Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico– Both the 49th Medical Group and Holloman received a special visit on April 13 from US Air Force Col. Christopher Grussendorf, Surgeon General of the Air Education and Training Command.
As Chief Surgeon at AETC, Mr. Grussendorf oversees 13 medical facilities under his primary command and over 10,000 military and civilian personnel providing medical care to over 500,000 beneficiaries.
The purpose of his visit was to prepare the 49th MDG medics for future deployments and missions, interacting with airmen there and seeing their capabilities firsthand.
“Medical readiness and ready deployment for all airmen here in Holloman is our primary concern,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Valerie Castle, 49th MDG commander. said. “Colonel. Grussendorf’s visit will help us assert our mission and enable us to serve it in a way that leaves our partners ready and capable of fulfilling that mission.”
Grussendorf attended a safety and mission briefing and toured the various health sectors offered by the 49th MDG.
“During Colonel Grussendorf’s tour, he spent most of his time in our primary care clinics, support services, and education and training units that provide realistic, simulation-based training for healthcare workers,” says Castle. says. “His visit was important because he saw firsthand the amazing skill of all our airmen, understood the challenges we face here, and advocated for us at a higher level. because you can.”
Holloman’s remote location provides the perfect environment to train student pilots of the MQ-9 Reaper and F-16 Viper, but the 49th MDG and its patients have their own set of obstacles.
“Geographic access to specialty care is very difficult,” says Castle. “If we need to see a particular specialty, we may have to wait longer than we would like or travel longer distances, like to Albuquerque or Tucson. Yes, from our patients.”
Grussendorf’s visit will allow the 49th MDG to express their concerns and introduce new solutions and ideas that will also help their mission and that of Holloman.
“One of the main takeaways from this has been the ability to not only establish relationships with civilians in the community, but tap into the entire military medical service.” Mlia Clingan, 49th MDG Alternate Senior Enlistment Leader. “Colonel. Grussendorf’s idea is to bridge the gap between the military’s medical service and potentially utilize personnel from places such as Fort His Bliss and local communities to serve here. That’s it.”
The opportunity to interact with higher levels will not only demonstrate the capabilities of the 49th MDGs, but also help pave the way for future innovations that will provide a better healthcare environment for the Holloman community.
“Communities will appreciate the opportunity to receive more timely health care here at the 49th MDG and will also appreciate the efforts we are making to improve access to better specialized care.” said Castle. “I think for most airmen, their time is very precious and their families are very valuable. We value their time, their health, and their families as well. If they can see and feel that, they will feel more supported.”