Jordan Ellis
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), officially known as Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH) until 1951, was the flagship medical center for the U.S. Army from 1909 to 2011. In 2011, the WRAMC was combined with the National Naval Medical Center to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). The WRNMMC is located in Bethesda, Maryland, and is one of the largest and most prominent military medical centers in the United States. It provides medical services for military personnel, veterans, and their families. So, while the Walter Reed Hospital is not a VA hospital, it does serve veterans and their families in addition to active military personnel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) |
| Other Names | Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Year Established | 1909 |
| Year of Name Change to WRNMMC | 2011 |
| Type | Military Hospital |
| Services | Medical care for military personnel, veterans, and their families |
| Size | 113 acres |
| Number of Rooms | Approximately 5,500 |
| Number of Patients Served | More than 150,000 |
| Notable Information | Named after U.S. Army physician and Major Walter Reed, who confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes |
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What You'll Learn
History of Walter Reed Hospital
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), formerly known as the National Naval Medical Center and colloquially referred to as Bethesda Naval Hospital, is a United States military medical center located in Bethesda, Maryland. The center was named after Major Walter Reed, an Army doctor and researcher in the late 19th century.
The original Army medical center, established in 1909, was officially known as the Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH) until 1951. It was the U.S. Army's flagship medical center from 1909 to 2011. The hospital was named after Walter Reed, a U.S. Army physician and Major who led the team that discovered that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes rather than direct physical contact. Reed also researched the causes of typhoid fever, which is spread partially through bodily fluid contact, and created clinics for Army men suffering from various illnesses.
The precursor to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) was the historic health clinic at Fort McNair, which overlooked the residences of top officials who chose the famed facility for their healthcare needs. The hospital served as the forerunner of Walter Reed General Hospital. In 1899, the morgue was constructed, which now houses the Dental Clinic, and in 1901 the hospital became an entirely separate command. In 1909, the hospital relocated to a new 65-bed facility in the northern aspect of the capital, departing from the 50-bed hospital.
During World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, tens of thousands of active-duty and retired soldiers were treated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The facility treated more than 750,000 patients each year, including veterans and their families. Over time, the medical care facility grew from 80 beds to a 5,500-room campus covering more than 28 acres of floor space.
In 2005, the Department of Defense proposed replacing the Walter Reed Army Medical Center with a new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The new center combined the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center with the National Naval Medical Center in 2011, forming the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
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Walter Reed's role in presidential medical care
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest and most prominent military medical centers in the United States. Since its opening in 1940, it has played a significant role in providing medical care for several U.S. presidents and their families.
The center includes a presidential office suite, controlled by the White House, which offers a sitting room, kitchen, conference room, hospital bedroom, and an office for the White House Chief of Staff. This suite, known as Ward 71, is equipped with secure communication networks and other amenities to allow presidents to continue their official duties while receiving treatment.
Presidents and vice presidents are typically treated at the Medical Evaluation and Treatment Unit (METU) within the center. This unit is a secure and autonomous ward, ensuring privacy and confidentiality for high-profile patients. The METU suite is specially equipped to cater to the unique needs of presidents and vice presidents, reflecting the center's importance in presidential medical care.
Over the years, Walter Reed has treated several U.S. presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, who underwent multiple surgeries during his presidency. The center has also provided care for first ladies, including Nancy Reagan, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden, for various medical conditions and procedures.
In recent times, Walter Reed gained attention when President Donald Trump was admitted in 2020 after contracting COVID-19. The center's presidential suite and its capabilities were highlighted during this period, showcasing its role in supporting presidential medical care while enabling the president to remain engaged in governing.
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The creation of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) is a United States military medical center located in Bethesda, Maryland. It is one of the largest and most prominent military medical centers in the United States, providing medical care for several United States presidents since its opening in 1940.
The WRNMMC was formed in 2011 through the merger of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC). The WRAMC, formerly known as the Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH), was the U.S. Army's flagship medical center from 1909 to 2011. It was named after Walter Reed, a U.S. Army physician and Major who confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes. Over the years, the WRAMC expanded its medical care capacity from 80 beds to approximately 5,500 rooms.
The NNMC, colloquially referred to as Bethesda Naval Hospital, was dedicated in 1942 with the original intention of providing medical care exclusively to military personnel. However, it soon offered to assist in the treatment of President Roosevelt's paralysis. Since then, most presidents have used military hospitals like Bethesda or Walter Reed as their primary medical facilities.
In 2005, the Department of Defense proposed replacing the WRAMC with a new WRNMMC on the grounds of the NNMC. This merger was overseen by the Office of Integration (OI), formed in November 2005. The goal was to create a single tri-service medical center in the National Capital Region, reducing maintenance costs for the government. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 3, 2008, with President George W. Bush officiating. On September 14, 2011, the NNMC was officially rechristened as the WRNMMC, combining the services and staff of both the WRAMC and NNMC.
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The services provided by Walter Reed
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), officially known as Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH) until 1951, was the U.S. Army's flagship medical center from 1909 to 2011. It was named after Walter Reed, a U.S. Army physician and Major who confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes. Since its establishment, the hospital's bed capacity has grown from 80 patients to approximately 5,500 rooms covering more than 28 acres of floor space.
In 2011, WRAMC combined with the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Maryland, to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). WRNMMC is one of the largest and most prominent military medical centers in the United States. It serves as the headquarters for the National Capital Region Medical Directorate, providing command and control for medical treatment facilities in several states.
WRNMMC provides a wide range of services for members of the military, veterans, and their families. It has been the site of medical evaluations and treatments for U.S. presidents and vice presidents, who are treated at the Medical Evaluation and Treatment Unit (METU Suite). The medical center includes a presidential office suite with a sitting room, kitchen, conference room, hospital bedroom, and an office for the White House Chief of Staff.
The history of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center dates back to the early 20th century. Construction of the hospital, designed by the firm of Marah & Peter, began in 1907. The first ten patients were admitted on May 1, 1909. Over the years, the center has undergone expansions and renovations, including the addition of new buildings and the conversion of the old campus into a park.
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The future of the Walter Reed Hospital building
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), officially known as Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH) until 1951, was the U.S. Army's flagship medical center from 1909 to 2011. In 2011, WRAMC was combined with the National Naval Medical Center to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). This merger was planned since 2005 as a cost-cutting measure. The new center is located on the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, seven miles (11 km) from WRAMC's former location in Washington, D.C.
The grounds and historic buildings of the old WRAMC campus are being redeveloped as The Parks at Walter Reed. The Medical Center Additions and Alterations project includes extensive renovations, state-of-the-art medical technology upgrades, and improved patient accommodations. The MCAA South building, a key phase of the project, is a five-story, 533,000-square-foot facility that will house modernized patient rooms and treatment areas, consolidating departments for improved accessibility and efficiency. It is on track for completion in spring 2025.
Following the transition into MCAA South, the MCAA North phase will commence with the demolition of Buildings 2 and 7. A new four-story facility, expected to be completed by 2028, will house Optometry, Patient Transport, The American Red Cross, and various administrative offices.
WRNMMC is the nation's premier military medical facility, delivering world-class health care to active-duty service members, retirees, their families, and the nation's leaders. With over 5,000 dedicated professionals, WRNMMC is committed to medical innovation, operational readiness, and the highest standards of service.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Walter Reed Hospital is not a VA hospital. It is a military medical center.
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) was combined with the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in 2011 to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is located in Bethesda, Maryland.
The hospital is named after Walter Reed, a U.S. Army physician and Major who led the team that confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes.
The WRNMMC provides medical services for members of the military, veterans, and their families.
