The United States Air Force Medical Service is now seven years old. Beginning in 1949 the new military medical service was free to examine new ideas and select operational and clinical policies in tune with a rapidly progressing medical science and adaptable to the newer principles of military science exemplified by the Air Force. To bolster this youthful framework, critical attention was paid to the experience of schools, hospitals, and other medical organizations that have been many years in building traditions and reputations. With this heritage from which to draw, the Air Force Medical Service is permitted an unfettered approach to many problems of research and teaching as well as to the practice of surgery. New ideas both from without and within the Air Force can be evaluated and adopted without the resistance of tradition. To take advantage of the experience of recognized centers of teaching, the Air Force has