About this Unit
Madigan Army Medical Center, located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, was established in 1944 as Madigan General Hospital, named after Colonel Patrick S. Madigan, the "Father of Army Neuropsychiatry." Initially serving as a key medical facility during World War II, it provided care for wounded soldiers returning from the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, Madigan evolved into a premier military medical center, offering comprehensive healthcare services to active duty, retirees, and their families, as well as serving as a major teaching hospital. Today, Madigan Army Medical Center stands as one of the largest and most advanced military medical centers in the United States, supporting both peacetime care and readiness for military operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
• Origins in World War I: Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) traces its roots to 1917, when Camp Lewis was established as a training base for World War I soldiers. The first medical facilities were temporary field hospitals supporting the rapidly growing camp.
• Named After a Hero: The center is named in honor of Colonel Patrick S. Madigan, known as the "Father of Army Neuropsychiatry," who revolutionized military mental health care during World War I.
• Official Opening: The original Madigan General Hospital was dedicated on August 15, 1944, becoming one of the largest military hospitals on the West Coast during World War II.
• Architectural Landmark: The current MAMC building, completed in 1992, features a unique design with a distinctive green roof, earning it the nickname "The Emerald City" among staff and patients.
• Medical Innovations: Madigan was one of the first Army medical centers to establish a dedicated Level II trauma center, significantly improving emergency care for both military personnel and civilians in the region.
• Training and Education Hub: MAMC is a major teaching hospital, supporting a wide range of residency and fellowship programs for Army medical professionals in partnership with the Uniformed Services University and civilian institutions.
• Disaster Response: The center played a crucial role in the medical response to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, treating dozens of patients affected by the disaster.
• Women’s Health Leadership: Madigan was among the first military hospitals to establish a comprehensive women’s health clinic, pioneering advancements in obstetrics and gynecology care for service members and their families.
• World-Class Burn Care: In 2003, MAMC’s burn team was deployed to Iraq to support the treatment of soldiers injured during the Iraq War, demonstrating the center’s expertise in combat casualty care.
• Community Integration: Madigan Army Medical Center not only serves active duty personnel and their families from Joint Base Lewis-McChord but also provides care for thousands of retirees and veterans in the Pacific Northwest, making it a vital health resource for the entire region.
