Articles

June 5, 2023

59th MDW: Mental Health impacts readiness

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Our mental, physical, and emotional well-being can affect many aspects of our health. Taking a holistic approach allows us to achieve wellness in all faucets of life. “It is a disservice to isolate mental health from physical health because they influence one another,” said Capt. Samuel Alex, a 59th Medical Operations Squadron mental health provider. “Taking care of your mental health requires the same level of attention many people give to their physical fitness.”

Feb. 7, 2023

From the battlefield to the football field: Air Force surgeon’s skills knows no bounds

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — On January 2nd, when many football fans were watching the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Lt. Col. Valerie Sams, an Air Force surgeon, was on call at UC Health’s University of Cincinnati Medical Center not knowing what she was about to face.

Jan. 4, 2023

59th Medical Wing: Our team, our fight against the Flu

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The Allergy and Immunizations Clinic along with 43 medic volunteers came together during the 59th Medical Wing’s annual flu campaign in the atrium of Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, from October to November 2022. Their teamwork resulted in more than 93% of the wing being vaccinated.

Oct. 5, 2021

Medical readiness training through the pandemic

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CAMP BULLIS, Texas — The 59th Medical Readiness Training Center continues to provide the highest level of training for medics across the Air Force Medical Service prior to deployment as well as ensuring skills remain current.

Sept. 23, 2021

Myths and facts about the vax — debunking common COVID-19 vaccine myths

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) — The COVID-19 vaccine has been mandated across the Department of Defense and despite its demonstrated effectiveness and safety, a host of myths have left some Airmen and Guardians hesitant to receive it. While social media posts and some news outlets may make it harder to keep up with what is fact or fiction, the science is clear … approved COVID-19 vaccines work.

June 29, 2021

59th MDW: Intra-ocular injections help prevent blindness

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Pamela Singleton, 59th Surgical Operations Squadron Retina Clinic manager, grabs a betadine syringe for a patient at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 14, 2021. Betadine kills germs and assists in preventing infection in the eyes prior to an intra-ocular procedure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman

June 22, 2020

Commentary: pouring from an empty cup

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia — Air Force medics are on the front lines against COVID-19, and maintaining their mental well-being is critical to keeping them in the fight. One of the biggest risks for providers is burnout, or compassion fatigue.

March 18, 2020

Goldfein emphasizes protecting force from COVID-19 while fulfilling all missions, operational priorities

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein said March 18 there have been seven confirmed cases of the new coronavirus to date among active-duty personnel, but that the Air Force is “still conducting global missions … which is priority one.”