Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) welcomed a delegation of senior medical leaders from India on Sept. 18, 2025. The delegation included TAMC Commander, Col. William Bimson, U.S. Army; U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Surgeon Capt. Peter Roberts, U.S. Navy; and Surgeon Vice Adm. Arti Sarin, Indian Navy; along with other staff members.

The tour provided a comprehensive overview of the hospital’s medical training programs, showcasing the full spectrum of medical education and operational capabilities at TAMC. The engagement aims to foster interoperability and build a stronger foundation for future U.S.-India collaboration in military healthcare.

The tour began with a historical overview of TAMC, featuring photographs of its construction and development. The delegation then visited the Ruth Andrews Simulation Center, where staff showcased the facility and discussed the medical competency assessment program and general medical education capstone requirements. These programs effectively train soldiers and prepare them for deployment by emphasizing realistic scenario-based training, advanced medical techniques, and a focus on adaptability in deployed environments.

Discussions also highlighted the challenges and successes of transitioning a peacetime healthcare system to a wartime footing. As explained by U.S. Army Col. Mitchell Hamele, Deputy Director of Academics, Research, and Training, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Zachary Bevis, Program Director of the Tripler Family Medicine Residency, “We were able to share both challenges and areas of success in preparing a peacetime healthcare system to be able to rapidly transition to wartime footing with medical personnel trained to operate above their peacetime skill set in resource-limited environments.”

The delegation also toured the Brace Shop (Orthotics and Prosthetic Services), learning about the care provided to Soldiers and their families. They received an overview of the Interdisciplinary Pain Management Center (IPMC) and its innovative approach to managing pain and care techniques.

During lunch, the delegation discussed the Certified Nurse Transition Program (CNTP) and its contribution to Army readiness. Further discussion centered on TAMC’s role as a key medical asset supporting joint operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and TAMC’s integration within the Defense Health Agency’s standardized systems for medical care, resource management, and ultimately, strengthening the Military Health System.

The visit to TAMC concluded a comprehensive, multi-site engagement for the Indian delegation, offering a broad overview of U.S. military medical capabilities. The delegation’s tour encompassed key installations across the Indo-Pacific region and the continental United States. Further engagements in Washington, D.C., included visits to Health Affairs, Defense Health Agency, Uniformed Services University, and Walter Reed Institute of Research.

The comprehensive tour provided a holistic view of U.S. military medical capabilities, fostering valuable discussions on best practices, interoperability, and opportunities for strengthened collaboration between the two nations’ medical forces.

TAMC serves as the Department of Defense’s premier medical center in the Pacific Basin, providing comprehensive tertiary care to a diverse and geographically dispersed population. This includes over 264,000 local active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and veteran beneficiaries. TAMC also extends its medical expertise to a regional population of 171,000, encompassing personnel from nine U.S. affiliated jurisdictions and forward-deployed forces across more than 40 countries in the Indo-Pacific region.