Defence Medical Command has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), strengthening cooperation in military medical education, training and professional development.

The MoU, signed this week in London, establishes a framework for greater collaboration between Defence Medical Command and the USU – providing new opportunities for UK medical personnel to access world-leading education programmes, undertake joint training and develop alongside their US counterparts.

It will also help strengthen interoperability between UK and US medical forces, support the sharing of expertise and best practice, and ensure military healthcare professionals remain equipped to deliver high-quality care on operations.

Chief of Defence Medical, Air Marshal Clare Walton, said:

This agreement reinforces the strength of our partnership with the United States and underlines our shared commitment to developing highly capable medical personnel. By training and learning together, we improve our ability to operate together, ensuring we are ready to deliver world-class care wherever Defence requires.

Through academic engagement, professional development opportunities and joint training activity, our organisations will work together to advance professional knowledge, strengthen capability and develop future military medical leaders.

Dr. Jonathan Woodson, President of the United States Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, added: 

This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the enduring partnership between the Defence Medical Command and the Uniformed Services University and our shared commitment to excellence in military medicine. By working together to educate and develop the next generation of military healthcare professionals, we strengthen our ability to provide outstanding care to those we serve and enhance our readiness to meet future challenges together.

UK personnel will benefit by broadened access to specialist expertise and educational opportunities while enabling both nations to learn from each other’s operational and clinical experience, reinforcing the long-standing defence relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.