Models of PTSD and traumatic stress: the importance of research "from bedside to bench to bedside".

The epidemiology and psychology of PTSD noted above is not often considered in neurobiological models of PTSD. Neurobiological models tend to focus on symptoms. This is an important perspective but it does not capture the brains total response to traumatic events.

Psychological impact of the animal-human bond in disaster preparedness and response.

The authors present an overview of the impact of the animal-human bond on disaster management and highlight the need to further examine the relationship of animals and humans in disaster response. The human connection to animals influences compliance with individual and community evacuation plans. Search and rescue teams with canine units confront physical and emotional demands that affect both handler and animal.

Military unique curriculum: identifying and prioritizing content.

We have identified and prioritized a series of objectives that warrant inclusion in the continuum of military medical education. Although participants in the 16th Conference on Military Medicine also discussed whether each objective should be taught at the medical student, resident, or staff physician level, to a large extent this distinction is not helpful, since many, if not most, of these topic areas would likely require incorporation at each of these three levels to achieve the desired level of competence in staff physicians. Incorporation of new curricular elements poses a significant challenge, since it is already difficult to fit the existing curriculum into the available time.

Emergency mental health management in bioterrorism events.

The United States has not suffered significant psychosocial or medical consequences from the use of biological weapons within its territories. This has contributed to a "natural" state of denial at the community level. This denial could amplify the sense of crisis, anxiety, fear, chaos, and disorder that would accompany such a bioterrorist event.