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

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.

US military smallpox vaccination program experience.

Context: The United States recently implemented smallpox vaccination of selected military personnel in a national program of preparedness against use of smallpox as a biological weapon. The resumption of smallpox vaccinations raises important questions regarding implementation and safety.

Objective: To describe the US military smallpox vaccination program.