The Past, Present and Future of Army Dietetics
Abstract
The Army Medical Specialist Corps (AMSC) is one of six special branches within the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) that works together as part of the health care team in providing medical and health care to soldiers. The focus of this paper deals with the dietitians who compose 37% of the AMSC. It begins with an historical view of Army dietetics, prior to World War I, when - dietitians were hired as civilians to staff the military hospitals, through their attainment of relative rank during World War II and official formalization of the group through the creation of the Army Medical Specialist Corps in 1947 (originally the Women's Medical Specialist Corps until 1955 when men were admitted). It continues with contributions made during the Korean War and Vietnam War era. Particular emphasis is placed on traditional versus nontraditional roles of dietitians to include their combat role, their contributions and a brief review of the issues and challenges facing both the dietetic profession as a whole and the military impact using a recent American Dietetic Association Study Commission Report. Historical information and interviews from active duty and retired dietitians were used to provide information and identify present and future challenges and issues facing Army dietetics. The paper concludes with a list of recommendations based on the past, present and projected future of Army dietetics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 17, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209221
Entities
People
- Richard F. Lynch
Organizations
- United States Army War College