4th MDG: embracing innovation to "Deliver Ready Medics and Quality Care"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Since planting its roots in 1948 as the 4th Station Medical Group at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, the reconstituted 4th Medical Group has worked diligently to "Deliver Ready Medics and Quality Care."

After being relocated multiple times, the 4th MDG finally found a place to call home at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, where it has flourished for more than 50 years. It has also provided the medical backbone to the 4th Fighter Wing's mission by keeping Airmen in the field and ready for duty.

To better manage the array of patient needs, the group is split into three squadrons: the 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 4th Medical Operations Squadron, and 4th Medical Support Squadron. While separate, the squadrons work in unison and have fully embraced the family concept.

"We all work very well together and always have each other's backs, no matter the squadron," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hillard, 4th AMDS NCO in charge of optometry. "We take care of one another and, in turn, that translates into better care for our patients."

The 4th AMDS provides medical, dental and preventative care to maximize combat readiness and capability for wing Airmen. Similarly, the 4th MDOS offers medical and preventative health care to all non-flying personnel and their dependents to ensure wartime readiness for the active duty and worry-free care for the deployed warrior's family. Both squadrons are supported by the 4th MDSS, which is responsible for business and administrative operations and also ancillary clinical services such as pharmacy, radiology and laboratory.

With thousands of patients being seen weekly, providing a first-rate experience is paramount. According to Hillard, if the team can't build rapport with patients and earn their trust, they're failing at their mission.

"Seamless Quality Healthcare ... Anytime, Anyplace" is more than just the group's vision; it's also an infectious mentality, according to those who work in the medical group, that spreads throughout the clinics. From top to bottom, Airmen are encouraged to find new and innovative ways to improve the patient's experience.

"Innovation has become part of our culture," said Master Sgt. Anthony Smith, 4th MDOS family health flight chief. "We're not just coming to work to meet the status quo. Our team is constantly looking at our procedures to eliminate mistakes, do the job more efficiently, or just simply make the visit more enjoyable for our patients."

The group has adapted to technological change by providing more options to tech-savvy patients.

According to Smith, one of the biggest revolutions has been acclimating people to MiCare, www.relayhealth.com, which affords users the ability to schedule appointments, fill prescriptions, and directly communicate with their providers. The program has significantly streamlined a multitude of processes and increased efficiency and productivity within the group, he said.

To further their dedication to perfecting processes, the group recently initiated an innovation council that meets twice a month to discuss suggestions from their team as well as patients.

"The innovation council is our version of the Air Force's Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program," said Senior Airman Jessica Bailey, 4th MDSS medical logistics technician. "Our goal is make the healthcare we provide easier for everyone who walks through our doors, from physician to patient."

Once ideas are funneled through the council, they're presented to leadership for final approval and implementation. Bailey said she believes the open mindset of her commanders is what makes the 4th Medical Group as successful as it is.

"Innovation is always on the forefront of our minds," she said. "The better we are, the better we can make our patients."