Richard Cicero knows the value of research and how it has contributed to advances in medical care. He spoke about this during the Department of Research Program’s 6th Annual Aware for All event May 23 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“To think that nearly four years ago I really started my journey into the advances here at Walter Reed, when surgeons performed neurosurgery on my arm,” Cicero said. “Here I am today, now working on becoming truly the ‘Bionic Man.’ This has been made possible through the team effort that exist at WRNMMC,” he added.
On Aug. 4, 2010 while working as a military contractor in Afghanistan, Cicero, a former Army paratrooper, lost his right arm and right leg to an improvised explosive device. “The wonderful people in modern medicine that’s available today, saved my life, have put me back together like Humpty Dumpty and are making wonderful parts for me every day,” he said.
Cicero added that at WRNMMC, “futures are made,” and he’s making history here as a medical study test subject for osseointegration, work being led by Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Jonathan Forsberg and Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kyle Potter at Walter Reed.
“In the simplest terms, osseointegration refers to the direct skeletal attachment of a prosthesis, so we’re putting an implant into the bone and bringing it out through the skin,” Potter explained. The procedure is in its early development as a program in the Department of Defense, but it has enabled Cicero to get a battery-powered arm that comes as close as possible to mirroring his natural one, and is capable of much more articulate and precise movement than other prosthetics. In March, Cicero had the surgery again so that surgeons could attach a prosthetic leg straight to his thigh bone, making him the first person in the U.S. to have osseointegration in both an upper and lower limb.
Cicero said it’s an honor to be able to help advance medicine so others may benefit. “I can’t put it into words how much of an honor it is. We’re all one team, one fight for years to come,” he added.
Lisa Thompson, academic research education specialist for DRP at WRNMMC, agreed that research is vital to making significant advancements in military medicine and improve health care of Military Health System beneficiaries. She added the Aware for All event recognizes “research heroes” whose participation in investigative studies moves medicine and patient-centered care forward, as well as “encourage collaboration among researchers, foster networking, and encourage people to take part in research.” The event included 26 booths from various agencies involved in medical research and health care.
Navy Cmdr. Robert A. Liotta, director for education, training and research at WRNMMC, said it’s a privilege to be involved in the entire health-care process, including as a participant in a research study, a research assistant, primary investigator or health-care provider. “It’s a great thing that affects all of us,” he added. “Research is driving us to the next levels in our health care. It’s constantly changing. It’s constantly getting better,” he concluded.