Name
#39 Enhancing Military Medical Standards and Readiness through Data-Driven Insights: The Role of the Medical Standards Analytics and Research (MSAR) Program
Content Presented on Behalf of
DHA
Services/Agencies represented
Defense Health Agency (DHA)
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the role of the MSAR program in supporting military medical standards and readiness through data-driven insights.
2. Identify key contributions of the AMSARA, RMSAR, and DESAR programs in optimizing service member selection, retention, and disability evaluation.
3. Discuss the impact of MSAR’s research on guiding evidence-based policy decisions within the Department of Defense.
Session Currently Live
Description
The Medical Standards Analytics and Research (MSAR) program at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) plays a critical role in supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) through comprehensive epidemiologic research, advanced data analytics, and detailed reporting. The MSAR program, which includes three key components— Accession Medical Standards Analysis and Research Activity (AMSARA), Retention Medical Standards Analysis and Research (RMSAR), and Disability Evaluation System Analysis and Research (DESAR)—provides data-driven insights that optimize service member selection, retention, and medical readiness. By integrating clinical, operational, and economic considerations, MSAR enhances decision-making within the DoD, ultimately improving the health, resilience, and effectiveness of U.S. military personnel. MSAR collaborates closely with stakeholders, including the Medical and Personnel Executive Steering Committee, Accession and Retention Medical Standards Working Group, and Disability Advisory Council, and partners with research institutions like the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Johns Hopkins University. MSAR’s research has focused on critical topics such as blast exposure, medical disqualifications, and disability discharges, directly informing policy decisions that enhance service member readiness and operational effectiveness. The MSAR team is multidisciplinary, comprising physicians, epidemiologists, statisticians, and data scientists who conduct large-scale epidemiological analyses, predictive modeling, and advanced biostatistical assessments. Their expertise in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics allows for comprehensive evaluations of medical standards, examining the impact of medical conditions, occupational exposures, diseases, and injuries on military service. MSAR’s work guides DoD policies, ensuring that medical standards are evidence-based and aligned with the operational needs of the military. The program has generated over 30 annual reports and 60 publications in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and presentations, providing valuable insights into medical readiness, adverse attrition, healthcare utilization, and disability evaluations. Key programs within MSAR include: 1. AMSARA: Established in 1995, AMSARA evaluates military accession standards, validating screening tests and assessing the impact of medical disqualifications and waivers on military service. 2. RMSAR: Launched in 2021, RMSAR supports retention standards by evaluating service member medical conditions and aligning them with retention policies to ensure operational readiness. 3. DESAR: Established in 2009, DESAR focuses on improving the Disability Evaluation System through audits, studies, and assessments that streamline evaluation processes, reduce attrition, and support policy decisions to enhance military readiness. MSAR’s comprehensive approach to research and analytics ensures that military medical standards are continually refined to support the health and operational effectiveness of service members.