Many Americans are turning to AI for medical questions, driven by a frustration with the traditional medical system and AI's 24/7 availability and ease of use. In 2024, 1 in 6 US adults used chatbots to find health information at least once a month, according to a survey from KFF. "If the system worked, the need for these tools would be far less," said Dr. Robert Wachter, chair of the department of medicine at the University of California San Francisco. "But in many cases, the alternative is either bad or nothing."

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has introduced Walter's Way, a new patient care model aimed at simplifying appointment scheduling and enhancing personalized care for active-duty service members, retirees and their families. This initiative connects patients directly with onsite staff, bypassing the traditional Integrated Referral Management and Appointment Center. Walter's Way offers extended appointment times and promises "presidential-level service" to improve patient experiences and support the hospital's readiness mission.

The Maxillofacial Restoration Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego is revolutionizing the treatment of head and neck injuries by using advanced techniques like "jaw-in-a-day" reconstruction. This method significantly reduces recovery time and improves military readiness, boasting a 94% return-to-duty rate for service members. The program's success is attributed to its integrated approach, involving collaboration across multiple specialties, which enhances patient outcomes and supports the Defense Health Agency's strategic vision for military medicine.

Brushwood Center hosted a Nature, Art and Wellness Day for women Veterans at Ryerson Woods, outside of Chicago, offering activities like yoga, forest bathing and painting to promote relaxation and community. The event is part of the At Ease program, which supports Veterans through nature-based art and wellness activities. Executive Director Catherine Game highlighted the program's role in enhancing well-being and providing mental health support for over 900 Veterans annually.

Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., has introduced the Veterans SPORT Act, which would permanently expand VA coverage of recreational prosthetics. "Our disabled veterans made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our nation, and they shouldn't have to navigate VA red tape to get the medical equipment they need to lead active lifestyles," Banks said.

The US received a D+ for its 10.4% preterm birth rate for the fourth consecutive year, according to a March of Dimes report. The report highlighted significant disparities, with a 9.5% preterm birth rate for babies born to white mothers, compared with 14.7% for babies born to Black mothers. Data showed improved preterm birth rate percentages in 19 states, while the numbers worsened in 21 states, according to the CDC.

A new H3N2 influenza strain could pose a significant challenge to the US health care system, according to international reports. The strain has caused a surge in cases in the UK, particularly among young adults and children, and has acquired several mutations, making it different from the strain included in this year's vaccine. The CDC has yet to provide updated national data because of recent disruptions, but experts recommend vaccination for protection.