The many important research areas being explored include advanced wound healing, cholera and malaria vaccines, and freeze- dried blood. Navy medical research is on the cutting edge. Strong graduate medical education programs ensure that the Navy will have a sufficient number of needed specialists to support both operational and peacetime health care missions. Navy medicine is continually re-evaluating every element of the health care system, especially as new expeditionary warfare concepts evolve. Innovative training approaches, such as computer simulation technology, are being explored to maximize training opportunities.
Joint operations are a key element of military missions.
Navy medicine is making a concerted effort to include a sufficient number of medical department officers in the Joint Staff Internship and other Joint Staff training courses. Representatives from each of the Navy medical corps are being enrolled in various Service Staff and War Colleges to gain greater understanding of military science and help develop a more balanced health care perspective. Navy Hospital Corpsmen play an important role in Navy health care support. Corpsmen are being provided with greater opportunities for clinically supervised, hands-on training in medical treatment facilities. This develops the proficiency and personal confidence needed to provide the best care for sailors and Marines in the fleet.