Articles

Nov. 29, 2023

AFRL, 59th Medical Wing launch space medical research group

A newly established collaboration between the 711th Human Performance Wing’s Human Effectiveness Directorate, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the 59th Medical Wing is creating a military research working group to address defense space-linked medical research gaps. The Clinical and Operational Space Medicine Innovation Consortium, or COSMIC, will serve as a platform to fuse human health and performance research capabilities and expertise across both organizations.

Nov. 15, 2023

59th MDW: WHASC walk-in influenza vaccine line for active duty

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The Allergy and Immunizations Clinic at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center has established a walk-in Influenza Vaccine Line exclusively for active-duty status until Dec. 1, to expedite the vaccination of service members. Active-duty patients can receive their vaccination in the WHASC atrium, located between the C and D wings, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Due to the holidays, hours of operation on Nov. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be closed on Nov. 23 and 24.

Nov. 13, 2023

Empowering Service Members: Advancing Mental Health Access and Targeted Care

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Taking the initiative to seek help for emotional difficulties is a courageous and responsible step for a service member. According to a recent study, 26 percent of active-duty service members reported using mental health services in the past year. The Air Force Medical Readiness Agency Behavioral Health branch reported data from 2014 to 2019 showing the volume of clinical services delivered to active-duty members within AF mental health clinics increased by 32 percent. Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center’s Mental Health Clinic is dedicated to ensuring that all service members receive effective care in a timely manner. After assessing a patient’s needs, the mental health team creates a personalized care plan designed to yield positive results. Depending on the patient’s needs, the clinic may recommend external resources such as Military One Source, Military and Family Life Counseling, the Chaplain, or embedded Mental Health providers within a unit. Alternatively, specialty mental health treatment within the Mental Health Clinic, including group or individual therapy and medication, may be recommended. The clinic prioritizes compassionate treatment aimed at improving functioning in crucial life areas.

Oct. 24, 2023

59th Medical Wing’s own honored with Aerospace Medical Association fellowship

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Dr. Paul M. Sherman, was recently honored with a fellowship for his exceptional contributions to aerospace medicine at the 2023 Aerospace Medical Association's 93rd Annual Scientific Meeting. Dr. Sherman, currently serving as the Director of Radiological and Aerospace Medical Research at the 59th Medical Wing Chief Scientist’s Office, Defense Health Agency, Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, has had a distinguished career. He previously served at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine and the 711th Human Performance Wing, retiring with the rank of colonel after 27 years of service.

Oct. 17, 2023

Military health and readiness improved through collaboration with small business

Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, Texas — The article highlights the significant musculoskeletal injuries faced by military personnel, particularly ankle injuries. These injuries lead to training disruptions, costly medical attrition, and affect military readiness. To address this, the Air Force initiated the Versatile Injury Prevention and Embedded Reconditioning program (VIPER) and partnered with TayCo Brace to develop the XAB (eXternal Ankle Brace). This innovative brace offers better range of motion and comfort, reduces recovery time, and can be worn over combat boots or athletic shoes. It is expected to significantly improve return-to-duty rates, reduce disruptions, and enhance overall outcomes for service members with ankle injuries. The XAB is commercially available for military procurement, representing a promising solution for military musculoskeletal injuries.

Oct. 3, 2023

59th MDW: Chief Scientist’s medical director selected as DARPA program manager

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Lt. Col. (Dr.) Adam Willis, formerly a Medical Director and Clinician Scientist of the 59th Medical Wing Chief Scientist’s Office, now serves as the program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the Biotechnologies Office. His role in the BTO is developing new programs to push technology development and generating new technologic solutions for the warfighter. He also oversees existing programs, creates training for faculty, and builds Small Business Initiative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer opportunities, with a focus on operational needs.

Oct. 2, 2023

Royal Thai Air Force nurses team up with 59th MDW for U.S. healthcare collaboration

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- LACKLAND, Texas — During July and August 2023, the 59th Medical Wing hosted a team of five Royal Thai Air Force nurses from Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Sai Mai District, Bangkok, Thailand, known for delivering primary care services to RTAF personnel and the wider community. The nurses were immersed in the U.S. Air Force’s comprehensive healthcare system, global medical readiness initiatives, research, innovation, and international relations. This unique initiative fostered knowledge exchange between RTAF nurses and their American peers.

Sept. 26, 2023

Air Force Postgraduate Dental School residency seeks patients

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The Air Force Postgraduate Dental School's (AFPDS) Periodontics residency program at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is evaluating patients for treatment within the residency.If your dentist has recommended treatment for periodontal disease, dental implants, bone grafting, extractions, or gum recession, you may qualify for treatment.The criteria

Sept. 20, 2023

Flight nurse devoted to helping others overcomes adversity

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Within the walls of the Gateway Club at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, decades-worth of timeless military memorabilia are displayed as a witness to the courage and dedication of countless service members. It is a place where people come together to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of our service members. On August 30, 2023, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to commemorate the retirement of Lt. Col. (ret.) Dana Duerr. Prior to becoming a patient with the Airman Medical Transition Unit (AMTU), she served as the Senior Program Manager of the Nurse Corps Education and Training Program at the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency. Duerr, accompanied by a Wounded Warriors volunteer, sat in her wheelchair, donned in her service dress uniform, and connected to a breathing device during the ceremony. In the front row sat her family, among them was her 24-year-old daughter, Mikaela, elegantly dressed in a white blouse adorned with blue flowers, green dress pants, and golden butterfly earrings that complimented her golden hair. For both Duerr and Mikaela, this ceremony was bittersweet; marking the culmination of 29 years of service filled with long days, late nights, and numerous sacrifices. However, amidst all the changes and challenges, one constant remained — their support for each other. As Duerr expressed her gratitude to her daughter, Mikaela smiled gently, tears slowly traced down her cheek.

Sept. 19, 2023

“CSION” develops leaders in military medical research

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The ability of military clinicians to conduct medical research is often limited by competing demands and a lack of mentorship opportunities. The 59th Medical Wing’s Chief Scientist’s Office (59 MDW/ST) is working to remove these barriers and improve the realm of health care with the Clinician Scientist Investigator Opportunity Network or “CSION.”