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Military Health System

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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 Around MHS
Feb 29, 2024

Madigan Army Medical Soldier Wins U.S. Army Medical Command Career Counselor of the Year—Two Years in a Row

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Angie Carper, Madigan Army Medical Center, representing Medical Readiness Command, Pacific, won the 2024 Medical Command Career Counselor of the Year.  (Photo: Joseph Kumzak/U.S. Army)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Angie Carper, Madigan Army Medical Center, representing Medical Readiness Command, Pacific, won the 2024 Medical Command Career Counselor of the Year. The award was announced in a ceremony Feb. 15, 2024, at MEDCOM headquarters on Fort Sam Houston. This is the second time Carper has received this award.

Article Around MHS
Feb 28, 2024

The Bethesda Chronicles, Part 1: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Medical Center

On Jan. 8, 2024, government and military officials attended a dedication ceremony to celebrate the “Bethesda” name as the new class of expeditionary medical ship. (Graphic by André B. Sobocinski)

On Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Darin Via, the Navy surgeon general, Governor of Maryland Wes Moore, Dawn Moore, the first lady of Maryland, and U.S. Navy Capt. Melissa Austin, commanding officer of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, took part in a dedication ceremony to celebrate the ...

Article Around MHS
Feb 8, 2024

Dr. Leonard Sperling Receives Helwig Award from the American Society of Dermatopathology

Leonard C. Sperling, M.D. was honored with the Elson B. Helwig Memorial Lecture Award by the American Society of Dermatopathology. Pictured are some of the dozens of physicians Dr. Sperling has mentored at the Uniformed Services University. (Courtesy Photo)

Leonard C. Sperling, distinguished professor of dermatology and pathology at the Uniformed Services University, vice Chair of Dermatology, and Sulzberger Chair of Dermatology, was honored with the Elson B. Helwig Memorial Lecture Award by the American Society of Dermatopathology for his significant contributions to the field, including his extensive ...

Article Around MHS
Dec 15, 2023

Passing the Guidon: A Ceremony of Leadership Transition at Uniformed Services University's Change of Command

Uniformed Services University's Brigade Commander U.S. Army Col. Patrick Donahue relinquished command to U.S. Army Col. Albert Kinkead on Dec. 1, 2023, at the change of command ceremony in the university's Rice Hall. (Photo by Tom Balfour/Uniformed Services University)

Uniformed Services University's Brigade Commander U.S. Army Col. Patrick Donahue passes the guidon to U.S. Army Col. Albert Kinkead, symbolizing a change of command and celebrating Donahue's distinguished 30-year career, as the university looks forward to a new chapter under Kinkead's leadership.

Article Around MHS
Dec 11, 2023

Florida Guardsman Receives U.S. Surgeon General’s Highest Civilian Honor

In this time of unprecedented global health challenges, frontline responders like U.S. Air Force Maj. Kevin Tipton stand out as beacons of hope and resilience. Tipton, a critical care nurse practitioner with the 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida Air National Guard, received the Surgeon General’s Medallion from Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, the U.S. ...

Last Updated: March 06, 2024
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