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Faculty

Erich Roush

PsyD (Licensed Clinical Psychologist)
Assistant Professor/ Psychologist
Medical College of Wisconsin - BRAVE Program

Erich A. Roush, Psy.D. is an assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is the Director of Clinical Services for the BRAVE Program. He is a clinical psychologist, educator, and nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed care for Veterans and first responders. As Director of Clinical Services for the Wisconsin Institute of Neuroscience’s BRAVE (Building Resilience through Action in Veterans and First Responders) Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he oversees clinical care, develops innovative group-based trauma interventions, and educates clinicians, students, and community partners on the real-world challenges of supporting those who serve. Dr. Roush earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology in 2017, is a certified Brainspotting Consultant, and is board certified in group therapy (ABPP).

2026 Sessions

Sleepless Warriors: Sleep Disturbances, Recovery, and Resilience in First Responders

Yes, I understand

Sleep is critical for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health, but for first responders, restorative sleep is often elusive. This session explores the complex interplay between occupational demands, undiagnosed or diagnosed mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion, and chronic sleep disturbances in EMS and other high-exposure professions. Symptoms of mTBI, such as headaches, cognitive fog, irritability, and emotional dysregulation can disrupt normal sleep patterns, making restorative rest difficult even when the workday ends.

Participants will examine how cumulative sleep loss impacts first responders’ professional performance, decision-making, and safety, as well as its ripple effects on home life, relationships, and overall well-being. The session will highlight the reciprocal relationship between sleep disturbance and neurological symptoms, emphasizing how untreated or unrecognized mTBI can exacerbate fatigue and cognitive deficits over time.

Practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene, recognizing red-flag symptoms of underlying injury, and fostering resilience both on- and off-duty will be discussed. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to support their own recovery, optimize alertness and performance, and enhance the overall health and resilience of their teams.

Co-Presenter (2 Presenters)

Thursday, October 01 9:15–10:15 AM
Room W240 B
Health and Wellness
Faculty

Gregory Burek

MD
Medical Director
Medical College of Wisconsin, BRAVE Program

Dr. Gregory Burek is the Medical Director and Chief of the Building Resilience through Action in Veteran and First Responders (BRAVE) program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is also former Medical Director and founder of Aurora’s Veterans Retraining Program, along with his colleague Dr. Erich Roush. His mission is to improve mental health care for military veterans and servicemembers through understanding military culture and how that effects the individual.

Dr. Burek served in the United States Marine Corps between 1999-2003 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003 for Operation Iraq Freedom. After his service he went on to earn a Medical Doctorate and completed residency in Psychiatry. Since his residency he has been working nearly exclusively with Veterans and First Responders on the invisible wounds of service.

Faculty

Erich Roush

PsyD (Licensed Clinical Psychologist)
Assistant Professor/ Psychologist
Medical College of Wisconsin - BRAVE Program

Erich A. Roush, Psy.D. is an assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is the Director of Clinical Services for the BRAVE Program. He is a clinical psychologist, educator, and nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed care for Veterans and first responders. As Director of Clinical Services for the Wisconsin Institute of Neuroscience’s BRAVE (Building Resilience through Action in Veterans and First Responders) Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he oversees clinical care, develops innovative group-based trauma interventions, and educates clinicians, students, and community partners on the real-world challenges of supporting those who serve. Dr. Roush earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology in 2017, is a certified Brainspotting Consultant, and is board certified in group therapy (ABPP).
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