The former institute of the National Defense Medical Center, established by Yuan Shikai in Tianjin, China in 1902, was recognized as the first military school in Chinese history.

The Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs had raised more than $100,000 for the project, and the building was named for Minnie Lee Maffett.

While travelling back from dedication ceremonies for the new facility, Maffett fell ill and died in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 26, 1964.

[1] Following the annexation of the Tri-Service General Hospital, a total integration of basic and clinic department was achieved in 1983.

In October, 1999, the school moved to the Neihu District of Taipei; in the next year, the Tri-Service General Hospital, the affiliated hospital, also moved to Neihu, where they were renamed collectively as the National Defense Medical Center.