Moving forward in the BRAC process has created the need to functionally integrate all clinical and clinical support departments at the two medical centers. With the announcement comes the reinforced commitment and shared vision of leadership from both commands.

Commander Will Watson, the acting department head of Bethesda’s Neurology services department said both medical centers will continue to provide surgical services from both locations, but will begin to functionally operate as a single organization. The integration is invisible to the patients and does not affect patient care, he said.

‘‘I’ve enjoyed my time here, but [Col. Bartoszek] being named as the new department head was very timely,” Watson said. ‘‘The department will continue functioning with good and proper leadership.”

Bartoszek brings extensive knowledge in Neurology, he has a background in private practice and that knowledge base will be a tremendous boost to the department, Watson said. His background will be very helpful from a business practice standpoint and thus will help out the administrative side of the clinic as well, he said.

‘‘This brings [the two medical facilities] together and makes us a whole,” Watson said. ‘‘He’s a good leader, someone that everyone in both departments, including patients, respects.”

‘‘I’m very excited and honored to be selected as the department head for the integrated department of Neurology,” said Army Col. David Bartoszek, newly appointed department head of Bethesda’s Neurology services department. ‘‘It’s a huge challenge and opportunity to shape and guide the development of the outstanding Neurology departments that both facilities have to offer to try and forge us together, forming an even better department.”

There are a variety of medical conditions dealing with Neurology, Bartoszek said. Patients are not only confined to the elderly. With different diagnosis, different areas of the various medical conditions need to be addressed, and that is where the sub-specialties come into play, he said.

‘‘Neurology is an ... involved specialty that provides care for individuals ranging from the neonatal to the geriatric age groups, with a wide range of diagnosis and sub-specialties,” Bartoszek said. ‘‘It’s certainly a multi-faceted specialty and we’ll be bringing all those services to the National Capital Area and serving as a worldwide referral center.”

Bartoszek said he is looking forward to where the integration process will take the clinics because it will benefit patients and medical personnel alike with the amount of medical knowledge shared amongst the medical facilities.

‘‘I think it’s an opportunity to capitalize and bring the best the Navy and Army has to offer in the realm of Neurology to create a very strong clinical and training program in Neurology,” Bartoszek said.