Navy Rear Admiral Christine Hunter

FALLS CHURCH, va—Looking to set the tone and keep TRICARE positioned as a leader in American health care, Navy Rear Admiral Christine Hunter is eager to put her three decades of experience as a doctor and naval officer to work as the deputy director of the TRICARE Management Activity. “We have the chance to set the standard and lead the nation in comprehensive, high-quality health care with universal access,” Hunter said. “We can showcase what we do well and we can learn from others.” Providing high-quality health care to 9.4 million beneficiaries—active duty servicemembers, retirees and family members—is not a challenge to be overcome, Hunter said, but an opportunity for innovation.

Hunter comes to the TRICARE Management Activity from California where she commanded Navy Medicine West and the Naval Medical Center San Diego. During her career she has served in operational and military treatment facility roles, and as a leader in clinical and business practices. Now in the Washington, D.C., area, Hunter is ready to get to work delivering on the promise of TRICARE and improving beneficiaries’ health and overall satisfaction.

“When you join the military you’re promised a consistent and comprehensive health care benefit,” Hunter said. “We want to ensure it is available in all locations and over all the periods of life.”

Hunter’s priorities as TRICARE’s deputy director include supporting wounded service members and their families; improving access to health care; defining and refining the medical home model; enhancing information systems and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

“I think as our nation takes on health care reform in a major way, we in the Military Health System can work together to share our successes,” Hunter said. “We can also learn from the debate and, perhaps, get involved in ways the president might see appropriate so we can work together to be even better.”

To read the feature story visit http://www.tricaremil/pressroom/press_article.aspx?fid=467.