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In This Issue:
From left: Arthur Graham, CP; BWH physicians Michael Weaver, MD, and EJ Caterson, MD; JP Norden; Lt. Col. Kyle Potter, MD; Kelly Castine, Norden's girlfriend; Lt. Col. Leon Nesti, MD, PhD; and Lt. Col. Eric Holt, DO, gather for a group photo during Norden's visit to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
On June 12, BWH's EJ Caterson, MD, PhD, made good on a promise to his patient JP Norden, who suffered a below the knee amputation as a result of Boston Marathon bombings. Caterson arranged for them to visit the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
"I wanted JP to see these soldiers because they are guys in his peer group who have had amputations and are extremely high functioning," Caterson said.
Caterson, who volunteered at Walter Reed in 2009, has maintained close relationships with many of his military colleagues. He approached them after the Marathon bombings with the hope that they could lend their expertise to clinicians in Boston.
"It is unfortunate that war has driven so much knowledge and experience in treating amputees, but it is also wonderful that the military is able to share what they have learned to benefit these patients in Boston," he said.
Walter Reed Bethesda has treated more than 1,600 veterans with injuries similar to Norden's as a result of the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For Norden, it was an experience he will not forget anytime soon.
"I am so thankful for this opportunity," Norden said. "The energy in that room was amazing and to see those guys doing what they were doing-it encourages me to work hard."