Annual Report - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

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A HISTORY OF SUCCESSThe American military medical community has produced significant research and clinical advancesthrough the years. The First World War saw the massive application of modern medicine includingimmunization, advanced surgery, use of motor ambulances, management of shock and treatmentof psychiatric disorders. World War II brought widespread use of penicillin, mobile hospitals andextensive use of military medics on the front lines.Today, military medicine continues to lead the way in research and clinical care. The UniformedServices University of the Health Sciences (USU) plays a pivotal role in conducting military medicalresearch, and providing consultation and education programs that help the country face the manychallenges of a nation at war.The university is engaged in a wide array of research and training in areas such as traumatic brain injury(TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emerging infectious diseases and supporting the continuumof care from battlefield through rehabilitation to return to the workforce.“WEST POINT” OF MILITARY MEDICINEAt the end of World War II, the United Statesmilitary discharged more than 10 million menand women. Among those who left service werethousands of physicians who returned to civilianpractice. Years later, recognizing the urgent needfor career military physicians, Congressman F.Edward Hébert (D-LA) introduced legislation toestablish a “West Point for doctors”— a universityoperated by the Department of Defense (DoD) tofoster a strong military medical system.USU was established by Congress in 1972.The university’s curriculum is similar to that of itscivilian counterparts, but it also provides additionalspecialized educational elements geared towardsproducing career uniformed officers.PREPARING FOR THE FUTUREThe university educates and trains essential healthcare providers to face today’s challenges, and it isdeeply committed to the future of military medicine.Congress’ approval of the 2005 recommendationsToday, one in four active-duty physicians are USUalumni. University graduates serve in key capacities,including significant leadership positions,critical to the successful operation of the militarymedical and public health systems. Among theroles in which alumni have distinguished themselvesare as members of the White House Presidentialmedical detail, heading terrorism and disasteremergency preparedness and response teamsand providing care and medical leadership duringoverseas military operations. USU’s relevance isconsiderable, more so today than at any point inits history. In a rapidly changing world, universitygraduates are shaping the future of military andpublic health.of the Base Realignment and Closure committeepaves the way for the university’s future as astate-of-the-art academic health center. CombiningWalter Reed Army Medical Center and theNational Naval Medical Center —with USU at itsacademic core—the Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center will create a world-class academichealth system that offers the highest quality care,distinguished health education and exemplarybasic and applied research.“While approximately one quarter of all new physiciansentering the military today are USU alumni, they have adisproportionate impact on military leadership by dintof their specialized training and preparation as leaders.”S. Ward Casscells, III, M.D.,Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (pictured center)2
1777The ContinentalArmy is immunizedagainst smallpoxper General GeorgeWashington’sorders.War of 1812 (1812-1815)Dr. James Tilton, PhysicianGeneral, advocates small,dispersed hospitals withgood ventilation, whichimproves the health ofsoldiers.1833William Beaumontpublishes his classic workon the physiology ofdigestion, which eventuallybecomes the cornerstone ofmodern gastroenterology.Civil War (1861-1865)Jonathan Letterman, MedicalDirector, Army of the Potomac,creates the echeloned system ofpatient evacuation and care,which remains the basis of civilianand military casualty careworldwide.1899The New Worldhookworm, a significantcause of anemia in PuertoRico, is discovered,leading to a significantreduction in hookwormdisease.1900The mosquito isidentified as the yellowfever vector.1904-1914Yellow fever iscontrolled in thePanama Canal Zone,making construction ofthe canal possible.1909An effectivetyphoidimmunization isdeveloped.1910An anhydrouschlorine methodto purify drinkingwater isintroduced andthe technology isused worldwide.World War I (1914-1918)A variety of medicaltechniques to improve soldiers’survival rates are developed,including wound treatment,blood transfusions, reconstructivesurgery and physicaltherapy.World War II (1939-1945)Major medical developments include theprevalent use of penicillin, widespread useof mobile hospitals to support troops closeto the front lines, aero-medical evacuationto ensure speedier medical care andextensive use of military medics on thefront lines.1944Hepatitis A and Bare differentiatedand gammaglobulin treatmentsare established.1947Scrub typhus transmissionproblems areresolved and chloraphenicoltreatmentintroduced.Korean War (1950-1953)The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital(MASH) is introduced. Hospital shipsequipped with helicopter landing pads areintroduced as a method for quick-responsemedical attention, changing the ships’ rolesfrom medical transports to floatinghospitals.1957The vaccine strain forinfluenza A virus isisolated.1958The cholera oralrehydration regimen isimplemented,dramatically reducingmortality.1960An attenuated vaccineagainst VenezuelanEquine Encephalitis isdeveloped.1961The Tri-Service ArmedForces RadiobiologyResearch Laboratory isestablished.1962Rubella virus is isolatedat the Walter ReedArmy Institute ofResearch.1965Antibacterial cream totreat patients withextensive burns isdeveloped.1967An oral adenovirusvaccine, which safelyprovides immunity inone dose, is developed.1970A polysaccharidevaccine against groupC meningococci isdeveloped.1972The Uniformed ServicesUniversity of the HealthSciences (USU) isestablished inBethesda, Maryland.
Page 1: UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITYof the
Page 6 and 7: SCHOOL OF MEDICINEUSU’s F. Edward
Page 8 and 9: GRADUATE PROGRAMSGraduate education
Page 10 and 11: Graduate School of NursingThe USU G
Page 12 and 13: Field ExercisesAs part of their edu
Page 14 and 15: leadershipUSU creates scientists an
Page 16 and 17: FACULTYUSU’s distinguished facult
Page 18 and 19: university LifeCAMPUS LIFEIn many w
Page 20 and 21: Year In ReviewRESEARCH WEEKThrougho
Page 22 and 23: Year In ReviewFIGHTING FOR LIFEUSU
Page 24 and 25: ReadinessMilitary readiness require
Page 26 and 27: ResearchIn addition to providing wo
Page 28 and 29: EXPLORING RADIATION RESISTANCERadia
Page 30 and 31: AFRRIArmed Forces Radiobiology Rese
Page 32 and 33: CourageCenter for Disaster and Huma
Page 34 and 35: Looking AheadU.S. academic medicine
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Annual Report - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

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