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Our History

Military medicine has a long and celebrated history. We apply lessons from our past to improve the care of military personnel and their families today and in the future. New surgical techniques, powerful painkillers, antibiotic drugs, and triage and evacuation procedures have revolutionized military medicine.

In this section, you'll find featured stories and information about the history of military medicine.

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Article
Mar 17, 2023

Navy Medical Corps 152nd Anniversary Celebrated at Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command Bremerton

As part of the tradition of recognizing the Navy Medical Corps 152nd anniversary, on May 3, congratulatory letters from Navy Medicine Dental Corps, Civilian Corps, Hospital Corps, Medical Service Corps and Nurse Corps directors were read by representatives of each distinct entity as was well-wishes by U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, Medical Corps chief (Photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer)

It was on March 3, 1871, that 153 U.S. Navy physicians were officially recognized as a staff corps to parallel their professional status with other naval officers. That date was readily acknowledged 152 years later on March 3, 2023, at Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton with an anniversary celebration for Navy Medical Corps officers ...

Article
Feb 13, 2023

Naval Medical Center San Diego Honors Women Physicians

Military medical personnel pose for picture

At military medical facilities all over the world, there's a good chance that a beneficiary will be treated by female physicians, but it wasn't always like that. Feb. 3 is National Women Physician Day. We'll take a look at how Naval Medical Center San Diego is honoring the history of women in military medicine and their role in how far medicine has ...

Article
Dec 2, 2022

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Visiting Nurse Program Celebrates 100 Years

Shannon Williams, visiting nurse for Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society

The Visiting Nurse Program of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) organization provides specialized care to the communities they serve around the world. Founded on November 25, 1922 when Nell Watson was hired as the first visiting nurse at the Parris Island Branch Auxiliary, the program celebrated its centennial anniversary Nov. 25, 2022.

Last Updated: March 06, 2024
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