O'Hern Takes Command of USAISR
In a time honored Army ritual, Col. (Dr.) J. Brian Lanier relinquished command of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research to Col. (Dr.) Elisa D. O'Hern, during a change of command ceremony July 2, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. O'Hern took command of the ISR when she received the ISR flag from her new commanding general and ceremonial host, Brig. Gen. Edward H. Bailey, Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick, Maryland.
During his remarks, Bailey commended Lanier's family for their support, which permitted his success by allowing his staff to flourish in combat casualty care research.
"In addition to being responsible for the Department of Defense's only Burn Center and the world's only Burn Flight Team, Brian's role also included overseeing battlefield advances in combat casualty care through innovative research," said Bailey. "Brian excelled as ISR's commander—his leadership advanced the interests of both the institute and MRDC."
"Brigadier General Bailey thank you. It has been a great honor to work with you," said Lanier during his remarks. "Our combat casualty care mission continues today because the amazing team of dedicated professionals who are capable of meeting any challenge and persevering regardless of the task."
Lanier is transferring to the III Armored Corps at Fort Cavazos, Texas where he will be the command surgeon.
"My departure comes with many mixed emotions, but I'm extremely grateful to know that the ISR is gaining a great leader in Col. O'Hern. She is an experienced clinician, an exceptional Soldier, and a trusted leader. I have total trust, faith and confidence that she will bring fresh ideas and the enthusiasm needed to take this institute to new heights.
"Brian, you have made this team a model of what an Army lab should be, putting people first while always moving forward to accomplish the mission for combat wounded," O'Hern said after taking command of the ISR."
O'Hern most recently served as the Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Director for Medical Affairs for the San Antonio Military Health System.
"ISR family. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms," continued O'Hern. "I am honored to join you all. Our mission to optimize combat casualty care is enduring. You have shown time and time again, no matter the transitions or the challenges, that you will continue to pursue excellence and innovation to save lives on the battlefield. I look forward to working beside each of you at the bench and at the bedside."
Bailey ended his remarks by welcoming O'Hern and her family to the ISR.
"Throughout her Army career, Elisa has held many titles: Army Pediatrician, Flight Surgeon, Chief of Pediatrics, and Battalion and Brigade Surgeon, to name a few. In each of these roles, her passion for taking care of our warfighters and their families was front and center.
"Elisa, you have demonstrated passion and commitment throughout your dedicated Army career. I am confident that you will lead this terrific staff of service members, civilians, and contractors to mission success."