“When in Doubt, Call USAMRIID:” U.S. Army North Exercise Tests Biological Threat Response

Story by Paul Lagasse Medical Research and Development Command FORT DETRICK, Md. – Operations in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear contested environments pose unique challenges for field commanders. How can they protect their Warfighters from biological threats without impeding their ability to fight and win on the battlefield? The mission of the U.S. Army Medical […]

Dr. Stephen Ferrara Appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

Dr. Stephen Ferrara Appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

Courtesy Story Defense Health Agency Dr. Stephen L. Ferrara, a retired U.S. Navy captain and decorated physician, was appointed as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on Jan. 20, 2025, succeeding Ms. Seileen Mullen in the position. Ferrara is the acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs until the official […]

Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command Rota Enhances Readiness and Retention Through Training Programs

Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command Rota Enhances Readiness and Retention Through Training Programs

Story by Cmdr. Jenny Paul U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command (NMRTC) Rota is dedicated to fostering professional development and recruitment in military medicine. The small overseas command, collocated with Naval Hospital Rota, offers training and shadowing opportunities for service members, enhancing retention and operational readiness in line with Navy Medicine’s […]

TRICARE Suspends Pre-Authorization Requirement for Specialty Care Referrals for West Region

Courtesy Story Defense Health Agency FALLS CHURCH, Virginia – The Defense Health Agency today announced TRICARE Prime enrollees in the West Region may see TRICARE-authorized specialty providers for outpatient care without getting primary care manager (PCM) referrals pre-authorized by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. However, enrollees still need their PCMs to provide referrals before getting specialty care. […]

USAMRIID scientist wins esteemed presidential award

USAMRIID scientist wins esteemed presidential award

Story by Quentin Johnson United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases FORT DETRICK, Md. – U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases scientist Keersten Ricks recently received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in protecting the Warfighter from emerging infectious disease threats. Since […]

Exceptional Military Health Leaders Honored with Presidential Rank Awards

Exceptional Military Health Leaders Honored with Presidential Rank Awards

Courtesy Story Defense Health Agency Three distinguished Military Health System leaders have been recognized by the 2024 Presidential Rank Awards for their commitment to public service and extraordinary contributions to military health policy leadership. • Dr. David J. Smith, acting principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, has been honored with the esteemed […]

VA, DoD collaboration expands surgical care options for Colorado Veterans

VA, DoD collaboration expands surgical care options for Colorado Veterans

Story by Gino Mattorano Colorado Military Health System Colorado Springs veterans now have more surgical care options thanks to a new initiative between the Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Medical Clinic and two Colorado Springs Military Medical Treatment Facilities. General surgeons from Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson and the 10th Medical Group at the […]