Dr. Christine Bader Helps Shape the Future of Military Medicine Through Nursing Leadership

A former Air Force nurse and senior policy advisor, Dr. Christine Bader uses her extensive experience to prepare the next generation of military healthcare leaders at USU.

Dr. Christine Bader (left) participates as moderator and panel member for a discussion on medical

ethics in combat for the 2025 Military Health System Conference. (Photo by Sharon Holland)

May 6, 2025 by Sharon Holland

Dr. Christine E. Bader brings decades of operational, clinical, and policy experience to her current roles at the Uniformed Services University (USU), where she serves as deputy director of the Ronald H. Griffith Institute for Military Medical Professionalism and special assistant to the Dean of the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing. With a career that has spanned continents, commands, and senior government offices, Bader is a living example of how nurses are not only caregivers—but also planners, policymakers, and transformative leaders.

Dr. Christine Bader (Photo credit:

Tom Balfour, USU)

Inspired by Florence Nightingale's service, courage, and intellect, Bader found her calling in nursing to improve the well-being of others.  Born in Philadelphia, she pursued her passion by earning a BSN from Penn State University.  She furthered her education with a master’s in community health administration and wellness promotion and a PhD in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania.

Growing up with a strong tradition of military service and a deep respect for those who serve, Bader accepted a direct commission into the Air Force after graduation.  Her early career included medical-surgical and post-anesthesia care, flight nursing, and emergency services as a nurse manager.  This diverse experience led to roles in command, senior leadership, and strategic planning.

Throughout her military and civilian service, Bader held numerous high-impact roles, including executive director of the Defense Health Board, assistant NORAD-NORTHCOM command surgeon, and senior advisor to both the Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary for Veterans Affairs. Bader also served as executive secretary of the DoD Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care and was deeply involved in joint operations and healthcare planning at the Pentagon.    

These positions provided Bader with a comprehensive view of military medicine, from patient care to high-level policymaking.

In 2022, Bader joined USU with a clear purpose: “Throughout my career, especially during my time at Health Affairs, I developed a deeper appreciation for the role of nurses—and I knew I wanted to help educate the next generation of healthcare professionals and grow our future leaders.” 

Bader's passion for collaboration across disciplines is rooted in her experience.  She thrived in joint environments, appreciating the unique contributions of each service. “We all have unique capabilities, and it's when we come together that we are really stronger for it,” she said. 

This collaborative mindset continues to shape her leadership, particularly in her work to advance ethics education and professional development across the Military Health System.

Bader also champions a broader understanding of what nurses bring to healthcare. “Nurses are multi-dimensional,” she said. “We bring a lens to the healthcare and policy environment that other professions don’t. Nurses can be and are strong leaders in the Military Health System—when we collaborate across professions, we achieve better outcomes and build a more resilient system.”