Sad Joys On Deployment: A surgeon journeys into the confronting world of military surgery in war zon

Greg Bruce is an orthopaedic surgeon who served in the Royal Australian Air Force. Between 1995 and 2008, he was sent overseas on ten military deployments to humanitarian disasters, local conflicts and war zones, including the most attacked US base in Iraq.

The restricted medical resources, dangers and harsh living conditions made military surgery very different from civilian practice.

There were good experiences and horrible experiences.

There were contrasts:

Ghastly military wounds. Loss of limbs. Simple sprains and pains.

Friendly allied military forces. Hostile enemy forces

Local civilians, some welcoming, some resentful.

Enjoying good accommodation and food. Coping with the bad.

Finally there was readjustment and reflection on return home. Are you ever the same again?

Greg Bruce was made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his military service in 2007.