The Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) at Midwestern University has entered into an affiliation agreement with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) to create a new one-year military optometric residency program.
The residency will provide educational opportunities to active-duty optometrists from all branches of the United States Armed Forces, emphasizing ocular disease, vision rehabilitation, and primary care. The residency will be located at the Walter Reed campus, with Midwestern University and AZCOPT providing oversight and assisting with the accreditation process.
Joshua Baker, OD, MS, Dean of the Arizona College of Optometry, is a United States Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient. The opportunity to partner with the WRNMMC represents a welcome opportunity for him and for AZCOPT.
“The military medical mission is uniquely challenging in its clinical complexity, its need to be deployable to far-forward locations, and the necessity for success under difficult circumstances,” says Dr. Baker. “At Midwestern University and AZCOPT, we feel a deep sense of pride to contribute even in a small way to that mission. Every member of our program—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—is thrilled for this opportunity to be a part of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center team.”
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the nation’s largest and most renowned military medical centers. WRNMMC comprises nearly 7,100 dedicated staff members who serve military families and America’s active duty and veteran soldiers, as well as those in national leadership.