Joint Staff Surgeon Brigadier General John Andrus, MD, visited UNMC on July 18, to meet with key leaders, including several members of the Air Force Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) Omaha and Colonel Lee Williames, U.S. Strategic Command’s command surgeon.
Also in attendance were H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC’s interim chancellor, Chris Kratochvil, MD, UNMC’s vice chancellor for external relations, and John Lowe, PhD, director of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security.
Having served since 1988, Brig. Gen. Andrus has held multiple key roles, including his current position as the senior medical advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, Gen. Andrus has coordinated joint military health services, including operational medicine, force health protection and readiness, working across the U.S. Department of Defense. Dr. Kratochvil said his leadership in shaping the global health service continuum underscores the immense breadth of his responsibilities.
During his remarks, Gen. Andrus reflected on his long career, highlighting the evolution of military medicine and his deep commitment to service. “When I started in medicine, it was about sitting with patients, listening to their stories and helping them solve their challenges. That foundation, understanding the patient both physically and psychologically, remains at the heart of what we do,” he said.
Gen. Andrus shared how his career has largely focused on special populations, particularly aviators, and the unique challenges they face in operational environments. He emphasized the importance of using medical knowledge in these unique operational contexts. “The real privilege has been working across such a broad spectrum of populations, whether soldiers, sailors or marines, and being able to provide the necessary medical support for those in high-stakes environments,” he said.
He also discussed the evolving challenges in military health, particularly in managing infectious diseases and preparedness. Drawing from his time at United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Gen. Andrus mentioned the importance of long-term preparation, referencing a biocontainment unit that had sat unused for 10 years but proved invaluable when it was eventually needed. This preparedness, he said, is a model for the U.S. Department of Defense and the health services it provides to service members worldwide.
As he approaches retirement, Gen. Andrus said his leadership has been shaped by these values, and he credits much of his success to teammates that complement his own skills and abilities. “The most important thing I’ve learned is the value of working with people who share the same commitment to service and integrity,” he said.
The visit also allowed the general to spend time with his son, Jacob Andrus, DO, who recently joined UNMC as a family medicine resident. Dr. Andrus, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, spoke about the values he inherited, particularly the emphasis on serving others and putting the needs of others first. “I grew up learning from him,” Dr. Jacob Andrus said, “mostly by example. The foundation of working hard, serving others and using my skills to help those around me is something I try to carry with me every day.”
As the father-son duo navigates their respective professional paths, their shared commitment to service is a testament to the values that continue to shape the Andrus family legacy.
Gen. Andrus also shared his appreciation for the UNMC community, expressing his excitement that his son would be joining such a strong medical institution. “It’s been a privilege to see Jacob start his residency here, and I’m proud of the environment he’s stepping into,” he said. “The team at UNMC has made a lasting impression on me, and I’m confident that he’ll thrive here.”