About this Unit
Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, traces its origins to 1879 when the first Post Hospital was established at Fort Sam Houston. Named in honor of Brigadier General Roger Brooke, a pioneer in military medicine, the facility officially became Brooke General Hospital in 1942 and played a critical role in treating wounded soldiers during World War II. Over the decades, BAMC expanded its capabilities, becoming the U.S. Army’s flagship medical facility and the site of the Army’s only Level I Trauma Center. Today, BAMC provides comprehensive healthcare, advanced trauma care, and medical training for military and civilian personnel, continuing its distinguished legacy of service.
Historical Facts
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Founding Date: Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) traces its origins to 1879, when the first post hospital was constructed at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.
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Namesake: It was named in honor of Brigadier General Roger Brooke, a distinguished Army physician who was influential in the development of military medicine.
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Flagship of Army Medicine: BAMC is considered the flagship of Army Medicine and is the largest military medical facility in the Department of Defense.
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Burn Center Excellence: The U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center, located at BAMC, is world-renowned for treating military and civilian burn victims, especially those from combat zones.
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Level I Trauma Center: BAMC is the only Level I Trauma Center in the Department of Defense, providing the highest level of trauma care to military personnel and civilians in the region.
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Integration with Air Force: In 2011, BAMC became part of the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, combining Army and Air Force medical operations under one roof.
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Global War on Terrorism: During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, BAMC played a crucial role in caring for thousands of wounded warriors, including those with complex polytrauma injuries.
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Medical Innovations: BAMC has pioneered advances in trauma medicine, prosthetics, and rehabilitation, influencing both military and civilian healthcare practices.
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Presidential Patients: President Dwight D. Eisenhower was treated at Brooke Army Medical Center in 1952 following a heart attack during his campaign for the presidency.
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Education and Research: BAMC is a teaching hospital, affiliated with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and other institutions, training military and civilian healthcare professionals and conducting cutting-edge research.
