ASDHA
A Message from the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Dear Colleagues,
On this 81st Anniversary of the Normandy invasion, I wanted to share a brief note of thanks for all you do.
In MTFs across the globe, our team is easing suffering and saving lives, welcoming new beginnings and providing compassionate care during life’s final moments.
I talk about the importance of strengthening our chain. Today serves as both a solemn and proud reminder of the strength of our collective purpose. The sacrifices made by so many Americans in France, and throughout history, resonate with our own commitment to freedom. Like an invisible guidon, we carry their legacy and represent their values.
In praying for peace and preparing for war, we honor those who sacrificed everything.
I know your days are frenetic and the work can seem unrelenting, but please take a moment today to reflect on the significance of our Mission, the sacrifices of those who precede us, and the Honor of sharing in such a proud tradition.
Very respectfully,
Steve
Stephen Ferrara, M.D.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
A Message from the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Colleagues,
Once again, the past two weeks have been truly inspiring. I am continually amazed at the level of talent within the Military Health System. Every place I visit, the professionalism, the passion and the commitment to excellence are simply second to none.
This was clearly demonstrated at the Heroes of Military Medicine ceremony which I attended last Thursday night at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Dr. Joseph Caravalho and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, the evening was a powerful reminder of our mission and the people who bring it to life. Several military health care leaders were recognized at this event. The Army recognized Colonel (Doctor) Benjamin Donham; the Navy recognized Captain (Doctor) Matthew Tadlock; the Air Force recognized Colonel (Doctor) Daniel Brown; and the Defense Health Agency recognized Dr. Troy Akers. The May 8th event coincided with the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, always a solemn reminder of our need to be vigilant and ever-ready while also reminding us of the many unsung heroes who saved innumerable lives and contributed to the proud tradition of military medicine.
Seeing firsthand the dedication and commitment of these individuals—true heroes in every sense of the word—was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. They really embody the professionalism and readiness that defines our medical force. I congratulate all our awardees for their accomplishments and, perhaps most importantly, how they support a Medically Ready Force and a Ready Medical Force.
As the only United States health care system that goes to war, we must have the best medical talent to take care of America’s sons and daughters. Our unwavering commitment to our warfighters and their families is what sets us apart. Readiness is not just a slogan—it’s our operational reality. Thank you to all who continue to advance this mission every day.
I also had the great privilege of participating in the Cellular Therapies and Transfusion Medicine in Trauma and Critical Care Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. This insightful event brought together leading experts in trauma, transfusion, and regenerative medicine to explore emerging therapies and technologies. Sessions focused on cellular and blood-derived therapeutics, regenerative strategies for organ and tissue repair, and innovations in hemorrhage control, particularly in trauma and battlefield settings.
Discussions also highlighted advancements in stem cell-derived blood components, novel plasma-based treatments for sepsis and TBI, and gene-editing technologies for enhancing cell therapy applications. Military-focused panels addressed strategies for managing organ failure, brain injury, and wound care in austere environments, emphasizing collaboration between civilian and military medicine. As we confront unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific battle space, these types of innovations empower more effective resuscitative techniques and prolonged field care, providing the strategic edge we need to fight and win.
What struck me most was the emphasis on collaboration, particularly between civilian and military medicine. This really resonated with me because, as I said at the Military Health System Conference in Cleveland, relationships are the pathway to progress. I truly believe that.
So, I want to extend a personal thanks to each of you. Thank you for working together across offices and teams to strengthen relationships and support our warfighters. They depend on us, and together we are making a difference. Thank you for all that you do—it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Very respectfully,
Steve
Stephen Ferrara, M.D.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
A Message from the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Colleagues,
As spring reveals herself in nature’s annual rite of renewal, I hope this note finds you well and filled with the spirit of optimism that the season brings.
After attending our organization’s annual “family reunion” in Cleveland last week—better known as the MHS Conference—I’ve returned invigorated, with a renewed sense of pride and excitement. The theme, “The Future of Military Medicine: Integrated, Innovative, Ready,” perfectly captures this pivotal moment in the Military Health System. The plenary and breakout sessions rose to the occasion, brimming with ideas to enhance our support to the warfighter through clinical care, research, and technological advancement. At the same time, we continue to invest in workforce wellbeing, forge new partnerships, and strengthen existing ones.
Lieutenant Commander Dan Cnossen, Navy SEAL and seven-time Paralympic medalist, inspired us with a powerful reminder of our raison d’être. Dr. Scott Steele, President of Cleveland Clinic and recently retired Army combat surgeon, reaffirmed our core values—Quality, Safety, and Patient Experience—while emphasizing the critical need for high-complexity case volume. Mr. Jay Hurst, PTDO Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, opened the week with his unequivocal support for the MHS, saying “our medical providers and our medical support staff are the best people in the world.”
If you were unable to attend the conference, I encourage you to watch the recorded sessions that will be available on the conference website within the next two weeks and check out the articles and videos posted in the news room on health.mil, including one on our “top guns” of health care — our annual MHS award winners! Very impressive!
Across military medicine, the past few weeks have been fast-paced and full of accomplishments. We were proud to learn that 73% of DoD hospitals received the prestigious “A” grade for Patient Safety from the Leapfrog Group—more than double last year’s rate of 43%, and well above the national average of 32% among participating hospitals. Congratulations to the team at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for earning designation as a German Level 1 trauma center.
Our multilateral partnership strategy continues to expand in both scope and relevance to our readiness mission. From the DAD-R&E team’s work in Denver with the VA on prosthetic access innovation, to the DHA-VA collaboration identifying over 10 sites for enhanced partnerships across enlisted and officer roles, momentum is building. The 48th Medical Group at Lakenheath, England signed six contracts with the United Kingdom National Health Service to enable U.S. European Command personnel to work within NHS hospitals. Meanwhile, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, continues advancing toward burn unit certification in partnership with Johns Hopkins.
These are just a few highlights of the remarkable integration and innovation taking place across the MHS in support of readiness—but our work is far from over.
The coming weeks will be critical. As part of a zero-based budgeting restructuring initiative, we’ll be making the case for sustaining vital resources, demonstrating how we bolster warfighting capability and enhance lethality. I was heartened to see the House Armed Services Committee hear our February call by adding $2 billion in direct support for military medicine in the current reconciliation bill. I will continue to advocate vigorously on your behalf—your dedication and accomplishments make my job not only easier, but a true privilege.
Thank you for making the Military Health System such an extraordinary team to represent.
Keep up the great work and thank you for all that you do. Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of spring—and take a moment to stop and smell the flowers.
Very respectfully,
Steve
Stephen Ferrara, M.D.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
A Message from the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Dear Colleagues,
I apologize for being a bit overdue in checking in with you – I enjoy sharing what’s happening here in the Pentagon and hearing your candid and always helpful feedback.
It’s been a busy March! The month started with the annual AMSUS meeting where I met many of you and heard about the great work you do across the MHS. We heard inspiring and informative speeches from the Surgeons General and the Joint Staff Surgeon. Each laid out an assessment, a vision, and a plan for how their medical departments will continue to maintain readiness despite ongoing resource challenges in an increasingly complex global threat environment. I took away the ever-increasing need for Service interoperability as we confront the tyranny of distance and the distributed nature of operations within the Indo-Pacific AOR. I couldn’t agree more. During my remarks, I summarized my top three priorities that focus on the “3 S’s”: Support, Sustain, and Strengthen.
- Support the Warfighter (always)
- Sustain our Skills (everyday)
- Strengthen our Chain (in perpetuity)
My team and I also had the opportunity to meet with military medical leaders from around the globe. Cultivating and strengthening these partnerships is a strategic imperative. Complex, international geographic borders and the requirement for land, sea, and air prowess reinforces the need for teamwork across both our Services and with our allies.
In March, the DoD also hosted the FY25 Q2 HEC and JEC meetings, a Congressionally established forum for senior MHS and VA leaders to convene and establish strategic priorities for collaboration. I’m excited that our leadership team’s inaugural meetings with these groups prioritized bolder, more innovative initiatives than ever before. Our ideas place the emphasis on initiatives that will enhance our Ready Medical Force capability. We know that focusing on high volume, high acuity care is critical to Skills Sustainment and Force Generation, and that it’s also key to morale and workforce stability. In fact, we will be identifying 4-8 locations for closer DoD and VA collaboration soon. I’ll keep you updated on this development.
My favorite part of this job is visiting you. Recent visits included Guantanamo Bay, Walter Reed, Wright-Patterson, Fort Detrick, and the 711th Human Performance Wing. Your questions during town halls about job stability, hiring, workload, and the future of the MHS are invaluable. I want you to know your concerns are heard at the highest levels of the Pentagon and it is because of the critical nature of your work that the MHS has been given significant flexibility regarding hiring and employment policies.
I’m looking forward to visiting California, Nebraska, Texas, and Guam this month, and attending the MHS Conference in Cleveland. Thank you for your hard work. I’m committed to ensuring you have the resources, training, and tools you need. There are many excellent healthcare systems, but only the MHS goes to war.
Very respectfully,
Steve
Stephen Ferrara, M.D.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
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