Struck by illness, world leaders seek care here. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center stands as a beacon of hope. It is one of the most prominent medical centers in the United States. Since its opening in 1940, it has provided care for many U.S. presidents.
In 2011, Walter Reed Army Medical Center merged with the National Naval Medical Center. This formed the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Let’s step back to the origins. In 1938, Congress allocated funds for a new naval medical center. President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose the site in Bethesda, Maryland. Ground was broken in 1939. President Roosevelt laid the cornerstone on Armistice Day in 1940.
The original center included a naval hospital with 1200 beds. It also housed the Naval Medical School and the Naval Dental School. By 1945, temporary buildings expanded capacity to 2464 beds. These accommodated wounded sailors and Marines from World War II.
Tragedy struck in 1949. Former Secretary of Defense James Forrestal died by suicide. He jumped from the 16th floor of the hospital tower.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy’s autopsy was performed at the Naval Medical Center. This occurred after his assassination in Dallas.
Since its opening, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has served U.S. presidents. The medical center includes a presidential office suite. It is controlled by the White House. This suite has a sitting room, kitchen, and a conference room. There is also a hospital bedroom and an office for the White House Chief of Staff. Presidents and vice presidents receive treatment in the METU Suite. This is a secured ward within the complex.
Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the hospital in 1940. Initially, it served only military personnel. However, it soon assisted with Roosevelt’s paralysis. An official White House physician was appointed. Since Roosevelt, most presidents have used either Bethesda or Walter Reed AMC. These became primary facilities for their medical care.
Lyndon B. Johnson was hospitalized several times during his presidency. In 1965, he was treated for a cold. First Lady Lady Bird Johnson was admitted too. Later that year, Johnson had gallbladder surgery and a kidney stone removed. In 1966, he underwent hernia repair and polyp removal. During these procedures, Vice President Hubert Humphrey assumed presidential authority. This was per an agreement.
In 1968, Johnson was hospitalized with a respiratory infection. This occurred during the Hong Kong flu pandemic.
First Lady Betty Ford underwent a mastectomy in 1974. President Ronald Reagan had a cancerous polyp removed in 1985. He temporarily transferred power to Vice President George H.W. Bush. First Lady Nancy Reagan underwent a mastectomy in 1987.
In 2018, First Lady Melania Trump had a procedure for a kidney condition. In 2020, President Donald Trump was admitted after contracting COVID-19. First Lady Jill Biden had a foot procedure in 2021. In 2023, she had cancerous skin lesions removed.
Expansions have modernized Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In the 1960s, two five-story wings were added. In 1973, the mission expanded to include coordinated healthcare services. In 1975, renovations included two new buildings. These were an outpatient structure and a 500-bed inpatient facility. By 1979, a parking garage replaced temporary buildings.
In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure recommendations led to the merger. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center combined with the National Naval Medical Center. The goal was to create an integrated military medicine system. Groundbreaking took place in 2008.
The relocation cost unexpectedly rose. It increased by 245% between 2005 and 2011. The project cost $2.7 billion.
On September 14, 2011, NNMC was renamed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It combined the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Today, WRNMMC serves as headquarters for the National Capital Region Medical Directorate. This task force commands medical facilities in several states. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center continues to provide comprehensive services.
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center also has multiple pediatric departments. These departments treat young patients.
From presidents to military personnel and their families, Walter Reed stands ready. It offers hope and healing. Its history is a testament to its commitment to service.