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Personnel & Readiness
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Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel & Readiness
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Health Affairs

Overview

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Dr. Steve Ferrara - Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs

The Military Health System (MHS) is one of America’s largest and most complex health care institutions, and the world’s preeminent military health care delivery operation. Our MHS saves lives on the battlefield, combats infectious disease around the world, and is responsible for providing health services through military hospitals and clinics, also known as "military treatment facilities" and "MTFs." The MHS also provides private-sector care to approximately 9.6 million beneficiaries, composed of uniformed Service members, military retirees, and family members.

Health Services Policy and Oversight

The Health Services Policy and Oversight (HSP&O) team provides medical advice and consultation to senior Defense officials, Congress, and other Department of Defense stakeholders. HSP&O examines the MHS workforce environment and adjusts human resource policies for more than 150,000 military and civilian health professionals.

Led by Ms. Susan Orsega

Health Readiness Policy and Oversight

The Health Readiness Policy and Oversight (HRP&O) team directs Department-wide efforts to develop and implement policies and programs relating to DOD deployment medicine, force health protection, national disaster support, medical research and development, international health agreements and missions, and medical readiness for 2.3 million Service members.

Led by Dr. David Smith

Health Resources Management and Policy

The Health Resources Management and Policy team is responsible for overall financial policy and programs within the Defense Health Program. In this capacity, he provides oversight of the nearly $50 billion DHP appropriation. He develops enterprise-wide financial policy that both supports and promotes the Military Health System’s strategic imperatives and ensures alignment with the Department of Defense’s National Defense Strategy.

Led by Mr. Darrell Landreaux

Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated Combat Support Agency that enables the Army, Navy, and Air Force medical services to provide a medically ready force and ready medical force to Combatant Commands in both peacetime and wartime. The DHA uses the principles of Ready Reliable Care to advance high reliability practices across the Military Health System by improving our system operations, driving innovative solutions, and cultivating a culture of safety.

Led by Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland

DHA Website

 

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) supports the readiness of America’s Warfighter and the health and well-being of the military community by educating and developing uniformed health professionals, scientists and leaders; by conducting cutting-edge, military-relevant research, and by providing operational support to units around the world.

Led by Dr. Jonathan Woodson, MD, MSS, FACS

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Website

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