A Form of Human Intercourse?

Abstract

The philosophical basis of military medicine needs to be understood fully before progress can be made in doctrine, organization, training, and resourcing. During a time of increased resource constraint and radical restructuring of the military, an opportunity arises for a fundamental reexamination of the nature and philosophy of military medicine. In order to be effective in the role, a military physician needs to fully understand the obligations of the two professions that he or she straddles. The military physician needs to be fully conversant with the profession of arms as well as being a medical professional. The obligations of the two may occasionally be divergent, but the physician has an important role to play in reconciling them. This action may act synergistically and produce a maximally effective military system.