Wilford Hall Medical Center Lackland AB San Antonio Tx

• Largest Medical Facility in the Air Force: Wilford Hall Medical Center (WHMC) was once the largest medical facility in the United States Air Force and among the largest in the Department of Defense. • Named After a Pioneering Surgeon: The center was named for Major General Wilford Hall, a pioneering Air Force surgeon who significantly advanced military medicine. • Origins in World War II: The facility traces its origins to a hospital established at Lackland Air Force Base during World War II to treat returning wounded servicemembers. • Center for Aeromedical Evacuation: WHMC was once the hub for aeromedical evacuation operations, receiving wounded from around the world and providing specialized care. • First Open-Heart Surgery in the Air Force: The center performed the Air Force’s first open-heart surgery in 1956, marking a milestone in military medicine. • Role in Military Medical Training: WHMC has trained thousands of doctors, nurses, dentists, and medical technicians, and was a key teaching hospital for the Air Force. • Support During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm: During the Gulf War, WHMC played a vital role in receiving, treating, and rehabilitating wounded service members. • Specialized Burn Center: The medical center operated one of the military’s most advanced burn treatment units, specializing in complex burn injuries. • Transition to Ambulatory Care: In 2011, WHMC transitioned from an inpatient hospital to an ambulatory surgical center, with inpatient services moving to the new San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). • Presidential and Dignitary Care: Over the decades, WHMC provided care to presidents, foreign dignitaries, and high-profile military leaders, underscoring its reputation for excellence.