The complex world of military medicine: a conversation with William Winkenwerder. Interview by Robert Galvin

Abstract

Starting as assistant secretary of defense for health affairs just ten days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, William Winkenwerder has probably the most complex and challenging leadership role in health care. In this interview he talks about the innovations taking place in battlefield medicine; the cost pressures and consolidation that exist in the military health system; the challenges of reporting to his notoriously demanding boss, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld; and the need to deal with a questioning, skeptical media. Trained in internal medicine and business administration, Winkenwerder came to the Defense Department after stints at Emory University and Blue Cross of Massachusetts.