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
Jun 23, 2022
On March 14, 1951, Capt. (Dr.) Dorothy Armstrong Elias became the first woman physician sworn into the Air Force.
Article
May 27, 2022
Each dog has his or her own rank, service, and uniform and is inducted in an enlistment or commissioning ceremony. Today, the Facility Dog Program at WRNMMC includes Sully, a yellow Lab who was former President George H.W. Bush’s service dog.
Photo
May 17, 2022
National Museum of Health and Medicine, Silver Spring, Maryland, visitor uses the NMHM mobile app while looking at objects from the Innovations in Military Medicine Gallery.
Article
May 17, 2022
The Army’s Dr. William Williams Keen helped to shape military medicine for more than 50 years – from the Civil War to World War I.
Article
Apr 28, 2022
Lt. Gen. Place receives Vietnam War commemorative flag.
Article
Apr 25, 2022
The combat helmet has evolved over time to improve protection against projectiles and shock waves to reduce the risk of fatal blows and traumatic brain injuries.
Article
Apr 21, 2022
The Rock Island Arsenal Health Clinic received a new name in honor of a heroic First U.S. Army Soldier in a moving ceremony here in Heritage Hall April 14. The new name is the Woodson Health Clinic in honor of Staff Sgt. Waverly B. Woodson Jr.
Article
Apr 5, 2022
In late August 2021, the Department of Defense issued a call for volunteers to support Operation Allies Welcome, the federal government’s effort to safely resettle Afghan refugees.
Article
Feb 25, 2022
Dr. Alexander Augusta was the first African American to be an Army doctor.
Article
Feb 3, 2022
No, George Washington did not have wooden teeth. But he did struggle with dental problems for most of his life.
Article
Jan 10, 2022
How citrus fruits quelled the scourge of scurvy.
Video
Oct 3, 2019
Electronic records are so common, it's hard to remember a time they weren't around. Learn about the #genesisofGENESIS and how electronic health records evolved in the Military Health System over the decades.
Video
Jul 3, 2018
Before his midnight ride, Paul Revere was an amateur dentist. See how his work during the Revolutionary War inspired the use of dental identification on the battlefield and beyond.
Presentation
Feb 9, 2017
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1.77 MB
Overview of Coast Guard Health Services
Presentation
Feb 9, 2017
.PDF |
1.76 MB
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Last Updated: August 29, 2025