By Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer -- For Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Robediane G. Santiago, becoming a victim advocate was more than just a natural extension of her Navy career.

Behavioral Health leaders from Defense Health Network East and Military Readiness Command East gathered here to share best practices and highlight new programs that can improve care. For two days, the group heard from DHN East, MRC East and Defense Health Agency leaders on various topics that included pilot programs, telehealth, suicide prevention, PTSD, current research, and best practices. They discussed how to increase care capacity, involve installation and other support agencies in treatment and how to successfully lead their clinics.

As military medical personnel assigned to the Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) complete their residencies and prepare to assume their first duty station, they must possess a specific set of skills to excel in their roles. Twenty-seven trainees participated in a five-day capstone event, held at the Taylor Sandri Medical Training Center, Fort Liberty, North Carolina May 6 to 10, designed to bridge this critical training gap, providing medical personnel with the necessary skills and expertise to save lives in combat situations.