Media Inquires

Office of Command Communications

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Office of Command Communications directly supports local, national and international media. Acting as the liaison between the media, staff and patients, our goal is to assist the media as it endeavors to tell our dynamic story.

Any media interested in inquiring about our medical center, patients or medical advancements should contact the Office of Command Communications at 301-295-5727 or via email at dha.bethesda.walter-reed-med-ctr.mbx.wrnm-pao@health.mil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I interview a service member upon arrival from theater?

In an effort to ensure the healing process begins immediately and effectively, and to facilitate initial medical assessments and treatment, patients will not be available to speak to the media. This process could entail several operations as well as resting both mentally and physically over a course of three to four weeks. When the service members feel as though they are able to speak to the media, only then will the clearance process for the interview begin.

Can I speak to the patient and the patient’s family directly?

At WRNMMC, we pride ourselves on quality of care and service of excellence; therefore, to respect the healing process, you must first contact the Office of Command Communications, and the office will facilitate your request as the patient and their family members move through the healing journey of recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

What is the lead time needed to conduct an interview?

A one to two-week notice is preferred to fulfill the clearance process.

Are there any limits on patient coverage?

Many of our patients are dealing with significant illness and or injury and numerous requests for interviews; therefore, in balancing the need for information by the media and other groups our patient’s right to privacy is first and foremost; hence there may be times when your request is denied.

Upon clearance can I just go interview the patient?

Media must be escorted by a member of the Office of Command Communications at all times while in the Medical Center and on the installation.

If cleared, how long can I film on the inpatient ward and in the Military Advanced Training Center (MATC)?

To ensure the lightest footprint possible in our inpatient and outpatient healing environments, we only allow up to 20- 30 minute interviews.

What are hours available to conduct interviews with patients?

Patient interviews are conducted from 1000 – 1400 Monday through Friday.

What if I’ve began coverage of a patient and the patient becomes uninterested in continuing?

Our patients have the right to revoke their consent to the media and public groups at any time and or temporarily halt and or permanently cease their involvement for any reason.

What is the process for interviewing staff at WRNMMC?

Our mission at WRNMMC is to lift our patients up and support them from the minute they arrive. To ensure continued standards of excellence in care, we urge you not to contact our medical staff (or any staff member) directly for an interview. Please contact the Office of Command Communications at 301-295-5727 or by email at dha.bethesda.walter-reed-med-ctr.mbx.wrnm-pao@health.mil to clear and coordinate interviews.