JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
U.S. Air Force Col. (Dr.) Erik K. Weitzel recently took over as deputy commander at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, a subordinate institute of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, or USAMRMC.
Weitzel joins the USAISR after serving as the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Otolaryngology Program Director at the Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. He replaces Air Force Col. (Dr.) Michael Davis, who was selected to serve as the deputy director of USAMRMC combat casualty care research program at Fort Detrick, Md.
“What an amazing opportunity,” Weitzel said. “I get to work with some of the most gifted scientific investigators on the planet in an institution that has a true commitment to something extremely special. This common binding purpose, ‘to optimize combat casualty care’ results in reduced competition and binds us together to achieve something fantastic.”
Weitzel added that he would like to build high-powered teams to execute the USAISR’s mission. He also said that he wants to leverage his extensive clinical and academic background to help the Institute’s researcher gain access to gifted clinician-scientists outside of Fort Sam Houston.
“I plan to reduce barriers to accomplishing high quality research by leveraging non-traditional relationships outside of the San Antonio Military Medical Center,” he said.
Energetic and in the middle of the action is how Weitzel describes himself. He’s aware that the staff at the USAISR may not be accustomed to this level of interaction.
“I tend to use this level of interaction to build trusting relationships, but it usually takes some time for people to recognize that I’m genuine in my interest in improving their ability to accomplish their missions,” Weitzel said.
Col. (Dr.) Shawn Nessen, USAISR commander, said Weitzel’s reputation as a clinician and program director at BAMC along with his energy and motivation are welcomed at the USAISR.
“He is the right person for the job,” Nessen said. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him. His agenda is aligned with our mission and we look forward to working with him.”
Weitzel loves science and discovery. He said that’s why he’s always asking questions, “I’m genuinely interested in enjoying the process of innovation.”
When it comes to his leadership philosophy, Weitzel said that he tries to model it after a former president.
“I don’t claim to be Abraham Lincoln, but I certainly try to channel his leadership philosophy: enthusiasm, efficiency, engagement, visible leadership, and integrity above all else,” he said.
Weitzel’s leadership philosophy is associated with his core values.
“The big three core values for me are capability, determination and integrity,” Weitzel said. “Trust is essential for teamwork. I commit to everyone in the USAISR that I will be honest and forthright in all that I do. I’m here to help us become a more effective team.”