More than 60 members of the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), representing Army Medicine activities worldwide gathered at the Lavern E. Weber Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson, Arkansas for a two-day MEDCOM Commander's Conference, July 30-31, to discuss Army Medicine's strategy to become a global leader in health-related activities and to improve the health of Army Soldiers, families, and the civilian workforce.

Led by Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, the Army surgeon general and commanders and command sergeants major of MEDCOM, the senior healthcare leaders met "…to set the strategy for our enterprise to provide not only a campaign plan for the next four years but also a blueprint for the next 15 years," wrote Horoho in her recent "Commander's Thoughts" to the command.

After more than 11 years of contingency operations and providing state of the art healthcare both in the combat theaters of operations and in fixed medical facilities, Horoho said, "…the plan and blueprint will allow us to create the capacity required to enable individual, unit, and organizational health, as well as continuing our healthcare mission; to enhance diplomacy by building new partnerships and strengthening old ones to promote unity of effort at all levels; and improve individual stamina, to guarantee unit and organizational stamina -- a must for readiness and the Army's ability to Prevent, Shape, and Win wars."

At the conclusion of the conference, Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong offered this observation, "This week's conference enabled The Surgeon General to expound on her "white space" concept and clearly articulated to the AMEDD Senior Leaders her vision for the AMEDD and our strategic imperatives." He added, "By creating capacity, enhancing diplomacy and improving stamina, the Army Medicine will transform from a healthcare system to a 'system for health,' ensuring the readiness of the force while helping the Army and our beneficiaries lead the DOD and the Nation in wellness, prevention and collective health." Wong is the commanding general of the Southern Regional Medical Command and Brooke Army Medical Center and chief of the Army Dental Corps.

"Fantastic conference! Great collaboration across the MEDCOM team!" is how Command Sergeant Major Donna A. Brock described the conference. "Our Flag Officers and Senior Enlisted Leaders came together with anticipation, curiosity, and enthusiasm seeking the future of Army Medicine," she said. "They left with clarity, direction and motivation in the way ahead for Army Medicine 2020." Brock added, "…part of my focus will be to ensure that ALL Soldiers and staff members are educated, motivated, and move to lead from the front in healthy lifestyles. We will be the example of a healthy force! Very exciting times ahead!"