and sailors for a total of 

3,408 since the center opened in October 2013. The center uses a 16-week interdisciplinary approach that includes a combination of 

traditional and adjunct therapies and incorporates the service member’s family throughout the recovery process. 

The regional education coordinator reached more than 14,250 service members, families, providers, veterans, and other stakeholders 

through TBI presentations and displays. In July, the REC provided DVBIC and TBI information at the Marine Corps Air Station 

Cherry Point Automated Neurological Assessment Metric (ANAM) screening. The recovery support specialist carried one of the 

largest caseloads with over 140 patients and covered a catchment area over three states. 

The Camp Lejeune research team is participating with DVBIC on planning an upcoming study on post-traumatic 

headache clinical recommendations and will be one of the study sites. The research team also worked on the following 

protocols: 

■ “Novel Approaches to the Analysis of Clinic and MRI Data in Marines with a History of Possible mTBI,” in 

partnership with the University of Pennsylvania

■ “Discovery and Validation of Peripheral Biomarkers of Traumatic Brain Injury” in conjunction with Georgetown 

University

■ “An Outcome Evaluation of Alpha Stimulation Therapy on Active Duty Service Members with a Concussion History”

■ “Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-based Group Therapy (MBGT) Integrative Restoration (iRest) for Active Duty 

Personnel with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) in an Outpatient Clinic”

■ “A Comparison of Traditional and Battlefield Acupuncture 

for Treatment of Headache Pain in a Military Population with 

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,” in conjunction with University of 

Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania

■ “A Prospective Study of Neurologic Effects Associated with 

Repetitive Low level Blast exposure (RLLBE) in Unit Level 

Training (ULT),” in partnership with Princeton Neuroscience 

Institute and Wayne State University

Camp Lejeune procured a 2015 grant for a comparative study of 

headache treatments, particularly battlefield acupuncture, which 

was submitted in November to DVBIC and DCoE for review.

Julie Minich-Castro, a nurse practitioner in 

the Department of Brain Injury Medicine 

at Womack Army Medical Center, informs 

an unidentified service member about TBI. 

(U.S. Army photo by Jordan Ramirez, 

DVBIC regional education coordinator)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
53

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

DVBIC Fort Bragg functions as part of the Department of Brain 

Injury Medicine at Womack Army Medical Center, which serves 

the largest beneficiary population in the Army. The site conducts 

clinical research, supports clinical care and case management, and 

engages in educational outreach programs.

 The site continued enrollment in a Phase II clinical trial for an 

investigational medication to treat concussion. Additionally, 

DVBIC Fort Bragg staff developed a multi-site protocol in 

conjunction with DVBIC headquarters, Naval Medical Center 

San Diego, and Camp Pendleton to investigate DVBIC’s 

Progressive Return to Activity clinical recommendation guidelines. 

Researchers anticipate enrollment to begin in early 2016. 

DVBIC staff received an AMEDD Advanced Medical Technology 

Initiative grant to investigate technical aspects of computerized 

neurocognitive testing. Dissemination efforts continue with 

previously completed studies, such as the Head to Head study, 

which compared computer-based cognitive tests to traditional pencil 

and paper tests, and the CONTACT study, which investigated a 

telephone-based problem solving treatment for service members 

injured on deployment. These studies contribute to a larger program 

of research investigating the evaluation, treatment and epidemiology 

of TBI. 

The clinical care team assisted nearly 400 soldiers. DVBIC Fort 

Bragg’s recovery support specialist monitored patient progress and 

provided consultation and resources for service members, veterans 

and their families in the expanded catchment area of North Carolina 

and Tennessee. The regional education coordinator reached thousands 

of stakeholders through outreach efforts, including during Brain Injury Awareness Month. Both staff members attended 

monthly meetings and made a DVBIC presentation at the North Carolina Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service 

Members and their Families. The working group facilitates collaboration and coordination among all federal, state and local 

agency partners that touch a veteran’s life in the state of North Carolina.

Fort Bragg in the News

The Army and Fort Bragg are making another 

progressive move by opening a new behavioral health 

clinic that’s expected to serve 10,000 soldiers each year.

The key to success for the West Bragg Embedded 

Behavioral Health Clinic, and for the soldiers it will 

serve, may be because of its neighborhood address.

Instead of building the outpatient clinic around the 

central health-care hub of Womack Army Medical 

Center, officials intentionally put it in another area, 

renovating an old dining hall squarely in the vicinity 

of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat 

Team.

It’s all about location, as they say in real estate. It’s also 

about battling stigma, as experts on behavioral and 

mental issues will tell you.

Bring the help closer to the soldiers where they work. 

Don’t push them out of their comfort zone even more by 

requiring them to head over toward the giant Womack 

complex. “If it’s hard to get to, then it’s easy not to do 

it,” said Col. Jay Earles, chief of the Department of 

Behavioral Health at Womack.

[edited for space] Posted: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 12:00 

am, fayobserver.com editorial (Fayetteville Observer)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
54

Fort Hood, Texas

DVBIC Fort Hood serves the continental United States’ largest deploying base population. The program works in 

conjunction with the TBI clinic in providing direct and indirect patient care to soldiers as well as providing education to 

active duty, National Guard, Reserve, family members and clinical staff. 

In 2015, the DVBIC staff increased with an additional three full-time personnel: a physiatrist to work in the TBI clinic 

and two research personnel. The REC continues to lead annual and pre-deployment concussion/mTBI training for troops 

at Fort Hood and engages in outreach to family members, veterans and civilian clinical practitioners who treat the service 

members. Educational efforts also included direct outreach to veterans in the local community’s veterans’ center. These 

education efforts reached 12,285 individuals this year.

An unidentified service member viewed DVBIC educational materials during Brain Injury Awareness Month 2015. (U.S. 

Army photo courtesy of Jordan Ramirez, DVBIC REC)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
55

San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center have been involved in 

the TBI initiative since DVBIC’s inception by Congress in 1991. Staff participate in clinical research, provide clinical care, 

and develop educational programs. 

In 2015, the DVBIC regional education coordinator reached more than 4,500 health care providers, veterans, service 

members, families and community stakeholders through educational presentations and outreach events. The DVBIC 

recovery support specialist completed over 250 patient follow-ups, ensuring that patients have access to the care and 

resources they need. 

SAMMC research staff reported the findings for the “Study of Cognitive Rehabilitation Effectiveness,” known 

as SCORE, at the VA Polytrauma System of Care: New Perspectives in TBI Rehabilitation Annual Conference, 

College Park, Maryland; Military Health System Research Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; meeting of 

the Office of The Surgeon General Clinician Manual for Cognitive Rehabilitation, San Diego, California; and the 

American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine conference in Dallas, Texas. In addition, staff have prepared and 

submitted several publications for the “Imaging Study of Cognitive 

Rehabilitation Effectiveness,” known as iSCORE, and other studies. 

Site researchers continued to build research portfolios to improve 

the lives of those who have suffered a TBI. 

The clinical care team screened 798 patients at inpatient, outpatient and 

post-deployment settings and provided treatment on 165 occasions.

SAMMC regional education coordinator 

Tonisha McCall distributes information 

about TBI to an unidentified visitor during 

Brain Injury Awareness Month at Fort Sam 

Houston, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Maria 

C. Barrera, Army & Air Force Exchange 

Service)

SAMMC REC Tonisha McCall presents 

concussion awareness education, “mTBI: 

Helping Soldiers Follow Their Treatment 

Plan” Warrior Transition Cadre Training, 

in July at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. (Photo 

courtesy of Truitt “Dwight” Stewart)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
56

Fort Belvoir, Virginia

The Fort Belvoir DVBIC site is a fully integrated part of the Intrepid Spirit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for comprehensive 

evaluation and treatments for those who sustained traumatic brain injury. The site offers clinical care services using 16 

disciplines — music therapy is the newest addition — addressing medical, psychological, social and spiritual issues in 

patients with TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder. The center has averaged 600 new patient evaluations and over 20,000 

patient visits in 2015. 

The DVBIC research portfolio grew to 12 research protocols, including interventional trials, and epidemiological research 

with collaborations from multiple institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, Harvard Medical School, 

Kessler Foundation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CRNM), 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and others. Fort Belvoir was nominated as one of the sites for DVBIC’s 15-

year longitudinal study and became the only DoD site in the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC). Staff 

members have been invited to present research studies at national and international conferences, including NIH, DoD and 

individual specialty conferences. 

The educational program included outreach throughout the DoD and community centers with several providers presenting 

in prominent national and international venues. DVBIC Fort Belvoir staff look forward to continuing and expanding on 

these great activities in the coming year.

TBI forum participants browse resources. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of 

Mass Communications Specialist First Class Christopher Krucke)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
57

VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California

DVBIC Palo Alto has been a fundamental part of the success of VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPHCS) and 

continues to make a significant impact on clinical research, care coordination and education and outreach. DVBIC 

Palo Alto supports the Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) and collaborates with national, regional and local community 

centers and stakeholders.

 In 2015, the research team saw growth in the “Prospective Clinical Tracking Form Study” (CTF). Enrollment in the study 

reached 370 participants, with 80 participants enrolled during 2015. The team presented a CTF poster at the October 

American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine conference in Dallas, Texas, and submitted a manuscript publication.  

The Long-Term Outcomes (LTO) project team published a manuscript in the journal Brain Injury summarizing the 

successes and challenges participants experienced five or more years after a moderate or severe TBI. Of note, most 

participants were active in work or school, although participants 

experienced numerous problems, such as cognitive symptoms 

and difficulties with activities of daily living. The most common 

service needs were for help with memory and for information about 

available services. Participants with psychological health issues 

and those alienated from their community had difficulty getting 

their needs addressed. A second LTO manuscript is scheduled for 

submission for publication.

DVBIC Palo Alto staff expanded its research collaboration with 

the PSC through work on the study “Improved Understanding of 

Medical and Psychological Needs in Veterans and Service Members 

with Chronic TBI,” known as I-MaP. Further, DVBIC/PSC research 

staff submitted a manuscript for publication for the women and TBI 

study titled, “The Differing Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury between 

Female and Male Veterans.” The research team continues to work on 

innovative studies, such as adding neuroimaging to the CTF study to 

understand the functional and structural changes that occur in the 

brain throughout the course of recovery.

DVBIC staff hosted the 5th Annual TBI Research Forum on March 

27, gathering over 130 researchers and clinicians to network, present 

clinical updates and increase awareness of recent innovations in 

TBI research. Staff presented 22 posters that represented abstracts 

submitted from a wide region, including large academic and 

community hospitals. The recovery support specialist (RSS) hosted a 

DVBIC Education Booth.

Palo Alto has served over 700 service members and veterans, administering care coordination services through the 

Recovery Support Program. The RSS expanded a network of providers and a point of contact list that enhances care 

coordination within the RSS region, leveraging community partnerships, identifying areas of potential outreach, and 

professionally improving social work credentials by obtaining master level licensure

Palo Alto has hosted, exhibited or supported over 300 local, regional and national educational events that support 

clinical providers, service members, veterans and their families. Highlights from this year include:

• In March, the RSS hosted TBI Brain Injury Awareness outreach table at VA Palo Alto for TBI Awareness Month, 

with over 130 service providers and veterans in attendance.

• In April, the RSS attended an event at Moffett Airfield, to host a DVBIC outreach table for their military child 

event. The goal of the event was to raise awareness about bicycle/helmet safety and celebrate military children. 

More than 100 military families, children, and community partners attended the event.

• In June, the RSS hosted a DVBIC table at the 2nd Annual Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness 

Month event at Menlo Park VHA National Center for PTSD. The goal was to raise awareness about TBI/PTSD 

comorbidity and provide DVBIC TBI services/information to more than 30 veterans who attended this event.

• In October, the REC and RSS presented a DVBIC exhibit table at VA Palo Alto in support of Disability Awareness 

Day. This event was sponsored by VAPAHCS People with Disabilities Special Emphasis Program. The event 

provided education resources and information concerning how veterans with disabilities can adapt and overcome 

personal challenges.

Margaret MacDonald, M.D., BCN, 

DVBIC clinical research director, Fort 

Carson Warrior Recovery Center, presents 

“The Role of Integrative Medicine in the 

Treatment of TBI” at the Palo Alto 5th 

Annual TBI Research Forum. At left is 

Stephen Ezeji-Okoye, M.D., deputy chief 

of staff, VAPAHCS, and integrative health 

coordinator, Patient Care Services. At right 

is James Hallenbeck, M.D., associate chief 

of staff, Extended Care VAPAHCS, and 

associate professor of medicine, Stanford 

University. (Photo courtesy of Joe Mathews, 

VAPAHCS)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
58

VA Medical Center, Tampa, Florida

James A. Haley Veterans Hospital houses DVBIC Tampa. The hospital is an acute and tertiary medical center that 

serves the largest number of veterans in the nation. The VA Polytrauma/TBI program is an integrated system of care 

that provides the highest level of comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical and rehabilitative services for all 

levels of TBI as well as the most complex and severely injured. The new James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Polytrauma 

and Rehabilitation Center is a state-of-the-science facility that provides comprehensive, compassionate, high-quality 

interdisciplinary care to patients and their families. The site undertakes clinical research, ensures clinical care, and develops 

educational programs in coordination with other DVBIC sites and locations.

The research staff has been busy this year with the TBI Model Systems and the “Improved Understanding of Mental and 

Psychological Needs in Veterans and Service Members with Chronic TBI” protocol, or I-MaP. Tampa has enrolled over 

360 patients. Research staff are also embedded in the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC) study and 

have enrolled over 65 patients. 

A focus group, involving caregivers of veterans with severe TBI complicated by disorders of consciousness, initiated a 

change in direction in early 2015 for the SmartHome project. Since March, new assessment tools have been created to 

attempt to capture the needs of caregivers for this specific patient population. Two new SmartHomes are up and running 

in the Tampa Bay area, with another three in the queue. The caregivers have been reporting high rates of satisfaction and 

success since having the new technology in their homes. In September, the SmartHome project received funding for Fiscal 

Year 2016. Additionally, the findings that came out of the focus group were presented in October as a poster session at the 

annual American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) conference in Dallas, Texas. Plans for further assessment 

of caregiver needs, as well as behaviors of those veterans with severe TBI complicated by disorders of consciousness will be 

further investigated with the SmartHome project over the next year. 

The regional education coordinator delivered or facilitated 156 education events, including Yellow Ribbon Events, reaching 

6,100 service members, civilian and DoD care providers, veterans and family members.

The TBI recovery support specialist provided regular follow-up to Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/

Operation New Dawn service members or veterans who screened positive for TBI regardless of injury location. This followup included assessments and facilitating connections to direct service providers who could meet the patient’s needs.

The RSS and REC, along with the neuropsychologist, continued involvement in an initiative at MacDill Air Force Base 

6th Medical Group providing a crosswalk of services available at James A. Haley VA to meet the needs for active duty 

service members with TBI. This year, the MacDill Air Force Base 6th Medical Group received the 2015 Annual Air Force 

Medical Squadron Award presented by Gen. Kory Cornum for unique collaboration between DVBIC, Tampa VA and 6th 

Medical Group for TBI assessment and care.

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
59

VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis DVBIC is located within the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System (MVAHCS), a 

Department of Veterans Affairs VISN-23 tertiary care referral center and location of one of the five VA Polytrauma 

Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs). The DVBIC personnel at the Minneapolis VAHCS undertake clinical investigative 

research, care coordination, and education.

New to the position in September, the regional education coordinator coordinated meetings within the Minneapolis 

VA Polytrauma/Traumatic Brain Injury Social Work team to determine current level of organizational relationships 

and foster cohesion between the VA Polytrauma/TBI System of Care and DVBIC.  In addition, the REC attended 

and collaborated with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance at their Interagency Leadership Council meeting; provided 

information on DVBIC’s role at the VA Medical Center; disseminated materials on TBI awareness; and contacted 

community agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Human 

Services TBI Advisory Committee. 

Other outreach included distribution of DVBIC information at recreational therapy events; participation as an 

exhibitor at the Minneapolis VA Caregiver Appreciation Day; and visits to the local veterans centers, communitybased outpatient clinics, and University of Minnesota Disability Resource Center. The REC collaborated with several 

other RECs nationwide to enhance a relationship with members of Special Operations Forces, their commands, and 

organizations, such as the Special Operations Medical Association, to provide optimal outreach and education for this 

community and their families.

The TBI recovery support specialist worked to optimize clients’ engagement, treatment and recovery from TBI by 

providing recovery support and connecting care and resources to the military and veterans’ communities and their 

members recovering from TBI throughout the 11-state region. The RSS conducted regular needs assessments, provided 

follow-up consultations, helped facilitate connections to TBI care and 

resources for active duty service members, veterans and their families 

impacted by brain injury, and consulted with providers on behalf of 

clients served by the program.

The research program at DVBIC Minneapolis continues to grow. 

Staff developed strong research collaborations locally and nationally 

to include numerous groups within the Minneapolis VA, as well 

as the Iowa City and Palo Alto VAs and Ohio State University. 

The research team developed novel intervention-focused research 

protocols that address TBI and comorbid conditions.

The research team recruited and assessed patients for two 

ongoing studies: “Longitudinal, Multi-Domain Assessment of 

Neurodegeneration in Veterans” and “Enhancing Cognitive Control 

Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.” Additional staff aid 

in the execution of four new approved projects: “Deep Transcranial 

Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder 

in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,” “Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Medication Refractory Depression in 

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,” “Retinal Imaging with Adaptive Optics for Early Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury 

(TBI),” and “Visual Sensory Impairments and Progression Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.”

Research Coordinator, Molly Gierke, staffs 

a DVBIC table at the Minneapolis VA 

Wellness Fair in June 2015. (Photo courtesy 

of Carolyn Gentz)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
60

VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia

Richmond DVBIC research staff produced publications or presentations on symptom trajectories, pain, mental health 

conditions after blast (featured in the VA research newsletter), mTBI and posttraumatic stress disorder effects on balance, 

insomnia and TBI, structured interview for mTBI diagnosis, and diagnostic accuracy of a PTSD checklist.

One of the posters displayed at the 2015 National Capital Area TBI 

Research Symposium included “Brain Volume Changes in Veterans 

with mTBI,” which won best poster by a graduate student. Other 

posters were “Traumatic Stress Studies on Using EEG to Validate PTSD 

Symptom Structure in Vets with mTBI” and “Distinctions in Slow EEG 

Oscillations Between mTBI and PTSD.”

DVBIC research staff attended training conferences for rehabilitation 

nursing and medicine, military and veteran health, and mental health 

and TBI research and clinical care. The research study “Improved 

Understanding of Mental and Psychological Needs in Veterans and 

Service Members with Chronic TBI,” known as I-MaP, was approved. 

Staff finished data collection for “Treatment for Social Competence in 

Military Veterans, Service Members and Civilians with Traumatic Brain 

Injury.”

In March 2015, regional education coordinator Randy Gross was the 

subject of an interview published on the DCoE blog to coincide with 

Brain Injury Awareness Month. The blog received great attention across 

the internet, including multiple DoD Facebook and blog sites. Randy 

was also featured in the DVBIC video series, “A Head for the Future,” in 

December 2015. 

The recovery support specialist presented at the Mid-Atlantic VA/

DoD Collaborative Care Coordination Symposium “Patient-Centered, 

Goal-Directed Care in Acquired Brain Injury,” June 22, 2015, at Hunter 

Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. The symposium focused on 

improving access to appropriate services for TBI care of service members 

and veterans by promoting and enhancing interagency communication, 

networking and collaboration among all DoD and VA care coordinators. The program format and agenda serve as 

potential models for other regions of the VA TBI/Polytrauma System of Care.

The RSS was invited to present with colleagues at DCoE’s 2015 Summit, September 11, 2015, “Transition in Care: A 

Federal Joint Agency Case Management Model.” DVBIC National Director Col. Sidney Hinds presented RSS Carolyn 

Donahue with a Certificate of Appreciation for her commitment to the DVBIC mission. General Dynamics Information 

Technology (General Dynamics Health Solutions) also presented her with a Distinguished Performance Award for her 

efforts to improve the lives of service members, veterans and families affected by TBI

Dr. Brooke Heintz, at left, education network 

coordinator, and Richmond REC Randy Gross, 

give a thumbs up to the DVBIC displays at 

the DoD Warrior Games 2015 in June at the 

Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. 

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Brooke Heintz)

NETWORK SITE REPORTS
61

International Outreach

Capt. Spells and Lt. Cmdr. Gill Deployed to Liberia

Capt. Cynthia Spells and Lt. Cmdr. Ranjodh Gill deployed March 5, 2015, to Liberia as part of the U.S. Public Health 

Service Ebola support mission. Capt. Spells is the Clinical Affairs care coordination chief; she returned to DVBIC June 

1. Lt. Cmdr. Gill is acting Clinical Affairs surveillance chief, Education materials chief, and acting clinical training 

and education chief. He returned to DVBIC May 26. Both returned after mandated quarantine.

Capt. Blankenship Returns from Liberia Deployment

Capt. James Allen Blankenship returned Jan. 12, 2015, after mandated quarantine from Liberia, where he had 

deployed as part of the U.S. Public Health Service Ebola support mission. Capt. Blankenship is DVBIC’s Research 

Division program evaluation chief and VA/Sexual Harassment-Assault Response and Prevention coordinator. 

National Director Lectures, Visits Germany, Spain and Italy

Col. Sidney Hinds, DVBIC national director, presented “Managing TBI for U.S. Service Members and Their Families: 

A Pathway of Care” at the Mental Health and Mild TBI Workshop organized by the U.S. Army Europe Regional 

Medical Command and the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine in Ramstein, Germany. The workshop 

organizers collected best practices, exchanged experiences and suggested future areas of exploration. The national 

director also conducted a site assistance visit to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center DVBIC site in Landstuhl, 

Germany. 

In May, Col. Hinds lectured at the Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation course at Landstuhl, Germany, and 

conducted site assistance visits and TBI training in Rota, Spain, and Naples and Sigonella, Italy.

DVBIC National Director Col. Sidney Hinds presents a DVBIC challenge coin 

and certificate of appreciation to Dr. Scott Swasey, departing DVBIC/TBI director, 

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Juan Rivera)

INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
62
63

Resources
64

A Head for the Future

Public Awareness Campaign

“Military readiness can make you 

physically and mentally strong, 

but an extreme approach to work 

and play puts you at greater risk 

of getting a concussion.”

DVBIC created the A Head for the Future initiative 

to raise awareness and lower the risk of concussion.

How? By spreading the word about signs, symptoms 

and treatment of brain injuries and educating service 

members and veterans about how to prevent them.

We’re talking to you – military families, line leaders, 

health care providers and caregivers.

The A Head for the Future website explains how to:

■ Prevent a TBI

■ Recognize the symptoms of a TBI

■ Recover from a TBI

■ Care for a TBI patient

This multi-year web and media initiative to promote TBI and 

concussion awareness, prevention and recovery was re-launched in 

2015 with promotional flyers, website redesign, video filming, and 

TBI educational creative materials for target population ages 18-35 

(postcards, posters, TBI champion videos, fact sheets, partnership flyers) 

and other targeted materials for outreach events, including a regional 

education coordinator toolkit. New fact sheets are available at http://

dvbic.dcoe.mil/aheadforthefuture/materials. Visit the A Head for the 

Future website at http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/aheadforthefuture.

RESOURCES
65

MYTH

TBIs in the military occur most often in combat.

FACT

The majority of TBIs treated by military physicians 

are diagnosed in noncombat settings.

MYTH

Blasts are the number one cause of military TBIs.

FACT

Motor vehicle collisions — crashes on motorcycles 

or cars — account for the majority of TBIs in the 

military.* Most of these injuries are preventable.

*Department of Defense Medical 

Surveillance Monthly Report, Vol. 20, 

No. 3, March 2013, “External causes of 

traumatic brain injury, 2000-2011”

MYTH

There are limited treatment options for concussions 

and TBI.

FACT

Through innovative treatment and your military or 

civilian health care providers, recovery from brain 

injury is more attainable than ever before.

RESOURCES
66

Practitioner and 

Patient Resources

Crisis Intervention (24/7)

Department of Veterans Affairs, Military and Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8255, press 1 

Safety Announcement

DVBIC posted a safety announcement on its website in January, modifying the sleep medication dosage in the 

Concussion Management Algorithm in the Deployed Setting (v. 4.0; 2012) to reflect updated FDA guidelines. The 

label change specifies new dosage recommendations for zolpidem products (i.e., Ambien and Ambien extended release) 

because of the known risk of next-morning impairment with these drugs. 

Read more at http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/medical-dosage-guidance-update.

Recovery Support Program link

The RSP brochure and 2015 fact sheet are free and downloadable from 

dvbic.dcoe.mil/tbi-recovery-support-program. 

For the fact sheet, click on http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/sites/default/files/DVBIC_TBI_

Recovery-Support-Program_FactSheet_2015-02-19.pdf.

Web Resources and Products

DVBIC is committed to providing resources on traumatic brain injury to help service 

members, veterans, family members and health care providers. Click on the link to access 

the Resources page: http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/resources. 

Resources include clinical tools such as clinical recommendations, support tools, training 

slides, fact sheets and brochures to support military and civilian health care providers in 

assessing and treating service members and veterans who have sustained a TBI. 

1

A Parent ’s Guide to 

Returning Your Child to 

School After a Concussion

FAM IL IES

Traumatic Brain 

Injury Recovery 

Support Program 

To find a TBI recovery support specialist 

or learn more, visit dvbic.dcoe.mil and 

click on DVBIC Locations, email 

mrmc.dcoe.TBIrecoverysupport@mail.mil 

or call the Defense Centers of Excellence Outreach Center at 866.966.1020.

AZ

CA

NV

UT

WA

OR

AR

LA

OK

TX

MO

AK

KS

WY

CO

ID

MT

NC

GA

SC

KY

TN

MI

FL

MS AL

IL

HI

IN

IA

SD

VA

WV

OH

DE

DC

MD

NE PA NJ

MA NH

VT

ME

CT

RI

WI NY MN

ND

NM

DV BIC TBI Recover y 

Support Program Network

Catchment Regions

ACTIVE DUTY, GUARD & 

RESERVE, VETERANS

U.S. Army photo by

MC1 Sharay Bennett

For more materials or copies:

dvbic.dcoe.mil

Email questions or feedback to 

mrmc.dcoe.TBIrecoverysupport@mail.mil June 2014

DVBIC is the TBI operational component 

of the Defense Centers of Excellence for 

Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

DVBIC is proud to partner with the Army, Navy, Air 

Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on this product.

Why am I dizzy?

Dizziness is one of the symptoms that you may experience after a concussion. 

During the week or two following a concussion, the vast majority of patients 

will recover from their dizziness and other associated symptoms.

There are several possible causes of your dizziness including:

• migraines

• a problem in your inner ear

• an injury to the muscles and nerves in your upper neck

• minor changes in the parts of your brain that control balance

• minor changes in the parts of your brain that control eye movement 

and vision

• a medication side effect

• low blood pressure

• anxiety

What can I do?

• maintain your daily routine

• be physically active but stop if you get dizzy

• minimize alcohol and caffeine

• drink plenty of water

• get plenty of sleep

• talk to your provider about medications and supplements you are taking

• discuss options for treatment with your provider

• keep a dizziness journal following the example below 

and share it with your provider

What is dizziness?

Dizziness may make you feel unsteady and 

like things are moving when they are not. 

Symptoms of dizziness may include:

 • feeling like there is rotation, spinning 

or movement

 • feeling unsteady, like you are losing 

your balance 

 • feeling hazy or like you are about to 

faint/pass out 

What makes you 

dizzy (i.e., position, 

movement, activity)?

How long are you dizzy 

(i.e., seconds, hours)?

What makes you 

feel better?

Is there a certain time 

of day your dizziness 

is worse?

PATIENTS

Head Injury and Dizziness

Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

RESOURCES
PUBLICATIONS 67

2015 Publications and 

Presentations

Publications

Amyot, F., Arciniegas, D.B., Brazaitis, M.P., Curley, K.C., Diaz-Arrastia, R., Gandjbakhche, A., ... Stocker, D. 

(2015). A review of the effectiveness of neuroimaging modalities for the detection of traumatic brain injury. 

Journal of Neurotrauma, 32(22), 1693-721. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/neu.2013.3306

Bailie, J.M., Cole, W.R., Ivins, B., Boyd, C., Lewis, S.C., Neff, J., & Schwab, K. (2015). The experience, 

expression, and control of anger following traumatic brain injury in a military sample. Journal of Head Trauma 

Rehabilitation, 30(1), 12-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000024 

Belanger, H.G., Silva, M.A., Donnell, A.J., McKenzie-Hartman, T., Lamberty, G.J., & Vanderploeg, R.D. (2015). 

Utility of the neurobehavioral symptom inventory as an outcome measure: A VA TBI model systems study. 

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. [Epub ahead of print]. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

pubmed/26709585

Belanger, H.G., Vanderploeg, R.D., & McAllister, T. (2015). Subconcussive blows to the head: A formative review 

of short-term clinical outcomes. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. [Epub ahead of print]. Retrieved from 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25931186

Belanger, H.G., Vanderploeg, R.D., & Sayer, N. (2015). Screening for remote history of mild traumatic brain injury 

in VHA: A critical literature review. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. [Epub ahead of print]. http://dx.doi.

org/10.1097/htr.0000000000000168

Bell, K.R., Brockway, J.A., Fann, J.R., Cole, W.R., St Delore, J., Bush, N., Lang, A.J., Hart, T., Warren, M., 

Dikmen, S., Temkin, N., Jain, S., Raman, R.., ... Stein, M.B. (2015). Concussion treatment after combat trauma: 

Development of a telephone based, problem solving intervention for service members. Contemporary Clinical 

Trials, 40, 54-62. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1016/j.cct.2014.11.001 

Bogner, J., French, L.M., Lange, R.T., & Corrigan, J.D. (2015). Pilot study of traumatic brain injury and alcohol 

misuse among service members. Brain Injury, 29(7-8), 905-14. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2015.1005136

Carlozzi, N.E., Kratz, A.L., Sander, A.M., Chiaravalloti, N.D., Brickell, T.A., Lange, R.T., Hahn, E.A., Austin, A., 

Miner, J.A., ... Tulsky, D.S. (2015). Health-related quality of life in caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain 

injury: Development of a conceptual model. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96(1), 105-13. 

hhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.08.021

Cooper, D.B., Bunner, A.E., Kennedy, J.E., Balldin, V., Tate, D.F., Eapen, B.C., & Jaramillo, C.A. (2015). Treatment 

of persistent post-concussive symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of cognitive 

rehabilitation and behavioral health interventions in military service members and veterans. Brain Imaging and 

Behavior, 9(3), 403-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11682-015-9440-2

DiFazio, M., Silverberg, N.D., Kirkwood, M.W., Bernier, R., & Iverson, G.L. (2015).Prolonged activity restriction 

after concussion: Are we worsening outcomes?. Clinical Pediatrics. [Epub ahead of print]. http://dx.doi.

org/10.1177/0009922815589914

Holcomb, E.M., Towns, S., Kamper, J.E., Barnett, S.D., Sherer, M., Evans, C., & Nakase-Richardson, R. 

(2015). The relationship between sleep-wake cycle disturbance and trajectory of cognitive recovery during 

acute traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. [Epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1097/

HTR.0000000000000206

Ivins, B.J., Lange, R.T., Cole, W.R., Kane, R., Schwab, K.A., & Iverson, G.L. (2015). Using base rates of low 

scores to interpret the ANAM4 TBI-MIL battery following mild traumatic brain injury. Archives of Clinical 

Neuropsychology, 30(1), 26-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/arclin/acu072

Janak, J.C., Cooper, D.B., Bowles, A.O., Alamgir, A.H., Cooper, S.P., Gabriel, K.P., ... Orman, J.A. (2015). 

Completion of multidisciplinary treatment for persistent postconcussive symptoms is associated with reduced 

symptom burden. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. [Epub ahead of print]. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/

HTR.0000000000000202

Jaramillo, C.A., Cooper, D.B., Wang, C.P., Tate, D.F., Eapen, B.C., York, G.E., & Pugh, M.J. (2015). Subgroups 

of US IRAQ and Afghanistan veterans: Associations with traumatic brain injury and mental health conditions. 

Brain Imaging and Behavior, 9(3), 445-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11682-015-9402-8

Kennedy, J.E., Cooper, D.B., Reid, M.W., Tate, D.F., & Lange, R.T. (2015). Profile analyses of the personality 

assessment inventory following military-related traumatic brain injury. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 30(3), 236-47. http://dx.doi.org: /10.1093/arclin/acv014

Kratz, A.L., Sander, A.M., Brickell, T.A., Lange, R.T., Carlozzi, N.E. (2015).Traumatic brain injury caregivers: A 

qualitative analysis of spouse and parent perspectives on quality of life. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. 

[Epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1080/09602011.2015.1051056

Lange, R.T., Brickell, T.A., & French, L.M. (2015). Examination of the mild brain injury atypical symptom scale 

and the validity-10 scale to detect symptom exaggeration in US military service members. Journal of Clinical 

and Experimental Neuropsychology, 37(3), 325-337. http://dx.doi.:org/ 10.1080/13803395.2015.1013021
68

Lange, R.T., Panenka, W.J., Shewchuk, J.R., Heran, M.K., Brubacher, J.R., Bioux, ... Iverson, G.L. (2015). 

Diffusion tensor imaging findings and postconcussion symptom reporting six weeks following mild traumatic 

brain injury. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 30(1), 7-25. http://dx.doi.org: /10.1093/arclin/acu060

Lippa, S.M., Fonda, J.R., Fortier, C.B., Amick, M.A., Kenna, A., Milberg, W.P., & McGlinchey, R.E. (2015). 

Deployment-related psychiatric and behavioral conditions and their association with functional disability in 

OEF/OIF/OND veterans. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28 (1), 25-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jts.21979

Livingston, S.C. (2015). Are there risk factors or behaviors that can make athletes prone to concussions? 

(Chapter 5) and Why can’t an athlete return to play on the same day as the concussion? (Chapter 30). In E.L. 

Sauers & T.C. Valovich McLeod (Eds), Quick Questions in Sport-Related Concussion: Expert Advice in Sports 

Medicine (pages 23-27 and 155-158). Thorofare, New Jersey: SLACK Incorporated.

Lusk, J., Brenner, L.A., Betthauser, L.M., Terrio, H., Scher, A.L., Schwab, K., & Poczwardowski, A. (2015). A 

qualitative study of potential suicide risk factors among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom 

soldiers returning to the continental United States (CONUS). Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(9), 843-55. 

http://dx.doi.org/:10.1002/jclp.22164

McCulloch, K.L., Goldman, L.S., Lowe, L., Radomski, M.V., Reynolds, J., Shapiro, C.R., & West, T.A. (2015). 

Development of clinical recommendations for progressive return to activity after military mild traumatic brain 

injury: Guidance for rehabilitation providers. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 30(1), 56-67. http://dx.doi.

org/:10.1097/HTR.0000000000000104

Merritt, V.C., Lange, R.T., & French, L.M. (2015). Resilience and symptom reporting following mild traumatic 

brain injury in military service members. Brain Injury, 29(11), 1325-36. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2015.

1043948

Panenka, W.J., Lange, R.T., Bouix, S., Shewchuk, J.R., Heran, M.K., Brubacher, J.R., ... Iverson G.L. (2015). 

Neuropsychological outcome and diffusion tensor imaging in complicated versus uncomplicated mild 

traumatic brain injury. PLOS One, 10(4), e0122746. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122746

Prakash, R.S., Hussain, M.A., & Schirda, B. (2015). The role of emotion regulation and cognitive control in the 

association between mindfulness disposition and stress. Psychology and Aging, 30(1), 160-71. http://dx.doi.

org/10.1037/a0038544. Epub 2014 Dec 29

Regasa, L.E., Thomas, D.M., Gill, R.S., Marion, D.W., & Ivins, B.J. (2015). Military deployment may increase the 

risk for traumatic brain injury following deployment. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. [Epub ahead of 

print]. doi:10.1097/HTR.0000000000000155

Reid, M.W., & Velez, C.S. (2015). Discriminating military and civilian traumatic brain injuries. Molecular and 

Cellular Neuroscience, 66, 123-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2015.03.014

Scheibel, R.S., Pastorek, N.J., Troyanskaya, M., Kennedy, J.E., Steinberg, J.L., Newsome, M.R., ... Levin, H.S. 

(2015). The suppression of brain activation in post-deployment military personnel with posttraumatic stress 

symptoms. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 9(3), 513-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11682-015-9376-6

Schwab, K.A., Gudmudsson, L.S., & Lew, H.L. (2015). Long-term functional outcomes of traumatic brain injury. 

Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 128, 649-59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63521-1.00040-6

Sullivan, K.W., Solomon, N.P., Pramuka, M., Quinn, J.E., Teixeira, K.A., & French, L.M. (2015). Computer-based 

cognitive rehabilitation research in a military treatment facility: Recruitment, compliance, and lessons learned. 

Work, 50(1), 131-42. http://dx.doi.org/: 10.3233/WOR-141986

Vanderploeg, R.D., & Belanger, H.G. (2015). Stability and validity of the Veterans Health Administration’s 

traumatic brain injury clinical reminder screen. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 30(5), E29-39. http://

dx.doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000095

Vanderploeg, R.D., Silva, M.A., Soble, J.R., Curtiss, G., Belanger, H.G., Donnell, A.J., & Scott, S.G. (2015). The 

structure of postconcussion symptoms on the neurobehavioral symptom inventory: A comparison of alternative 

models. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, (1), 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000009

Voss, J.D., Connolly, J., Schwab, K.A., & Scher, A.I. (2015). Update on the epidemiology of concussion/mild 

traumatic brain injury. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 19(7), 32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11916-015-0506-z

Walker, W.C., Cifu, D.X., Hudak, A.M., Goldberg, G., Kunz, R.D., & Sima, A.P. (2015). Structured interview for 

mild traumatic brain injury after military blast: inter-rater agreement and development of diagnostic algorithm. 

Journal of Neurotrauma, 32(7), 464-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/neu.2014.3433

Wares, J.R., Hoke, K.W., Walker, W., Franke, L.M., Cifu, D.X., Carne, W., & Ford-Smith, C. (2015). Characterizing 

effects of mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder on balance impairments in blastexposed servicemembers and veterans using computerized posturography. Journal of Rehabilitation Research 

and Development, 52(5), 591-604. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2014.08.0197

PUBLICATIONS
69

Wilde, E.A., Bouix, S., Tate, D.F., Lin, A.P., Newsome, M.R., Taylor, B.A., ... York, B. (2015). Advanced 

neuroimaging applied to veterans and service personnel with traumatic brain injury: State of the art and 

potential benefits. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 9(3), 367-402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11682-015-9444-y

Yerry, J.A., Kuehn, D., & Finkel, A.G. (2015). Onabotulinum toxin a for the treatment of headache in service 

members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury: A cohort study. Headache, 55(3), 395-406. http://dx.doi.

org: /10.1111/head.12495

Presentations

DVBIC staff presented six abstracts at Military and Veterans Health after a Decade at War: 

Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead. Virginia Commonwealth University’s conference in 

Washington, D.C., July 16-18.

■ “Prognosis of military mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) for non-hospitalized soldiers returning from 

Afghanistan (OEF) and Iraq (OIF)”

■ “Evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the treatment of common symptoms following 

concussion/mild traumatic brain injury in deployed and non-deployed settings”

■ “Lessons learned: Invisible wounds of war — the Department of Defense response”

■ “The development of evidence-based clinical recommendations for the deployed and non-deployed 

setting”

■ “U.S. Department of Defense evidence-based clinical practice recommendation for the treatment of 

oncussion/mild traumatic brain injury and common symptoms in deployed and non‐deployed settings”

■ “Evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the assessment and treatment of concussion/ mild 

traumatic brain injury and return to activity in deployed and non‐deployed settings”

DVBIC staff attended and presented at the Military Health System Research Symposium August 

17-20 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DVBIC HQ

■ “Self-identified unmet service needs and related outcomes in a noncombatant military sample an average 

of five years after traumatic brain injury”

■ “Lessons learned: Evidence based clinical practice recommendations for the treatment of common postconcussion symptoms”

Camp Lejeune

■ “Predictors of return to duty”

Fort Bragg

■ “A ‘head to head’ comparison of four computerized neurocognitive assessment tools in soldiers with and 

without mild traumatic brain injury”

Fort Carson

■ “Novel motor-skill therapy improves attention and memory in blast-related TBI”

Minneapolis VA Medical Center

■ “Deficits in visual system functional connectivity after blast-related mild TBI are associated with injury 

severity and executive dysfunction”

Naval Medical Center San Diego

■ “Assessment of subtle cognitive changes following low level blast exposure”

■ “Blast exposure from shoulder-mounted rocket launchers”

■ “The influence of demographic factors on the assessment of anger in military personnel”

■ “Evaluation of neuromotor function following blast exposure”

San Antonio Military Medical Center

■ “Results of the SCORE clinical trial of cognitive rehabilitation therapy for OIF/OEF service members with 

mild traumatic brain injury”

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Tampa VA Medical Center

■ “Neuropsychological testing is predictive of severity of disability following traumatic brain injury: Findings 

from the VA TBI model systems and implications for the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium”

■ “Injury and psychological predictors of employment stability in veterans and service members with TBI: A 

VA brain injury model systems study”

■ “Is the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) a good outcome measure? Chronic Effects of 

Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC) and VA TBI model system study”

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

■ “The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center’s 15-year studies: Update, progress and preliminary 

analyses”

■ “Clinical utility of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory Validity-10 in a sample of active-duty service 

members with mild TBI and co-morbid psychological health conditions”

Additional presentations included:

Cole, W.R. presented on concussion treatment after combat trauma using a telephone-based problem-solving 

intervention at the Womack Army Medical Center Research Symposium (May 2015) and a poster on the same 

topic at the annual meeting of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (June 2015).

Engel J, Franke L, Lennon M, Ochs, A, Hudak A, & Walker, W. presented on morphometric changes in veterans 

with mTBI by volumetric analysis of MRI. National Capital Area TBI Research Symposium. Bethesda, Maryland. 

March 9-10, 2015.

MacDonald, M, Cornwell, R.E., Kitchen, D., Hill, C., Nelson, L.A., Pazdan, R. presented on targeting neural 

timing mechanisms for rehabilitation recovery after blast-related brain injury. American Congress of 

Rehabilitation Medicine. Dallas, Texas. October 27-30, 2015.

Schwab, K., Terrio, H., Brenner, L., Pazdan, R., Sahota, G., Scher, A. presented on ascertainment and validation 

of TBI in a large randomly selected cohort of recently deployed soldiers. National Capital Area TBI Research 

Symposium. Bethesda, Maryland, 2015.

Seibert, L., Lange, R.T., Kennedy, J.E., Duckworth, J., Brickell, T.A.; French, L.M., & Bailie, J.M. presented on the 

effect of body orientation to blast on risk of post-concussive symptoms among active duty service members. 

International Neuropsychological Society annual meeting. Denver, Colorado. February 2015.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 71

Acknowledging External Partners
Back cover photo: In an average month, hundreds of wounded soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors and Iraqi personnel 

pass underneath the American flag-emblazed canopy known as Hero’s Highway. Ninety-eight percent of the patients 

treated at Balad’s Air Force Theater Hospital survive. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)

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