Experts at Conference Tackle Post-Combat Problems in the 21st Century

The tens of thousands of U.S. servicemen and women returning from Iran, Afghanistan and other deployments have resulted in a scale of post-combat problems not seen in decades. The diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the retrieval and identification of human remains, and the challenges of returning to civilian life are among the many issues that today’s American military veterans are facing.

In consideration of the medical, legal and public policy questions prompted by this topic, the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law presents Post-Combat Problems in the 21st Century. This 12th annual conference will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, and Friday, Nov. 9, in the Power Center Ballroom.

“The challenges facing military veterans today run the gamut from psychological and physical trauma to problems with social reintegration and the law,” explained Ben Wecht, program administrator for the institute. “Accordingly, we will be convening experts in such fields as psychology, occupational therapy, nursing, forensic science, social work and criminal law to ensure a thorough exploration of the many difficult facets of post-combat life.”

Among the conference faculty are:

  • Maj. Gen. Wesley E. Craig Jr., adjutant general of Pennsylvania and commander, Pennsylvania National Guard
  • Keather Likins, veterans justice outreach specialist, Pittsburgh Veterans Healthcare System
  • Dr. Laura Smith-Seemiler, clinical neuropsychologist, Veterans Health Administration
  • Dr. Victor Weedn, chair, Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University
  • Dr. Michael Welner, clinical associate professor of psychiatrist, New York University
  • The Hon. John Zottola, director, Veterans Court, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Conference topics include: Traumatic Brain Injury and the Combat Veteran, Identifying our War Dead, and Violence and Crimes by the Veteran and the Returning Soldier. The event will also include the panel discussions Diagnosing and Treating Health Issues in Today’s Returning Veterans and Adjudicating Veterans: A Problem-Solving Approach.

Duquesne full-time faculty and staff can attend for $10 per day, and students can attend for free. Registration is required by emailing wechtinstitute@duq.edu,by calling 412.396.1330 or using the online registration form.