Research in the MHS

The Military Health System is able to provide the world’s best clinical practices, medical technology and patient safety, thanks in part to its commitment to conducting and funding medical research and development.

Every year, the MHS devotes more than $1 billion in research funding to programs in information technology and medical training, military infectious diseases, combat casualty care, military operational medicine, clinical and rehabilitation medicine, radiobiology, as well as Congressional special interest items such as breast cancer, and prostate cancer. The focus in 2010 is on post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, prosthetics, restoration of sight and eye care, and other conditions directly relevant to injuries on the battlefield

These initiatives benefit not only the U.S. service members worldwide who receive the highest levels of primary, secondary, and tertiary care, but also the many private, public and nonprofit organizations that the MHS partners with for the advancement of medicine in the 21st century.

History offers countless examples of military research that led to revolutionary medical advancements that would go on to save millions of lives. From being the first to develop life saving vaccinations, to reaching landmark breakthroughs in neuroscience, genetics and oncology, military doctors, researchers and scientists worldwide continue that tradition.

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences each have focused medical research programs that consistently publish findings in the world’s most notable medical journals. Through research, these institutions regularly find new ways to treat battlefield and non-battlefield injuries, cure emerging diseases, and prevent disease outbreaks.

The MHS also partners with and funds non-military organizations engaged in medical research. Whether contributing to prominent medical institutions around the globe, or inviting renowned doctors to join current DoD medical research, the MHS is proud to partner with external institutions in the hopes of creating a brighter tomorrow through better health.