Army Medical Department (United States)
Encyclopedia
The Army Medical Department of the U.S. Army
– known as the AMEDD – comprises the Army's six medical Special Branches (or "Corps") of officers and medical enlisted soldiers. It was established as the "Army Hospital" in July 1775 to coordinate the medical care required by the Continental Army
during the Revolutionary War. The AMEDD is led by the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army
, a lieutenant general
.
The AMEDD is the U.S. Army's healthcare organization, not a U.S. Army command. The AMEDD is found in all three components of the Army: the Active Army
, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard
. Its headquarters are at Fort Sam Houston
, San Antonio, Texas, which hosts the AMEDD Center and School. Equal numbers of AMEDD senior leaders can be found in Washington D.C., divided between the Pentagon
and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center
(WRAMC).
The Academy of Health Sciences, under the Army Medical Department Center & School, provides training to the officers and enlisted soldiers of the AMEDD. As a result of BRAC 2005, enlisted medical training was transferred to the new Medical Education and Training Campus, consolidating most military enlisted medical training at Fort Sam Houston.
The current Army Surgeon General is LTG
Eric Schoomaker
. He is also commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM).
Both the AMEDD and the Army Medical Corps
trace their origins to 27 July 1775, when the Continental Congress
established the "Army Hospital" headed by a "Director General and Chief Physician." Congress provided a medical organization of the Army only in time of war or emergency until 1818, when it created a permanent and continuous "Medical Department". The Army Nurse Corps dates from 1901, the Dental Corps from 1911, the Veterinary Corps from 1916, the Medical Service Corps from 1917, and the Army Medical Specialist Corps from 1947.
The Army Organization Act of 1950 renamed the Medical Department as the "Army Medical Service" (AMS). However, on 4 June 1968 the AMS was redesignated the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).
A regimental coat of arms
was devised for the Medical Department and probably first used in 1818. The 20 white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represent the U.S. flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with green serpent (the rod of Asclepius
from Classical mythology
) is symbolic of medicine and healing. (Green was the color associated with the Medical Corps during the last half of the 19th century.) Symbology of the coat of arms: The colors Argent and Gules are those associated with the Army Medical Department. The cross and the wreath are adapted from devices authorized for hospital stewards and other medical enlisted men when the Hospital Corps was established in 1887. The seven stars emphasize the elements of the organization: the six officer branches (Medical Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical Service Corps, Medical Specialist Corps) and the Enlisted Medical Specialists. The AMEDD motto "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" reflects the medical mission.
embroidered in yellow silk on a half chevron of emerald green silk" was first authorized and worn by hospital stewards of the Medical Department. The caduceus in its present form was approved in 1902. Today, the AMEDD branch (corps) insignia is a gold color medal caduceus, 1 inch in height. With the exception of the Medical Corps, each Corps is identified by a black enamel letter (or letters) centered on the caduceus indicative of the specific branch. The insignia for Medical Service Corps is silver. Rooted in Classical mythology and associated with the Greek god Hermes
, the US Army's long-standing use of the caduceus has made it a well known emblem of physicians and medical skill throughout the world. (Purists, however, often assert that the rod of Asclepius
, with its single serpent, is the more proper medical emblem.)
and doctors of osteopathic medicine
) who have completed at least one year of post-graduate training (internship) or those promoted from O-1 to O-3 following completion of medical school through USUHS or the HPSP. The MC traces its origins to 27 July 1775, when the Continental Congress
created “a Hospital” – essentially a Medical Department and corps of physicians – for the Continental Army
. Medical officers in the U.S. Army were authorized uniforms only in 1816 and were accorded military rank only in 1847. Congress made official the designation of "Medical Corps" in 1908, although the term had long been in use informally among the AMEDD's regular physicians. Today, members of the MC work around the world at all echelons of the Army. The Chief of the MC is a major general
, whereas the senior MC officer is the Surgeon General (a lieutenant general
).
Military Physicians serve in one of several general career fields. The three main fields are Operational Field, Clinical Field, and Research Field.
Operational Medicine is the field of Army medicine that provides medical support to the Soldier and his/her Chain of Command. Many Operational Physicians serve as Division
, Brigade and Battalion level Surgeons (the word "surgeon" is used to identify a physician that is assigned to a unit as a primary care provider and not necessarily as a General Surgeon
). These Physicians are either assigned through the "PROFIS" system or through permanent assignment (PCS). Deployments with units to combat theaters are for the duration of a deployment and the jobs are mostly filled by primary care physicians. A PROFIS
provider can expect to be deployed away from their family for a total of 16 months (1 month before deployment, 12 months in theater, and 3 months for "stabilization" after return to the assigned units home station). This means that primary care physicians are deployed for longer periods than most "specialist Physicians". A specialist (i.e. General Surgeon, Pulmonologist, Cardiologist, Trauma Surgeon, Rheumatologist) are usually deployed for 6 months. Operational Physicians should expect that greater than 60% of their time will be spent in administrative roles and non-patient care. 40% of the Operational providers time is spent caring for Soldiers or supervising unit Physician Assistants
(PA). With the recent Brigade Combat Team
(BCT) restructuring, the demand for Operational Surgeons have increased. Likely the poor retention of Captains and junior Major
rank Physicians in the primary care fields are due to the relative inequality of deployment length and deployment frequency between primary care and specialty Physicians.
Clinical Medicine is the field of Army medicine where a Physician in uniform basically functions like a Physician in the Civilian arena. These Physicians are assigned to the various Army MEDCEN (Medical Centers) and MEDDAC (Medical and Dental facilities). Each of these Physicians are assigned to a PROFIS unit. Usually primary care physicians deploy to fill Battalion level Surgeon positions. Medical Specialists deploy to support CSH (combat support hospitals)
Research Medicine is filled by the minority of military physicians. Most of these research Physicians are based in larger Army Medical Centers.
(DDS) degree or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The chief of the Dental Corps is a major general. Enlisted soldiers may be assigned as dental assistants, although their collar insignia lacks the 'D' and is the same as that worn by medics. Army Dental Officers can be trained to specialize in the following advanced training programs after Dental School:
The chief of the Army Dental Corps is Major General Ming "Ted" Wong.
The Veterinary Corps consists of commissioned doctors of veterinary medicine. Warrant officers are the core of its Food Inspection service. Enlisted personnel can serve as Food Inspection specialists and veterinary technicians; enlisted collar insignia lacks the 'V' and is the same as that worn by medics.
The Chief of the Veterinary Corps is Brigadier General Timothy K. Adams.
, health physicists, toxicologists, sanitary engineers, medical operations and plans officers, medical logisticians
, health services maintenance technicians, and medical evacuation pilots
. MS officers serve in clinical support roles as clinical laboratory science officers
, environmental science officers
, pharmacist
s and preventive medicine officers
. Medical Service Corps Officers serve as commanders of field medical units in garrison and combat environments. MS officers provide healthcare to patients as psychologist
s (PhD, PsyD), social workers (MSW with state license), optometrists
, pharmacist
, podiatrists, and audiologists
. The Medical Service Corps also functions as a transitional branch, encompassing commissioned medical, dental, and veterinary students who have not completed their training through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
(USUHS) or the Health Professions Scholarship Program
(HPSP).
Medical Service Corp officers are accessioned from the various Army commissioning sources (USMA
, ROTC
, and the federal and state Office Candidate School
s), following a branch-immaterial curriculum. Since a primary function of the Medical Service Corps is to manage combat health support activities, its officers hold general command authority and can compete for company- and field-grade command of medical support formations and detachments, similar to officers of the "competitive category" branches (infantry, ordnance, quartermaster, etc.). In contrast, Medical Corps and Dental Corps officers are limited to command billets specific to their respective corps (e.g. hospitals, MEDDACs, clinics for doctors; dental clinics, DENTACs for dentists).
The Chief of the Medical Service Corps is Major General David A. Rubenstein.
, physical therapists
, occupational therapist
s, and physician assistant
s. Members of the SP serve all around the world and at all echelons of the Army. The Chief of the SP Corps is COL Theresa Schneider.
/Combat Medic
(68W
, formerly 91A, 91B), Mental Health Specialist (68X), and Chief Medical NCO (68Z). In addition, outside the AMEDD, is the Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D).
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
– known as the AMEDD – comprises the Army's six medical Special Branches (or "Corps") of officers and medical enlisted soldiers. It was established as the "Army Hospital" in July 1775 to coordinate the medical care required by the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
during the Revolutionary War. The AMEDD is led by the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army
Surgeons General of the United States Army
The Surgeon General of the United States Army is the senior-most officer of the U.S. Army Medical Department . By policy, the Surgeon General serves as Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command as well as head of the AMEDD...
, a lieutenant general
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
.
The AMEDD is the U.S. Army's healthcare organization, not a U.S. Army command. The AMEDD is found in all three components of the Army: the Active Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard
Army National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
. Its headquarters are at Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas.Known colloquially as "Fort Sam," it is named for the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston....
, San Antonio, Texas, which hosts the AMEDD Center and School. Equal numbers of AMEDD senior leaders can be found in Washington D.C., divided between the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center was the United States Army's flagship medical center until 2011. Located on 113 acres in Washington, D.C., it served more than 150,000 active and retired personnel from all branches of the military...
(WRAMC).
The Academy of Health Sciences, under the Army Medical Department Center & School, provides training to the officers and enlisted soldiers of the AMEDD. As a result of BRAC 2005, enlisted medical training was transferred to the new Medical Education and Training Campus, consolidating most military enlisted medical training at Fort Sam Houston.
The current Army Surgeon General is LTG
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
Eric Schoomaker
Eric Schoomaker
Lieutenant General Eric B. Schoomaker, United States Army is the 42nd Surgeon General of the United States Army and Commanding General, United States Army Medical Command, and a practicing hematologist. He previously served as Commanding General, North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter...
. He is also commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM).
History
- See footnote
Both the AMEDD and the Army Medical Corps
Medical Corps (United States Army)
The Medical Corps of the U.S. Army is a staff corps of the U.S. Army Medical Department consisting of commissioned medical officers – physicians with either an MD or a DO degree, at least one year of post-graduate clinical training, and a state medical license.The MC traces its earliest origins...
trace their origins to 27 July 1775, when the Continental Congress
Continental Congress
The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....
established the "Army Hospital" headed by a "Director General and Chief Physician." Congress provided a medical organization of the Army only in time of war or emergency until 1818, when it created a permanent and continuous "Medical Department". The Army Nurse Corps dates from 1901, the Dental Corps from 1911, the Veterinary Corps from 1916, the Medical Service Corps from 1917, and the Army Medical Specialist Corps from 1947.
The Army Organization Act of 1950 renamed the Medical Department as the "Army Medical Service" (AMS). However, on 4 June 1968 the AMS was redesignated the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).
Coat of arms
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
was devised for the Medical Department and probably first used in 1818. The 20 white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represent the U.S. flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with green serpent (the rod of Asclepius
Rod of Asclepius
The rod of Asclepius , also known as the asklepian, is an ancient symbol associated with astrology, the Greek god Asclepius, and with medicine and healing. It consists of a serpent entwined around a staff. The name of the symbol derives from its early and widespread association with Asclepius, the...
from Classical mythology
Classical mythology
Classical mythology or Greco-Roman mythology is the cultural reception of myths from the ancient Greeks and Romans. Along with philosophy and political thought, mythology represents one of the major survivals of classical antiquity throughout later Western culture.Classical mythology has provided...
) is symbolic of medicine and healing. (Green was the color associated with the Medical Corps during the last half of the 19th century.) Symbology of the coat of arms: The colors Argent and Gules are those associated with the Army Medical Department. The cross and the wreath are adapted from devices authorized for hospital stewards and other medical enlisted men when the Hospital Corps was established in 1887. The seven stars emphasize the elements of the organization: the six officer branches (Medical Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical Service Corps, Medical Specialist Corps) and the Enlisted Medical Specialists. The AMEDD motto "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" reflects the medical mission.
Branch (corps) insignia
In 1851 "a caduceusCaduceus
The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology. The same staff was also borne by heralds in general, for example by Iris, the messenger of Hera. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings...
embroidered in yellow silk on a half chevron of emerald green silk" was first authorized and worn by hospital stewards of the Medical Department. The caduceus in its present form was approved in 1902. Today, the AMEDD branch (corps) insignia is a gold color medal caduceus, 1 inch in height. With the exception of the Medical Corps, each Corps is identified by a black enamel letter (or letters) centered on the caduceus indicative of the specific branch. The insignia for Medical Service Corps is silver. Rooted in Classical mythology and associated with the Greek god Hermes
Hermes
Hermes is the great messenger of the gods in Greek mythology and a guide to the Underworld. Hermes was born on Mount Kyllini in Arcadia. An Olympian god, he is also the patron of boundaries and of the travelers who cross them, of shepherds and cowherds, of the cunning of thieves, of orators and...
, the US Army's long-standing use of the caduceus has made it a well known emblem of physicians and medical skill throughout the world. (Purists, however, often assert that the rod of Asclepius
Rod of Asclepius
The rod of Asclepius , also known as the asklepian, is an ancient symbol associated with astrology, the Greek god Asclepius, and with medicine and healing. It consists of a serpent entwined around a staff. The name of the symbol derives from its early and widespread association with Asclepius, the...
, with its single serpent, is the more proper medical emblem.)
Regimental insignia (crest)
The design of the AMEDD regimental insignia (crest) is derived from the regimental coat of arms. It is one of the US Army’s 14 regimental corps insignias. These insignias are worn over the right breast pocket on the Class A uniform signifying each service member’s unique branch of service. The AMEDD insignia was originally approved on 17 April 1986, but the size was changed from 1 1/4 inch to 1 inch on 28 August 1986.Medical Corps (MC)
The Medical Corps consists entirely of commissioned medical officers who are physicians (doctors of medicineDoctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
and doctors of osteopathic medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a professional doctoral degree for physicians in the United States. Holders of the MD degree, Doctor of Medicine, have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as osteopathic physicians in the United States.The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission...
) who have completed at least one year of post-graduate training (internship) or those promoted from O-1 to O-3 following completion of medical school through USUHS or the HPSP. The MC traces its origins to 27 July 1775, when the Continental Congress
Continental Congress
The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....
created “a Hospital” – essentially a Medical Department and corps of physicians – for the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
. Medical officers in the U.S. Army were authorized uniforms only in 1816 and were accorded military rank only in 1847. Congress made official the designation of "Medical Corps" in 1908, although the term had long been in use informally among the AMEDD's regular physicians. Today, members of the MC work around the world at all echelons of the Army. The Chief of the MC is a major general
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
, whereas the senior MC officer is the Surgeon General (a lieutenant general
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
).
Military Physicians serve in one of several general career fields. The three main fields are Operational Field, Clinical Field, and Research Field.
Operational Medicine is the field of Army medicine that provides medical support to the Soldier and his/her Chain of Command. Many Operational Physicians serve as Division
Divisions of the United States Army
This list of United States Army Divisions is divided into three eras: 1911–1917, 1917–1941, and 1941–present. These eras represent the major evolutions of army division structure...
, Brigade and Battalion level Surgeons (the word "surgeon" is used to identify a physician that is assigned to a unit as a primary care provider and not necessarily as a General Surgeon
Surgeon
In medicine, a surgeon is a specialist in surgery. Surgery is a broad category of invasive medical treatment that involves the cutting of a body, whether human or animal, for a specific reason such as the removal of diseased tissue or to repair a tear or breakage...
). These Physicians are either assigned through the "PROFIS" system or through permanent assignment (PCS). Deployments with units to combat theaters are for the duration of a deployment and the jobs are mostly filled by primary care physicians. A PROFIS
PROFIS
The PROFIS or Professional Filler System is used by the United States Military to fill voids in personnel when a unit deploys on a combat or humanitarian mission...
provider can expect to be deployed away from their family for a total of 16 months (1 month before deployment, 12 months in theater, and 3 months for "stabilization" after return to the assigned units home station). This means that primary care physicians are deployed for longer periods than most "specialist Physicians". A specialist (i.e. General Surgeon, Pulmonologist, Cardiologist, Trauma Surgeon, Rheumatologist) are usually deployed for 6 months. Operational Physicians should expect that greater than 60% of their time will be spent in administrative roles and non-patient care. 40% of the Operational providers time is spent caring for Soldiers or supervising unit Physician Assistants
Physician assistant
A physician assistant/associate ' is a healthcare professional trained and licensed to practice medicine with limited supervision by a physician.-General description:...
(PA). With the recent Brigade Combat Team
Brigade combat team
The brigade combat team is the basic deployable unit of maneuver in the US Army. A brigade combat team consists of one combat arms branch maneuver brigade, and its attached support and fire units. A brigade combat team is generally commanded by a colonel , but in rare instances it is commanded by...
(BCT) restructuring, the demand for Operational Surgeons have increased. Likely the poor retention of Captains and junior Major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
rank Physicians in the primary care fields are due to the relative inequality of deployment length and deployment frequency between primary care and specialty Physicians.
Clinical Medicine is the field of Army medicine where a Physician in uniform basically functions like a Physician in the Civilian arena. These Physicians are assigned to the various Army MEDCEN (Medical Centers) and MEDDAC (Medical and Dental facilities). Each of these Physicians are assigned to a PROFIS unit. Usually primary care physicians deploy to fill Battalion level Surgeon positions. Medical Specialists deploy to support CSH (combat support hospitals)
Research Medicine is filled by the minority of military physicians. Most of these research Physicians are based in larger Army Medical Centers.
Nurse Corps (AN)
The Army Nurse Corps became a permanent corps of the Medical Department under the Army Reorganization Act (31 STat. 753) passed by Congress on 2 February 1901. Its motto is "EMBRACE THE PAST – ENGAGE THE PRESENT – ENVISION THE FUTURE" and it mission statement declares that "All actions and tasks must lead and work toward promoting the wellness of Warriors and their families, supporting the delivery of Warrior and family healthcare, and all those entrusted to our care and ultimately, positioning the Army Nurse Corps as a force multiplier for the future of military medicine."Dental Corps (DC)
The Dental Corps (DC) consists of commissioned officers holding the Doctor of Dental SurgeryDoctor of Dental Surgery
There are a number of first professional degrees in dentistry offered by schools in various countries around the world. These include the following:* Doctor of Dental Surgery * Doctor of Dental Medicine * Bachelor of Dentistry...
(DDS) degree or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The chief of the Dental Corps is a major general. Enlisted soldiers may be assigned as dental assistants, although their collar insignia lacks the 'D' and is the same as that worn by medics. Army Dental Officers can be trained to specialize in the following advanced training programs after Dental School:
- General Dentist
- General Dentist (1 year AEGD Graduate)
- Comprehensive Dentist* (2 year AEGD Graduate) (*"Comprehensive" and "General" Dentistry are not recognized ADA accredited specialties.)
- Endodontist
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Orthodontist
- Pediatric Dentist
- Periodontist
- Prosthodontist
- Public Health Dentist
- Oral Pathologist
The chief of the Army Dental Corps is Major General Ming "Ted" Wong.
Veterinary Corps (VC)
The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps was established by an Act of Congress on 3 June 1916. Recognition of the need for veterinary expertise had been evolving since 1776 when General Washington directed that a "regiment of horse with a farrier" be raised. It has evolved to include sanitary food inspectors and animal healthcare specialists.The Veterinary Corps consists of commissioned doctors of veterinary medicine. Warrant officers are the core of its Food Inspection service. Enlisted personnel can serve as Food Inspection specialists and veterinary technicians; enlisted collar insignia lacks the 'V' and is the same as that worn by medics.
The Chief of the Veterinary Corps is Brigadier General Timothy K. Adams.
Medical Service Corps (MS)
The Medical Service Corps consists entirely of commissioned and warrant officers. Members are required to hold at least a Bachelors Degree before receiving a commission. The MS is the most diverse branch of the Army, with members performing the greatest range of duties. Members perform administrative and support duties such as healthcare administrators, health services officers in operational units, healthcare comptrollers, healthcare informatics officers, patient administrators, health service human resource managersHuman resources
Human resources is a term used to describe the individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations...
, health physicists, toxicologists, sanitary engineers, medical operations and plans officers, medical logisticians
Medical logistics
Medical logistics is the logistics of pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical supplies, medical devices and equipment, and other products needed to support doctors, nurses, and other health and dental care providers...
, health services maintenance technicians, and medical evacuation pilots
MEDEVAC
Medical evacuation, often termed Medevac or Medivac, is the timely and efficient movement and en route care provided by medical personnel to the wounded being evacuated from the battlefield or to injured patients being evacuated from the scene of an accident to receiving medical facilities using...
. MS officers serve in clinical support roles as clinical laboratory science officers
Medical laboratory
A medical laboratory or clinical laboratory is a laboratory where tests are done on clinical specimens in order to get information about the health of a patient as pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.-Departments:...
, environmental science officers
Environmental science
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems...
, pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are allied health professionals who practice in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use...
s and preventive medicine officers
Preventive medicine
Preventive medicine or preventive care refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than curing them or treating their symptoms...
. Medical Service Corps Officers serve as commanders of field medical units in garrison and combat environments. MS officers provide healthcare to patients as psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologist is a professional or academic title used by individuals who are either:* Clinical professionals who work with patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts .* Scientists conducting psychological research or teaching psychology in a college...
s (PhD, PsyD), social workers (MSW with state license), optometrists
Optometry
Optometry is a health care profession concerned with eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists, or Doctors of Optometry, are state licensed medical professionals trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision,...
, pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are allied health professionals who practice in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use...
, podiatrists, and audiologists
Audiology
Audiology is the branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. Its practitioners, who treat those with hearing loss and proactively prevent related damage are audiologists. Employing various testing strategies Audiology (from Latin , "to hear"; and from Greek , -logia) is...
. The Medical Service Corps also functions as a transitional branch, encompassing commissioned medical, dental, and veterinary students who have not completed their training through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is a health science university run by the U.S. federal government. The primary mission of the school is to prepare graduates for service to the U.S. at home and abroad in the medical corps....
(USUHS) or the Health Professions Scholarship Program
Health Professions Scholarship Program
The Health Professions Scholarship Program offers prospective military physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, optometrists, psychologists, physician assistants, pharmacists and veterinarians a paid medical education in exchange for service as a commissioned medical department officer...
(HPSP).
Medical Service Corp officers are accessioned from the various Army commissioning sources (USMA
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
, ROTC
Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a college-based, officer commissioning program, predominantly in the United States. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics.The U.S...
, and the federal and state Office Candidate School
Officer Candidate School (U.S. Army)
The United States Army's Officer Candidate School , located at Fort Benning, Georgia, provides training to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army...
s), following a branch-immaterial curriculum. Since a primary function of the Medical Service Corps is to manage combat health support activities, its officers hold general command authority and can compete for company- and field-grade command of medical support formations and detachments, similar to officers of the "competitive category" branches (infantry, ordnance, quartermaster, etc.). In contrast, Medical Corps and Dental Corps officers are limited to command billets specific to their respective corps (e.g. hospitals, MEDDACs, clinics for doctors; dental clinics, DENTACs for dentists).
The Chief of the Medical Service Corps is Major General David A. Rubenstein.
Medical Specialist Corps (SP)
The Army Medical Specialist Corps consists entirely of commissioned officers. Members hold professional degrees and serve as clinical dietitiansDietitian
Dietitians supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits. The goals of dietitians are to provide medical nutritional intervention, and to obtain, safely prepare, serve and advise on...
, physical therapists
Physical therapy
Physical therapy , often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention,and rehabilitation...
, occupational therapist
Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist is trained in the practice of occupational therapy. The role of an occupational therapist is to work with a client to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of "purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional...
s, and physician assistant
Physician assistant
A physician assistant/associate ' is a healthcare professional trained and licensed to practice medicine with limited supervision by a physician.-General description:...
s. Members of the SP serve all around the world and at all echelons of the Army. The Chief of the SP Corps is COL Theresa Schneider.
Enlisted Medical Career Management Fields (CMFs)
There are currently 17 military occupational specialties (MOSs) for enlisted medical soldiers: Biomedical Equipment Specialist (MOS 68A), Operating Room Specialist (68D), Dental Specialist (68E), Patient Administration Specialist (68G), Optical Laboratory Specialist (68H), Medical Logistics Specialist (68J), Medical Laboratory Specialist (68K), Nutrition Care Specialist (68M), Radiology Specialist (68P), Pharmacy Specialist (68Q), Food Safety Inspector (68R), Preventive Medicine Specialist (68S), Animal Care Specialist (68T), Respiratory Specialist (68V), Healthcare Specialist68W
68W is the Military Occupational Specialty for the United States Army's healthcare specialist, also known as the combat medic...
/Combat Medic
Combat medic
Combat medics are trained military personnel who are responsible for providing first aid and frontline trauma care on the battlefield. They are also responsible for providing continuing medical care in the absence of a readily available physician, including care for disease and battle injury...
(68W
68W
68W is the Military Occupational Specialty for the United States Army's healthcare specialist, also known as the combat medic...
, formerly 91A, 91B), Mental Health Specialist (68X), and Chief Medical NCO (68Z). In addition, outside the AMEDD, is the Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D).
See also
- United States Army Medical CommandUnited States Army Medical CommandThe U.S. Army Medical Command is a major command of the U.S. Army that provides command and control of the Army's fixed-facility medical, dental, and veterinary treatment facilities, providing preventive care, medical research and development and training institutions.MEDCOM is commanded by the...
(MEDCOM) - Order of Military Medical MeritOrder of Military Medical MeritThe Order of Military Medical Merit is a private organization that was founded by the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Health Services Command in 1982 with the goal of recognizing excellence and promoting fellowship and esprit de corps among Army Medical Department personnel...
(O2M3) - Surgeon General of the United States Army (TSG)
- 68W (91W)68W68W is the Military Occupational Specialty for the United States Army's healthcare specialist, also known as the combat medic...
(medic; U.S. Army) - List of ships of the United States Army#Hospital ships
- United States Army Ambulance ServiceUnited States Army Ambulance ServiceThe United States Army Ambulance Service was a unit of the United States Army during World War I. It was established by General Order No. 75 of the War Department in May 1917...
(World War I) - Battlefield medicineBattlefield medicineBattlefield medicine, also called field surgery and later combat casualty care, is the treatment of wounded soldiers in or near an area of combat. Civilian medicine has been greatly advanced by procedures that were first developed to treat the wounds inflicted during combat...
- Combat Support HospitalCombat support hospitalA Combat Support Hospital is a type of field hospital. The CSH is a United States military mobile hospital delivered to the Corps Support Area in standard military-owned Demountable Containers cargo containers and assembled by the staff into a tent hospital to treat wounded soldiers. A CSH also...
(CSH) - Field hospitalField hospitalA field hospital is a large mobile medical unit that temporarily takes care of casualties on-site before they can be safely transported to more permanent hospital facilities...
- Mobile Army Surgical HospitalMobile Army Surgical HospitalThe Mobile Army Surgical Hospital refers to a United States Army medical unit serving as a fully functional hospital in a combat area of operations. The units were first established in August 1945, and were deployed during the Korean War and later conflicts. The U.S...
(MASH) - Military medicine
- U.S. Navy Dental CorpsNavy Dental CorpsThe Dental Corps of the United States Navy consists of naval officers who have a Doctorate in either Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine and who practice dentistry caring for sailors and marines. In overseas locations they also treat dependent family members...
- U.S. Air Force Dental Corps
- U.S. Navy Medical Corps
- U.S. Air Force Medical Corps
- U.S. Navy Medical Service CorpsNavy Medical Service CorpsThe Medical Service Corps is a staff corps of the United States Navy, consisting of officers engaged in medical support duties. It includes healthcare scientists and researchers, comprising around 60% of its personnel, and healthcare administrators, comprising the remaining 40%...
- U.S. Air Force Biomedical Sciences Corps
- U.S. Air Force Medical Service Corps
- U.S. Navy Nurse CorpsUnited States Navy Nurse CorpsThe United States Navy Nurse Corps was officially established by Congress in 1908; however, unofficially, women had been working as nurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals for nearly 100 years.-Pre-1908:...
- U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps
Further reading
- Ashburn, Percy M. (1929), A History of the Medical Department of the United States Army, BostonBostonBoston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
: Houghton MifflinHoughton MifflinHoughton Mifflin Harcourt is an educational and trade publisher in the United States. Headquartered in Boston's Back Bay, it publishes textbooks, instructional technology materials, assessments, reference works, and fiction and non-fiction for both young readers and adults.-History:The company was...
. - Bayne-Jones, Stanhope (1968), The Evolution of Preventive Medicine in the United States Army, 1607–1939, Washington, D.C.: Office of the Surgeon General.
- Gillett, Mary C. (1981), The Army Medical Department, 1775–1818, Washington, DC: United States Army Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Gillett, Mary C. (1987), The Army Medical Department, 1818–1865, Washington, DC: Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Gillett, Mary C. (1995), The Army Medical Department, 1865–1917, Washington, DC: Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Gillett, Mary C. (2009), The Army Medical Department, 1917–1941, Washington, DC: Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Hume, Edgar Erskine (1943), Victories of Army Medicine: Scientific Accomplishments of the Medical Department of the United States Army, Philadelphia: LippincottLippincott Williams & WilkinsLippincott Williams & Wilkins is an academic and professional medical publisher owned by Wolters Kluwer group. It publishes textbooks, various electronic media, and over 275 journals and newsletters in the health-care field. Publications are aimed at physicians, nurses, clinicians, and students...
. – full text - Tobey, James A. (1927), The Medical Department of the Army: Its History, Activities and Organization, BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
: Johns Hopkins Press; Reprint: New York: AMS Press, 1974. - Vuic, Kara Dixon. Officer, Nurse, Woman: The Army Nurse Corps in the Vietnam War (Johns Hopkins University Press; 2010) 320 pages; Draws on more than 100 interviews
- Wintermute, Bobby A. Public Health and the U.S. Military: A History of the Army Medical Department, 1818-1917 (Routledge, 2011) 283 pp. isbn 978-0-415-88170-8
- This article also contains information that originally came from US Government publications and websites and is in the public domain.
External links
- Office of Medical History
- U.S. Army Medical Department official webpage (on U.S. Army official website). Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- U.S. Army Medical Corps official webpage (on U.S. Army official website). Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- U.S. Army Nurse Corps official webpage (on U.S. Army official website). Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- Army Nurse Corps History
- Army Nurse Corps history and WWII women's uniforms in color (WAC, WAVES, ANC, NNC, USMCWR, PHS, SPARS, ARC and WASP)
- U.S. Army Veterinary Corps History
- WW2 U.S. Medical Research Centre
- US Army Nurse Corps Collection
- Digital Military Medicine Collections of the U.S. Army Academy of Health Sciences, Stimson Library
- LTG Schoomaker's blog
- That Men Might Live!: The Story of the Medical Service in WWII