Resident receives grant
Capt. (Dr.) Mark Lytle prepares a tissue sample for testing at the 81st Medical Group’s clinical research laboratory. Captain Lytle was awarded a $135,000 grant from the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General for his research on staple-line bio-reinforcement for gastrointestinal anastomosis. The study investigates the use of biomaterials to increase the tensile strength of intestinal tissue to facilitate wound healing while reducing any related side effects of inflammation. Maj. Eric Olsen, CRL director, said, the study has important military implications in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with intestinal injuries. Captain Lytle, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron, is a second-year surgery resident currently in fellowship training at the CRL. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Pivnick)