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.DoDD DoD: Lacking a proactive strategy for image repair

The elimination of military physicians from public scrutiny were the basis of a seven-day series of articles by investigative reporters Russ Carollo and Jeff Nesmith of the Dayton Daily News and Cox Newspapers.

The series featured numerous, graphic accounts of gross negligence suffered by military members and their families at the hands of unqualified physicians. It was published recently in Cox-owned newspapers around the country and also in both local and national television newscasts.

Additionally, the Times Publishing Company, which publishes the Army Times, Navy Times and Air Force Times, carried extensive portions of the report in their publications.

Despite knowing well in advance that the series of articles would appear and the nature of what the report would discuss, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Public Affairs, (OSD/PA) did not build a public affairs plan to restore the image of military medicine.

However, guidance for responses to queries regarding the investigative report were provided to field public affairs offices shortly before the report was to appear and a letter was written from the service surgeon generals to Times Publishing Company. Both of these actions were reactive in nature when a proactive approach was needed. This research project will address ways for the military to restore the public’s, as well as its own members’, confidence in its healthcare system.