National Naval Medical Center, located in Bethesda, Md., is the flagship of navy medicine and serves primarily to maximize the operational readiness of the United States armed forces. Founded in 1940, it provides health care and specialty services, and develops innovations in health care, informatics and research. Research is being conducted in the areas of investigational chemotherapy, virtual colonoscopy, stroke, diabetes, infectious disease, hematology and oncology, leukemia and lymphoma. It is known for its health care services in areas, such as obstetrics, cardiac care, cranial and spinal surgery, head and neck oncology, total joint replacement and mother and infant care. National Naval Medical Center also serves as the hospital for the nation s leaders, including the President.
