Walter Reed’s NICoE Scientists to Present New TBI Battlefield Biomarkers Research During 2023 MHSRS

Image of Dr. Ping-Hong Yeh all smiles at Walter Reed in preparation for presenting new biomarkers TBI research at 2023 MHSRS. Photo Credit: DOD Ricardo Reyesguevarra. Dr. Ping-Hong Yeh all smiles at Walter Reed in preparation for presenting new biomarkers TBI research at 2023 MHSRS. Photo Credit: DOD Ricardo Reyesguevarra

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is pleased to announce that researchers from the National Intrepid Center of Excellence will present a groundbreaking study on diagnosing traumatic brain injuries during the 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium taking place Aug. 14-17, 2023 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

Elevating Diagnostic Research, Improving Outcomes for Patients with Mild TBIs

  • Presentation Title: Brain white matter alterations in military service members after a remote mild traumatic brain injury
  • Abstract ID: MHSRS-23-10510
  • Session Title: Battlefield Biomarkers for TBI: Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicators
  • Presenter: Ping-Hong Yeh, Ph.D., National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
  • Poster Session Date and Time: Wednesday, August 15th, 15:30-17:30 p.m. EDT
  • Medical Research: A High Calling, Serving Those Who Serve Our Country

Dr. Ping-Hong Yeh, who completed his post-doctoral studies at the University of California, San Francisco, has spent more than a decade studying biomarkers that inform health care workers with vital information in diagnosing and treating TBIs. "I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work in an environment that allows me to help injured warriors," Yeh emphasized. He’s determined to improve outcomes for those overcoming brain trauma caused by the concussive strength of the weapons of war, especially improvised explosive devices.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the current lag in TBI incidence and hospitalization can be reduced if digital biomarkers such as hard fall detection are standardized and used as a mechanism to alert paramedics to an unresponsive trauma patient. Yeh and his colleagues are on a mission to turn the tide on mild TBIs, which may cause a wide range of debilitating outcomes - including headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, loss of memory and major mood swings.

About Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the nation's largest and most renowned military medical centers. Recently dubbed "The Nation's Medical Center", we represent the joining of the "Best of the Best" in military medicine when National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center came together in September of 2011, to form Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as decreed by the Base Realignment and Closure law of 2005.

We are comprised of nearly 7,100 dedicated staff members who make it their daily mission to achieve the vision and mission of our medical center. Our vision is to serve military families and our nation's active duty, returning war heroes, veterans, and our Nation's leaders. We’re committed to operational readiness, outstanding customer service, and world-class health care delivery for our beneficiaries.

You also may be interested in...

Video
Dec 2, 2025

Awarding the Young Investigators of 2025

Awarding the Young Investigators of 2025

All eyes looked to the future of military medical research as Young Investigators received awards on Aug. 7, in Kissimmee, Florida. The Young Investigators competition honored the best oral presentations from residents, fellows, doctoral candidates, post-docs, and individuals within five years of graduation from a terminal degree. All research was ...

Video
Sep 18, 2025

Military Health System Research Symposium 2025 Individual Awards

Military Health System Research Symposium 2025 Individual Awards

Individual military and civilian medical researchers received top honors at the 2025 Military Medical System Research Symposium in Kissimmee, Florida, on Aug. 4. Their work focused on advancing care and medical readiness for the warfighter in the areas of traumatic brain injury, suicide prevention, dental care, and the digital healthcare landscape.

Video
Sep 18, 2025

Military Health System Research Symposium 2025 Team Awards

Military Health System Research Symposium 2025 Team Awards

Military and civilian medical research teams received top honors at the 2025 Military Medical System Research Symposium in Kissimmee, Florida, on Aug. 4. Their work focused on advancing care and medical readiness for the warfighter in the areas of traumatic brain injury, suicide prevention, dental care, and the digital healthcare landscape.

Video
Aug 7, 2025

Around the MHS August 7, 2025

Around the MHSRS, Aug. 7 video cover image.

Around the 2025 Military Health System Research Symposium includes remarks from the Pentagon’s top doctor on how innovative research saves lives, recognizing those dedicated to advancing warfighter health, and poster awards showcasing the latest developments in military medicine.

Video
May 19, 2025

Transforming TBI Detection

Transforming TBI Detection

Experts from the National Museum of Health and Medicine and the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence participate in a brain injury awareness Science Café, discussing the latest advancements in TBI diagnostic devices and their impact on clinical decision-making. Topics in the speaker series include FDA-cleared diagnostic tools, military-specific ...

Video
Oct 15, 2024

Talking Blast Exposure Impact With TBICoE

Talking Blast Exposure Impact With TBICoE

Can blast exposure impact the brain? TBICoE's Branch Chief, Dr. Katie Stout, explains. While some service members may experience blast exposure without an immediate diagnosable injury, there may still be effects on the brain. TBICoE is advancing blast exposure research to help assess risk and protect service members. To learn more, visit health.mil ...

Video
Jul 23, 2024

Military Leaders: Prevent, Recognize and Treat Brain Injuries

Warfighter Brain Health for Leaders Training Video

The Warfighter Brain Health for Leaders Training video is an essential resource for enhancing the Department of Defense's Warfighter Brain Health Initiative. It empowers military leaders with strategies for preventing, protecting against, and managing brain injuries. Additionally, the video enhances leaders' abilities to assess and recognize symptoms ...

Video
Jul 2, 2024

MHSRS 2024 Promotion

MHSRS 2024 Promotion

The 2024 MHSRS will be held 26 August – 29 August 2024. The location is the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Kissimmee FL. For more information visit https://mhsrs.health.mil/SitePages/Home.aspx

Video
Mar 28, 2024

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Dr. Joanne Gold, a pharmacist and neuroscience clinician with TBICoE, and experts from the National Museum of Health and Medicine discuss the treatment of headaches, past and present. Their conversation explores the museum's collections related to TBI and headache treatment, discusses ways to improve headache treatment, and highlights relevant TBICoE ...

Video
Jan 31, 2024

Be a Brain Warrior: Protect. Treat. Optimize.

Be a Brain Warrior: Protect. Treat. Optimize.

The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence is championing the theme 'Be a Brain Warrior: Protect, Treat, Optimize' during Brain Injury Awareness Month. The theme showcases the idea that service members, veterans, healthcare providers, caregivers, family members, and advocates can be warriors for brain health. Visit health.mil/BIAMonth to learn more.

Refine your search