Mar

8

Health Services Administrators

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In the world of the AFMS, the role of the 4A0X1 is often under-valued. It is purely a support function, and would not exist without the providers, but 4A0s are critical to the success of the AFMS mission. Many of my mentors and role models (and friends!) are 4A0s, so it’s great to be able to pass on the news of the 4A0 award winners for…here’s the list:

Mar

6

IDMT spells “Amazing!”

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Not too many people know what an Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT) is, or what he (or she) does. You’d be surprised at the amount of responsibility IDMTs take on by accepting the unique challenge of becoming an IDMT. In the “pyramid” of the direct-care health professions, IDMTs fall somewhere in between regular medical technicians and physician-assistants (PAs). In addition to receiving the standard medical technician training, IDMTs also undergo an intense advanced training course, during which they learn more comprehensive techniques and treatments. IDMTs are traditionally assigned to remote locations where healthcare needs exist, but economics or other factors prohibit assigning a full-time physician. Thus, IDMTs are often the sole provider for a particular location, a role that finds them stitching wounds, dispensing medicine, performing dental care, and other such injuries and illness. In addition, IDMTs are also trained in public health, bioenvironmental engineering, food and water safety, and other operational medicine skills. In my experience, IDMTs are amazing people and awesome providers. And now for some IDMT links!

General overview of roles, responsibilities, and sklls of IDMTs
The IDMT Association: great resource, including discussion forums
Training summary for each of the three service IDMTs
Biography of CMSgt Suttles, an IDMT who is now Command Chief at Vance AFB
Memorial site to CMSgt Bill Schaub, an incredible IDMT and friend of mine
Navy equivalent of IDMT is the IDC - Independent Duty Corpsman
MSgt Carlos Diaz is known as “Doc” to his patients
SSgt Jake Leyva, an IDMT in a warzone, talks about his role
There’s even an IDMT on MySpace!

Mar

5

Aim High

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If you’re a healthcare professional - or want to be one - there are few better ways to do so than as a member of the Air Force Medical Service. The main Air Force recruiting site for healthcare careers offers a pretty good overview of the responsibilities and the benefits, and breaks down some of the opportunities for various career fields: physicians, nurses, dentists, allied health (including pharmacists, optometrists, psychologists, etc), administrators, and the many enlisted specialties. The difference between civilian and Air Force healthcare professionals is that the Air Force provides training - for everyone - in leadership and management, at many stages of their career and regardless of their specialty. If you’ve ever considered it, now is a great time to find out more. And, of course, if you have any questions, just let me know (airforcemedics AT gmail.com).

Mar

3

EMEDS Recognized

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The Air Force Association named Expeditionary Medics (EMEDS) as the “Team Of The Year” for 2006! The following representatives from several MAJCOMs were selected to receive the award on behalf of the entire EMEDS community:

Col. Jay A. Johannigman, of the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Denver, Colo.; Capt. Shaun S. Westphal, 759th Surgical Operations Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; Master Sgt. Michelle L. Rootes, 5th Medical Operations Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.; Master Sgt. Kory O. Rivera, 3rd Medical Group, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Master Sgt. Faith E. Elmore, 184th Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, Kan.; Tech. Sgt. Crystal A. Gomez, 78th MOS, Robins AFB, Ga.; and Senior Airman Robert Zuniga II, 82nd MOS, Sheppard AFB, Texas.

Good stuff - glad to see Medics recognized for their role in the War on Terrorism.

Mar

2

AFMS Tidbits

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The 71st Medical Group, also known as the Vance Clinic, began a modest facility renovation project recently.
A Physician Assistant got the spotlight in Afghanistan for tending to a small child.
A discussion forum about which is better: medic training in the Navy or the Air Force?
A great overview of the history of the AFMS, from the January 2000 issue of the Air Force Association magazine.