A unique collaboration of female medical providers within the
United States Armed Forces: Rehabilitation of a marine with post-concussive
vestibulopathy
Affiliations: Spatial Orientation Center/Department of
Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34520 Bob Wilson Drive, Suite
200, San Diego CA 92134-2200, USA | 2289 Soaring Court, Orange Park, FL 32003, USA. Tel.:
+1 904 269 1165; Fax: +1 904 269 1165; E-mail: [email protected] | DVBIC/Department of Neurosciences, Naval Medical
Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134-3201, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Uncle Sam's loyal nieces have come a long way from the days of World
War I. The development of occupational and physical therapy was heavily
influenced by an early relationship with medical specialists during the First
World War. This relationship can be considered largely responsible for the
eventual acceptance (by the Armed Forces) of women working in this area. Over
the past decade active duty women have seen many changes in opportunities to
serve and are now stationed aboard aircraft carriers, performing roles
previously considered for male personnel. We report a case study of the medical
care provided by both military and civilian women working for the United States
Armed Forces. Initial assessment was conducted in a battalion aid station of a
United States Marine Corp base and the subject was then referred to a military
medical center with highly technical vestibular assessment and rehabilitation
services. The subject's case represents a unique collaboration of women
therapists, enabling a Marines' access to timely and accurate assessment,
treatment and ultimately, successful return to active duty. This case study is
one of many examples of the acceptance and successful integration of women as
providers of medical care within the Military's medical framework.
