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
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
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
Dec 6, 2023

Angels of the Battlefield Honor Medical Personnel Who Went Above Call of Duty

Six medical professionals from across the armed services recently earned honors as Angels of the Battlefield, a title bestowed upon them by the Armed Services-YMCA in honor of military medical personnel and first responders for their life-saving medical treatment and trauma care of service members, partner forces, and civilians at home and abroad.