During Dr. Winkenwerder ’s service there were significant advances in battlefield medicine , expanded mental health programs , and new benefits designated for U.S National Guard units and reservists . He led the global implementation of the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application ( AHLTA ) , a highly controversial and near-universally criticized electronic medical record system . Dr Winkenwerder 's refusal to use an already established and well-regarded electronic medical system , such as the VistA system used by the Veterans Administration facilities , resulted in the implementation of a highly inferior product at an estimated total cost of $ 20 billion ( four times the initial budget estimate ) . He also steered the critical cost-effective consolidation of Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington , DC . In addition , Dr. Winkenwerder responded to global humanitarian health crises ( such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , Hurricane Katrina , and earthquakes in Pakistan , ) as well as domestic threats of anthrax and smallpox attacks , while insuring the protection of military service members and families in all global threat situations . Dr. Winkenwerder was elected Chairman of the International Committee of Military Medicine ( ICMM ) a 90-country organization representing all major nations of the world
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
William Winkenwerder Jr.