JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Personnel from the 628th Medical Group have been named as some of the best of the medical and dental practitioners in Air Mobility Command.
AMC recently announced the winners of the annual Medical Service Awards. The 628th MDG has three individual award winners and one unit award.
"The medical AMC awards are a great illustration of the dedication and professionalism of our 628th Medical Group medics," said Lt. Col. Matthew Krauchunas, 628th Medical Group deputy commander and 628th Medical Support Squadron commander. "A great deal of work happens behind the scenes; thus, patients do not often get an opportunity to see it. These awards are a validation of these efforts and we could not be happier for those that were recognized."
Here are the 628th MDG AMC-level individual winners in medical service.
Dental Civilian of the Year: Patricia Clark
Patricia Clark was the AMC 2013 Civilian of the Year where she oversaw the Air Force Dental Readiness Assurance Program. She coordinated with 21 Unit Health Monitors in scheduling 16,000 appointments with 100 percent participation. Clark also expertly managed the Active Duty Dental Program, delivering quality specialty care. Her efforts cut Fiscal Year13 outsourcing costs by 74percent saving $260,000. Additionally, Clark optimized the appointment utilization program in scheduling appointments and resolving issues. She achieved a 99 percent patient satisfaction rate surpassing the Air Force goal by 5 percent. .
Air Force Ophthalmic Non Commissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Wesley Catoe.
Technical Sgt. Catoe served as the Optometry Non Commissioned Officer in Charge managing the sole eye clinic for the 628th Medical Group. Through his efforts, 220 surgeries were performed, saving the Air Force $391,000. Catoe solidified wing vision readiness by procuring 755 gas mask inserts, ensuring a 100 percent Individual Medical Readiness rating, which resulted in Joint Base Charleston being ranked number one in the Air Force. Catoe also revamped the Group Security Medical Contingency Response Plan team. Eight contingency flaws were noted and corrected resulting in 100 percent compliance.
Air Force Outstanding Medical Material Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Thomas Moore.
Senior Airman Moore conducted an Air Force Medical Operations Agency training earning him the Top 3 Leadership Award and Wing Airman of the Quarter. Moore directed the First Aid Kit training for 12 flight members, certifying 927 kits worth $ 125,000. Those efforts ensured 21,000 sorties and 67,000 flight hours with no mission delays. Moore also processed smallpox and anthrax purchases, 1,800 doses worth $41,000, ensuring the deployment readiness of 1,500 personnel. He also performed a $170,000 Shelf Life Extension Program, researching and tracking 3,500 medications. Moore relabeled 1,400 vital items saving the Air Force $23,000.
Here is the 628th MDG AMC-level unit award winner in medical service.
Air Force Patient Centered Medical Home Award: 628th Medical Operations Squadron
The 628th Medical Operations Squadron's unrelenting focus on continuity and patient satisfaction resulted in a 65 percent reduction in referring patients to local urgent care centers and the emergency rooms. Patient satisfaction was at an eight year high. The squadron Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set ranked it number one in the AMC and number 10 in the Air Force. The squadron also engineered a uniform specimen label and transfer process cutting lab errors by 21 percent, protecting patient safety without delays. Additionally, the squadron developed patient loyalty maintaining a more than 95 percent patient satisfaction rating. The squadron averaged 114 by-name positive comments on the quarterly Service Delivery Assessment for the PCMH team.