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 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
.PDF |
1.77 MB
Overview of Coast Guard Health Services
Presentation
Feb 9, 2017
.PDF |
2.18 MB
Overview of Navy Medicine
Presentation
Feb 9, 2017
.PDF |
1.76 MB
Defense Health Agency Overview
Presentation
Feb 9, 2017
.PDF |
2.31 MB
Overview of Air Force Medical Service
Presentation
Nov 1, 2016
.PDF |
1.14 MB
Defense Health Board History briefing to the Defense Health Board, Nov. 1, 2016.
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Last Updated: August 29, 2025