Walter Reed Army Medical Center

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Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) was a United States Army medical center located in Washington, D.C. It served more than 150,000 active and retired personnel from all branches of the military. The center was named after Major Walter Reed, an army physician who led the team that confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by a particular mosquito species, rather than by direct contact. This discovery led to the reorganization and betterment of the canal construction projects in Panama. The facility provided a wide range of medical care, including clinical, surgical, and rehabilitative services.

History

The Walter Reed Army Medical Center was established in 1909 as the Walter Reed General Hospital. It was constructed on 113 acres in the northwest part of Washington, D.C., and was designated as the army's premier medical institution. Over the years, WRAMC evolved into a vast medical complex capable of treating a wide variety of illnesses and injuries, including those sustained in combat.

During its operational years, WRAMC became renowned for its contributions to military medicine, including advancements in prosthetics, trauma recovery, and psychiatric treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The center also played a critical role during various conflicts, providing care for thousands of returning veterans.

In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended the consolidation of Walter Reed with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This led to the creation of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 2011, at which point the original WRAMC was closed and its services were transferred to the new facility.

Facilities and Services

WRAMC was known for its comprehensive healthcare services, which included a wide range of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative treatments. The center housed numerous specialized clinics and units, such as the orthopedics department, which was instrumental in the development of advanced prosthetics and rehabilitation techniques for amputees. The facility also had a significant focus on mental health, offering extensive programs for the treatment of PTSD and other combat-related psychological conditions.

Legacy

The legacy of Walter Reed Army Medical Center is marked by its significant contributions to military medicine and its commitment to the care of U.S. military personnel and their families. The center's dedication to medical innovation and the treatment of complex combat injuries has had a lasting impact on the field of military medicine. The transition to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has ensured that this legacy continues, with the combined facility building on the foundations established by WRAMC.

See Also

• Walter Reed
• Military medicine
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Prosthetics