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Articles

March 25, 2024

59th Medical Wing collaborates with Mayo Clinic to develop a temporary vascular shunt for vascular injury and disease

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TX — The 59th Medical Wing, the U.S. Air Force’s largest medical wing and functional medical command for Joint Base San Antonio, announced it has entered into a patent license agreement with Mayo Clinic to develop an advanced temporary vascular shunt for the operative management of vascular injury and vascular disease.Temporary vascular shunts have been

Military Pharmacy technician smiles at patient

March 25, 2024

"Calm Under Pressure": Lackland Pharmacy teams operate through nationwide cyberattack

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND — Last month, a reported cyberattack on the nation’s largest commercial prescription processor impacted military clinics and hospitals worldwide, as well as some retail pharmacies. In response, the 59th Medical Wing's Pharmacy team at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland implemented emergency plans to continue serving patients and provide medical support

Infographic including stick figure typing on laptop and a speech bubble with prescription bottle. Text reads "Military Health System MHS GENESIS - Refills are here!"

March 15, 2024

New Feature of MHS GENESIS Patient Portal Allows Prescription Refills

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Defense Health Agency has launched a new feature that lets you request prescription refills through MHS GENESIS.

The primary mission of DEIA is to enhance the readiness of the DoD workforce and ensure the nation’s security by leveraging the pillars of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and optimizing the diverse talent in support of the Joint Warfighter.

March 15, 2024

59th MDW DEIA Committee Marks One-Year Milestone in Inclusion Efforts

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, Texas — Amidst the changing tides of social consciousness and policy directives, Col. Aquilla Highsmith-Tyler stands at the forefront of the 59th Medical Wing’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee. With unwavering dedication, she leads a charge to transform the military landscape into one that values every individual's unique identity and experiences. Inspired by President Joe Biden's Executive Order 14035, Highsmith-Tyler and her team aim to cultivate a workplace where mutual respect and understanding reign supreme. Through education and awareness initiatives, they seek to dismantle barriers that hinder inclusivity and diversity within the organization, believing that embracing differences will only strengthen their mission capabilities and elevate patient care standards.

Airman Kinley Noel, a dental assistant assigned to the 59th Dental Squadron, poses for a photo at Dunn Dental Clinic, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in honor of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, March 6, 2024.

March 12, 2024

From Smiles to Service: Airman Kinley Noel's first year in Military Dentistry

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, Texas — Eager to explore her passion, Kinley joined the U.S. Air Force in May 2023, seeking opportunities for professional growth and financial assistance for schooling. Throughout her training, she discovered her love for dental assisting and found fulfillment in creating positive experiences for patients. Now stationed at Dunn Dental Clinic, Kinley embodies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of pursuing one's passions.

Capt. Anna Olson, a dentist assigned to the 59th Dental Squadron, poses for a photo at Dunn Dental Clinic, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in honor of National Dentist Day, March 6, 2024.

March 8, 2024

Passion, Purpose, and Dental Care: Capt. Anna Olson's Odyssey

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas — The story follows Capt. Anna Olson's remarkable journey from her Southern roots to becoming a dedicated dentist serving in the United States Air Force. Inspired by her grandfather's military service, Olson's passion for dentistry was ignited during her formative years. Through unwavering dedication and a commitment to serving others, she pursued her dream, supported by mentors like Col. Casey Campbell. After completing her education, including dental school and commissioning as a Captain, Olson eagerly looks forward to furthering her expertise in a periodontics residency. Alongside her professional achievements, Olson finds joy in home renovations and acknowledges the unwavering support of her husband. As National Dentist Day and Women's History Month are celebrated, Olson stands as a beacon of inspiration, leaving an indelible mark through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering service to both her patients and her country.

The 59th Medical Wing has migrated to a TRICARE site.

Feb. 16, 2024

59th MDW transitions to TRICARE website

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — In a strategic move to consolidate military healthcare, the 59th Medical Wing has undergone a realignment under the Defense Health Agency. As part of this transformation, all medical treatment facilities have transitioned from their previous Air Force websites to a unified TRICARE website. The new TRICARE site marks a significant step forward, streamlining our efforts by maintaining a singular platform dedicated to providing comprehensive information for patients, military treatment facility details, and insight into our medical mission. This alignment underscores our commitment to the overarching mission of DHA.

Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing practice detecting seizures during a national disaster response exercise on Camp Bramble at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, March 3, 2023. Texas A&M University has been conducting emergency response training for 15 years and, for the first time, collaborated with the 59th MDW. Being able to train inflight and utilize Disaster City by collaborating with Texas A&M gives medics a way to hone their skills, prepare for national emergencies and remain ready medics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody Bordeaux)

Feb. 16, 2024

Defense Health Network Central garners top honors for Ready Reliable Care initiatives

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 13, 2024 — Four teams from Defense Health Network Central will be celebrated for their exceptional efforts to improve the Military Health System during a ceremony, Feb. 15, 2024. Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, and Defense Health Agency Director Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland will present the Ready Reliable Care High Reliability Organization Awards to the winning teams, which include DHN Central’s 673rd Medical Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson; 377th Medical Group, Kirtland Air Force Base; and Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

Airman 1st Class Pedro Mourin, patient travel technician, Staff Sgt. Rebecca Miranda, patient travel noncommissioned officer in charge, and Senior Airman Andres Gonzalez, patient travel technician, all assigned to the 59th Medical Support Squadron pose for a photo December 19, 2023, at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Feb. 15, 2024

Navigating Care: A Guide to WHASC Patient Travel Program

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- LACKLAND, Texas — For military retirees and beneficiaries, accessing specialized care is made easier with Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center’s Patient Travel Program. Through its comprehensive support and commitment, navigating medical care becomes a smoother journey for all involved. The program welcomes all TRICARE Prime beneficiaries, including active duty

The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation team from the 59th Medical Wing and Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, came together to turn a critically ill patient with lung failure by using the functions on a specialty bed with staff at the University Medical Center of El Paso, Texas, Oct 23, 2023. The Department of Defense’s only ECMO team possesses the capability for global transports of all service members. Additionally, the team can transport civilian patients through the Secretarial Designee program or with the Secretary of the Air Force’s approval. (Courtesy photo by the medical team)

Feb. 6, 2024

DOD’s first dual-patient ECMO C-17 transport

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — The Department of Defense’s only Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) team travelled to El Paso, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2023, to support a civilian patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The ECMO team, located at Brooke Army Medical Center possesses the capability for global transports of all service members. Additionally, the team may also transport civilian patients through the Secretarial Designee program or with the Secretary of the Air Force’s approval. Once approval is granted, the medics use any means necessary to quickly reach the patient.

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