A Visit from the US Deputy Surgeon General

Loma Linda University Health’s 3rd Annual Power of Inclusion Conference “United We Stand” on March 31 and April 1, focused on the contributions veterans have made in service to our Nation and organization. Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members came out to hear the various national speakers address unique issues affecting veterans and opportunities to increase their participation and inclusion in local workplaces. The United States Deputy Surgeon General Rear Admiral (RADM) Boris D. Lushniak, MD, MPH, was the morning keynote speaker on Tuesday, March 31. Speaking on inclusion in wellness, RADM Lushniak gave an overview of what the Office of the Surgeon General has done over the last 100 years to keep the country healthy with a heavy emphasis on the campaign against tobacco companies. In an effort to communicate these health messages to the population, he said all facets of society should be included. “Our objectives are only going to be achieved if we really break down our society into the sub-levels,” he said. “It’s not attainable unless we understand each and every aspect of our society The theme here is the power of inclusion—when we look at health and wellness, our message today is that we need to include all facets of society in that health and wellness message.” RADM Lushniak believes it is imperative to incorporate veterans in the post-uniform world. “They are value added to that community — by their approaches, by their dedication to that mission. From a health and wellness perspective, I also know that this is an underserved and vulnerable “I think Loma Linda may be a different place,” he said, “but I think what we’ve not done in society in general is to be able to actually accept and stress the importance of compassion and caring for others. We have to be open to compassion, to caring and to love.” No stranger to Loma Linda University Health, RADM Lushniak visited Seventh-day Adventist Cooper Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia earlier this year. “The Seventh-day Adventist community is doing beautiful work out there.” This was his first visit to Loma Linda and he admits he was pleased with the visit and his meeting with President Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH. “It’s intriguing to meet the leaders here. I walk away with nothing but positive vibes.” Following the morning session, the conference continued with a lunch session featuring best-selling author, actor, motivational speaker and wounded army veteran J.R. Martinez. Known well for his season 13 win on “Dancing With the Stars,” Martinez shared his story of survival, strength and spirit. Even before he was injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanastan, Martinez, born in El Salvador, claimed he was no stranger to diversity growing up in Louisiana and Arkansas being raised by a single mom. Martinez, who was 19 at the time of his accident, confessed he was in a dark place after learning how his injuries would permanently affect his body, but talking to other wounded veterans in the hospital helped lift his spirits. Now a motivational speaker, Martinez does not believe he or any other “disabled” veterans have a disability. “We have an ability!” he exclaimed to a crowd of approximately 225 guests. “We just do things differently.” The now 31-year-old encouraged the audience to not look at wounded veterans like they can’t bring something to the table. “It’s important to connect with diversity. We all have to help each other survive.” Martinez concluded by saying we are all human and deserve the same opportunities and respect as everyone else. “If we take a little time to listen to each other we can help save each other’s lives.” Greg Crouse, 46, attended the luncheon and was able to closely relate with Martinez’s message. Crouse lost his left leg while he was serving in the army in Germany when a drunk driver hit the vehicle he was in. Crouse is now a 2016 Paralympic hopeful in outrigger canoeing. Crouse also was a panel participant during the afternoon session “Hiring Heroes: Discovering Their Strengths and Ways to Support Them.” Other notable speakers and panel participants during Power of Inclusion included: -Juana Bordas, president, Mestiza Leadership International -Sue Hoppin, MA, expert on military spouse and family -Lieutenant Commander Heidi Kraft, PhD, clinical psychologist military combat stress specialist -Susan R. Meisinger, SPHR, JD, author and former CEO of Society for Human Resource Management -Anthony Odierno, MBA, retired United States Army First Lieutenant, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient The two-day Power of Inclusion conference concluded with an international food festival on April 1 at Drayson Center. Guests enjoyed food fare representative of eight continents, with over 30 delicious dishes to enjoy.