For 10 years, experts and physicians from military and civilian backgrounds have come together to examine military health-specific topics. From infectious diseases to combat trauma care, the Defense Health Board’s focus has evolved over the years, but its mission remains the same: to ensure quality care, safety and access for those in the Department of Defense.
Dr. Nancy Dickey, president of the Defense Health Board (DHB), said the eight years she’s spent on the board have been extraordinarily rewarding as she’s learned the depth and intricacy of military health care.
“To realize the power of blending the civilian, the academic, and the military so that the combination is far more powerful than any one of those three standing alone [is] very exciting,” said Dickey,
Established in 2006, DHB provides advice and recommendations on health care-related topics affecting DoD. The board, which arose from the merger of boards and working groups that existed as far back as the 1940s, celebrated its 10th anniversary Nov. 1 at Defense Health headquarters.
The board’s changing focus over the years demonstrates the enthusiasm and energy civilian experts bring and the willingness of the military to sit down and collaborate with different sources of expertise.
“Because of that collaboration, not only military [members] and their families but our civilians are better served,” said Dickey, adding that the effective and timely sharing of best practices serves not only the United States but also has ripples across the world. “It’s the entirety of working together that’s the most exciting to me.”
Dr. Karen Guice, acting assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, spoke at the event telling members about the need for their assistance in the near future. She said board members have contributed significantly to the advancement of the Military Health System and called the anniversary remarkable.
“I greatly appreciate the help and all the support you give to us in Health Affairs and to the Secretary [of Defense],” said Guice, describing their work as phenomenal.
Capt. Juliann Althoff, acting executive director of DHB, said she is proud of the board, stressing that the event is not only a celebration of the past but also a way of looking forward to the years ahead.
“We hope to be responsive to the needs and requirements of the DoD,” said Althoff. “The more people know about us, the better we can do our mission.”