Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Md.  –   Music, Military Service and the Magic of Serendipity

When Eugene C. Monroe graduated from high school during the 1970s, he envisioned auditioning for military bands as a talented bassist, but a pervasive economic downturn prompted him to change course and join the U.S. Navy. The Warren County, Pennsylvania native headed to San Diego, California to begin a life of adventure and military service, following in the footsteps of two of his uncles who served during the Vietnam War.

“San Diego is really heaven on earth,” shared Monroe, fondly recalling the pristine beaches and the spectacular weather. Monroe’s “California Dream” took a bit of a serendipitous detour in 1982 when the Navy sent him abroad. “I met my wife, Junko, while I was stationed at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, one of the largest American naval bases outside the United States.

To Monroe’s surprise, he fell in love with the culture and cuisine. “I extended [my tour of duty] three times,“ recalling the cozy family-owned Japanese restaurants he enjoyed. His first authentically prepared dish was Katsudon, detailed Monroe.

“I was amazed by the new and delicious flavor and textures of this deep-fried pork cutlet, sliced and served over a bowl of rice with simmered onions, egg and sauce.” It remains one of Monroe’s favorite comfort foods to this day, more than 44 years later.

Japan became Monroe’s second home, embracing the rhythm of life in the “Land of the Rising Sun” by traveling, and enjoying the iconic and majestic landscapes.

Building a Path to a Bright Future

Once Monroe and Junko returned to the U.S., Monroe earned a bachelor’s degree in health care management from Southern Illinois University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland, paving the way for a promising career in health care administration.

Monroe married Junko in 1987 and began planning for a family. “They are the center of my universe,” exclaimed the proud father of two daughters, who also embraced his love of music and science. “Sarah graduated from Catholic University with a dual major in piano performance and psychology,” smiled Monroe. “She’s now a music therapist in the oncology department at Children’s National Hospital.”

They are following in the footsteps of their father who began his health care career more than 30-years ago. “Shelly graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a major in biology and a minor in cello performance,” shared Monroe. “Now she’s a laboratory manager at Johns Hopkins University.”

Two Decades of Service at Walter Reed – The Flagship of Military Medicine

Monroe came to WRNMMC, then the National Naval Medical Center in 2002 as the chief of the Joint Committee Survey Readiness (JCSR). The JCSR evaluates compliance with standards related to areas such as provision of care, emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control practices, leadership, and medication management.

Walter Reed leaders say Monroe excels at providing oversight of continuous process improvement initiatives and his team knows the significance of continuously leveraging opportunities to ensure that “The Flagship of Military Medicine” is delivering ready, reliable quality health care.

“Mr. Gene Monroe has been a pillar of the Walter Reed family, quietly ensuring the safety of patients and staff all along the way. He has been a fixture of the hospital for as long as I can remember; and his institutional knowledge, collaborative spirit, and selfless service will be sorely missed,” shared Walter Reed’s director, U.S. Navy Capt. (Dr.) Melissa Austin.

In addition to being named the Senior Civilian of the 4th Quarter in 2021, Monroe has chaired the successful Annual Institutional Review (AIR) of over 70 graduate medical education programs for the University Services University Health Sciences (USUHS) American Council on Graduate Medical Education accreditation activity.

He coauthored an often-cited whitepaper titled “Cultural stoicism and its impact on organizational agility: a proposition for military healthcare organizations,” sharing his insights on best practices in the 21st century.

Transitioning from Public Service to World Traveler

“Mr. Monroe started out in blood services and made a seamless transition to the world of compliance. As an MTF Director, and fellow laboratorian, I have slept easy knowing that Mr. Monroe was managing our Joint Commission program. I join the entire Walter Reed family in wishing him fair winds and following seas in retirement,” said Austin.

In the future, Monroe looks forward to traveling extensively with his family to Canada, and Japan.