19th century Medical Corps (United States Army)

the horseman in foreground infantry surgeon in uniform adopted in january 1812.

during period followed (1789–1818) congress provided medical organization army in time of war or emergency. example, in 1812 congress established medical department of northern army response need medical support during operations in war of 1812. in 1816, medical officers given uniforms (but not military rank) first time. permanent , continuous medical department not established until 1818. year “surgeon general” appointed (dr. joseph lovell, first hold specific title) , since succession of surgeons general , permanent corps organization in army medical department have followed. physicians assigned u.s. army accorded military rank in 1847, although old regimental surgeon system of additional designations ( assistant surgeon , surgeon ) retained until 1908.

in 1862, surgeon general william alexander hammond proposed establishment of army medical school in medical cadets , others seeking admission mc receive such post-graduate instruction better fit them military commissions. on 30 years, however, before surgeon general george m. sternberg found (1893) army medical school (ams), precursor institution today’s walter reed army institute of research.