Serving in Iraq.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)

I enjoyed reading "The Rest of Your Life" column about a physician recalled to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom ("'Dr. Charlie' Goes to War," May 2009, p. 48). I was called to do a second tour of duty in Iraq in 2005 and served as the Navy medical officer with 19 highly trained Navy corpsmen assigned to a Marine Corps reconnaissance battalion.

A pediatrician in peacetime, I cared for "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children" while serving in Iraq. Although we worked in an austere environment, the level of care was the same quality found stateside.

All of the marines were trained in tactical combat casualty care. Additionally, my team was trained in various combat and nonmedical skills.

All physicians have pledged the Hippocratic oath, yet have probably taken it for granted, as did I. My epiphany came the first time I cared for a captured insurgent. He had tried to kill my marines with an improvised explosive device when he was shot and wounded. I was asked to evaluate him, and my initial feeling was that of anger and hatred toward a stranger who had tried to harm my men. When I rounded the corner and saw him blindfolded and flex cuffed, I immediately felt compassion, much to my surprise. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder and, through the interpreter, explained that I was a physician and was going to examine his wound. I requested that he inform me if I caused any discomfort.

My experience differed from that of Dr. Garbarino, yet had a lot in common with his. Despite my sophisticated training, medical gear, and weaponry, I did quite a bit of hand holding. I never will forget the eyes and faces of those dying, and the dead brothers and sisters with whom I was blessed to serve while in western Iraq.

Michael S. Patterson, M.D.

Santa Fe, N.M.

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