The Walter Reed National Medical Center, previously known as the National Naval Medical Center, is a United States military medical center located in Bethesda, Maryland. It is one of the most prominent military hospitals in the United States, providing medical care to active and retired members of the US military and their families. The hospital is named after Major Walter Reed, a US Army physician who made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of yellow fever research and prevention.
History and Establishment
The Walter Reed National Medical Center has a long and storied history, dating back to 1940 when it was established as the National Naval Medical Center. The hospital was built on a 228-acre campus in Bethesda, Maryland, and was designed to provide medical care to members of the US Navy and Marine Corps. Over the years, the hospital has undergone several expansions and renovations, with the most significant being the construction of a new hospital building in 1975. In 2011, the hospital was merged with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which was located in Washington, D.C., to form the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Medical Care and Services
The Walter Reed National Medical Center provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology, and its staff includes some of the most experienced and skilled medical professionals in the country. The hospital also has a number of specialized clinics and departments, including a trauma center, a burn center, and a rehabilitation center. In addition to providing medical care, the hospital is also a major teaching hospital, providing training and education to medical students, residents, and fellows.
| Department | Services Provided |
|---|---|
| Emergency Department | Emergency medical care, trauma care, burn care |
| Surgical Department | General surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery |
| Medical Department | Internal medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology |
Facilities and Equipment
The Walter Reed National Medical Center has a number of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a 64-slice CT scanner, a 3.0 Tesla MRI machine, and a linear accelerator for radiation therapy. The hospital also has a number of specialized laboratories, including a microbiology laboratory and a pathology laboratory. In addition to its medical facilities, the hospital also has a number of amenities, including a chapel, a library, and a food court.
Accreditation and Awards
The Walter Reed National Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a Magnet-recognized hospital for excellence in nursing care. The hospital has also received a number of awards and recognition, including the Department of Defense’s highest award for patient safety and the American Heart Association’s Gold Award for heart failure care.
What types of medical services are provided at the Walter Reed National Medical Center?
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The Walter Reed National Medical Center provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services.
Is the Walter Reed National Medical Center a teaching hospital?
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Yes, the Walter Reed National Medical Center is a major teaching hospital, providing training and education to medical students, residents, and fellows.
What types of research programs are available at the Walter Reed National Medical Center?
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The Walter Reed National Medical Center has a number of research programs and initiatives, including the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the National Naval Medical Center’s Research Program.
