Instructor Activity $4$: Conduct a case study regarding the subjects of resiliency or stress

management. Below is an example.

Example Case Study: retired Brig Gen Rhonda Cornum

Retired Brig Gen Rhonda Cornum's story is a profound illustration of resilience, perseverance,

and the capacity to transcend adversity through mental fortitude and a relentless pursuit of

growth and healing. Her military career began in $1978,$ marking her entry into the Army during

the inaugural year of women's integration from the Women's Army Corps $($WACs$).$ This period

itself presented challenges and opportunities as women began to occupy roles and spaces

previously exclusive to men, setting the stage for Brig Gen Cornum's trailblazing career.

After engaging in research for four years, Brig Gen Cornum pursued medical education at the

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences $($USUHS$),$ followed by a surgery internship.

Her assignment to Fort Rucker placed her in various critical roles, eventually leading to her

position with the $229$th Attack Helicopter Battalion. It was in this capacity, during Operations

Desert Shield and Desert Storm, that Brig Gen Cornum $($then a Maj$)$ faced one of the most

harrowing experiences of her career. While on a search and rescue mission, she was shot down

and captured, leading to eight days of captivity during which she suffered severe injuries, the

loss of crew members, and sexual assault.

Brig Gen Cornum's response to this adversity was extraordinary. Rather than succumbing to

despair, she employed psychological skills such as compartmentalization, reframing, problem$-$

solving, and goal$-$setting. These techniques not only facilitated her endurance through

captivity and the complex process of repatriation but also empowered her to draw on these

experiences to further an already distinguished military career. Following her recovery and

several surgeries, Brig Gen Cornum pursued a residency in Urology, achieving board

certification and later assuming command of the $28$ th Combat Support Hospital. Her

leadership and expertise were instrumental in deploying medical task forces to Bosnia and

Afghanistan, significantly impacting the care provided to service members and contributing to

military medical advancements.

Brig Gen Cornum's tenure as commander of the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center was

marked by the care of over $26,000$ evacuees, including $5,540$ battle injuries, from Iraq,

Afghanistan, and Africa. This period underscored her commitment to casualty care and her

capability to lead in environments characterized by high demand for medical services and

logistical complexity. Her role as the US Army Forces Command Surgeon further exemplified

her expertise in managing casualty care for the deployed force and advising on medical

matters at the highest levels.

Beyond her military service, Brig Gen Cornum's contributions to the fields of surgery, military

and emergency medicine, and psychological fitness are noteworthy. Her academic

achievements, including a Masters in Strategic Studies from the National War College,

publications, and involvement in various committees and advisory boards, reflect her

dedication to advancing medical knowledge and practice. Her retirement activities, centered

around a cattle farm in Kentucky and engagement with psychological fitness programs, along

with her involvement in raising, training, and judging Gordon Setters, illustrate her continued

commitment to service, resilience, and wellness.