bamc medics show their muscle - dvids · · 2015-10-14ter’s warrior transition bat-talion, ......

BAMC MEDICS SHOW THEIR MUSCLE

OCTOBER 2015

BAMC FOCUSOCTOBER 2015

COL Evan Renz Commander

CSM Albert Crews Command Sergeant Major

Dewey MitchellChief, Communications

Division

Lori NewmanEditor

BAMC Focus is an authorized publication for members of Brooke Army Medical Center and Southern Regional Medical Command,

published under the authority of AR #360-1. Contents are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Depart-ment of Defense, Department of the Army, or

Brooke Army Medical Center.

BAMC Focus is published monthly by the Communications Division, 3551 Roger Brooke

Drive, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.

Questions, comments or submissions for BAMC Focus should be directed to the editor at 210-916-5166 or by email to

[email protected].

Deadline for submission is six business days before the first of the month. We reserve the right to edit submissions selected for

publication.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE ...

‘A Day in the Life of a WTB Soldier’

Staff, patients celebrate grand opening of Westover Medical Home

Retired general rehabs at hospital he once commanded

959th MDG team wins EMT Rodeo

BAMC team wins regional ‘Best Medic’ competition

Fisher House BBQ celebrates 25 years of service

BAMC holds annual event to celebrate cancer survivors

Nurses showcase innovations at TriService course

4 Learning about Military Life

5 Ribbon Cutting

6 Full Circle

8 Let’s Rodeo

10 Best Medics

12 Chow Down

9 Super Heroes Honored

14 Innovations exhibited

See photos from other events happening throughout BAMC

18 Other Happenings

OCT 2015 3

Evan M. Renz, M.D.Colonel, MCCommanding

BROOKE ARMYMEDICAL CENTER

COMMANDING OFFICER COL Evan M. Renz POC: Ms. Carolyn Putnam (210)916-4100

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CSM Albert Crews POC: SGT Thomas Salazar III (210)916-5061

DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR ADMINISTRATION COL Mark D. Swofford POC: Ms. Monique Vilay (210)916-5009

DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR CLINICAL SERVICES COL Timothy L. Pendergrass POC: Ms. Lola Cole (210)916-0901

DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR ACUTE CARE COL Douglas W. Soderdahl POC: Ms. Jennifer Walker (210)916-5590

DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR NURSING COL Richard L. Evans, Jr. POC: Ms. Deborah Rush (210)916-2260

OURCOMMITMENT

Team BAMC,

The Columbus Day holiday is approaching and as with other long weekends, the holiday presents an opportunity for travel and participation in a variety of activities. Keep in mind that long distance travel plans increase the chance of an accident. I urge each and every Service Member, Civilian employee and Family member to carefully plan your travels, allow adequate time for rest, and practice hazard avoidance. Be particularly conscious of safety issues, remain aware of potential hazards at all times, and never text while driving or drive after drinking alcohol.

If your plans include outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, boating or hiking, be proactive and conduct a risk assessment to identify possible unique associated hazards. At this time of year, the weather can vary 20 degrees in a 24-hour period, so consider en-vironmental factors when assessing risk. Other concerns include weapon and water safety hazards. If you are hiking near shooting areas remember to wear a bright color such as blaze orange. Check water conditions before entering; understand currents, rip currents, and never swim alone.

Leaders at all levels should ensure their personnel are briefed on safety hazards they might encounter during the upcoming weekend. If a Soldier is traveling, TRiPS will be utilized, and supervisors will discuss the plans and mitigating factors with each Soldier. Vehicle safety inspections are highly encouraged for all military personnel as a part of the command effort to promote safety awareness and to ensure everybody returns safely.

Leaders also need to emphasize sexual assault risks, prevention, and response in your holiday safety briefings. Guidance is available at www.sexualassault.army.mil.

CSM Crews and I are proud to be a part of this outstanding team. Thank you for your continued contributions and dedication. Safe, quality care … It’s in our DNA!

Leaders -- Serving To Heal...Honored To Serve!

EVAN M. RENZ, M.D.Colonel, MCCommanding

OCT 2015For more information visit us on the web:

www.bamc.amedd.army.milwww.facebook.com/BrookeArmyMedicalCenter

4

Rep. Lamar Smith speaks to War-riors Sgt. 1st Class Allen Armstrong,

Capt. Kelly Elminger and Staff Sgt. Robert Green during the “Day in the

Life of a WTB Soldier” visit at the Center for Intrepid Sept. 4. Members

of Congress and their staff were invited to participate in the event to receive a firsthand look at how the

Army cares for and provides ser-vices to Soldiers and their Families.

(Photo by Robert Shields)

WTB Commander Lt. Col. Michael Harper speaks to Rep. Will Hurd during the Adaptive Reconditioning demonstrations as Staff Sgt. Allen Armstrong (far right), Sgt. 1st Class Samantha Goldensten (far left), WTB Soldier Adaptive and Reconditioning Program noncommissioned officer in charge and Jon Arnold look on. Adaptive sports and athletic reconditioning activi-ties play a vital role in the WTB as it help Soldiers in their recovery, rehabil-itation and reintegration. (Photo by Maria Gallegos)

‘A Day in the Life of a WTB Soldier’By Maria GallegosBAMC Public Affairs

Brooke Army Medical Cen-ter’s Warrior Transition Bat-talion, in coordination with Warrior Transition Command, hosted a “Day in the Life of a WTB Soldier” at the WTB to better inform the public of all

the services provided.Members of Congress and

their staff were invited to par-ticipate in the event to receive a firsthand look at how the Army cares for and provides services to Soldiers and their Families.

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex-as) and staffer, Scott Ferguson, were first to participate in the

event Sept. 4, followed by Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) and staffer and former WTB Soldier, Jon Arnold, who visited Sept. 15.

The day included an over-view of the WTB’s mission and purpose, transition and Soldier and Family assistance briefs, WTB barracks tour and Soldier Adaptive and Reconditioning Program, or SARP, overview and demonstrations; emphasiz-ing the importance of Soldiers’ care and transition programs for the Army’s wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.

“This event gave us an op-portunity to showcase our fa-cilities and inform the invitees about the battalion’s mission. It also allowed us to highlight our partnerships with Depart-ment of Defense and local community organizations that play an important role in assist-ing our Soldiers and Families during their transition period,” said Maj. Sarah Thompson, S3 WTB staff and project officer for the event.

The WTB’s mission is to en-sure every Soldier receives the best care and service during his or her transition either back

to duty or to the civilian com-munity. During the visit, WTB Commander Lt. Col. Michael Harper stressed the transition process and the Soldier’s Com-prehensive Transition Plan.

“One of the main compo-nents to start the transition pro-cess is through the Comprehen-sive Transition Plan. This plan is set by the Soldier, with sup-port of medical professionals, who will determine how they want to move ahead in their transition. It is their personal living plan of action that focus-es on their future, he said.

“Once this is established, our team, Triad of Care profession-als, will help them work toward that goal,” Harper said. “We look at every aspect of care in-dividually and tailor each tran-sition process to achieve the goals of the Soldier and their Families.”

Following Rep. Smith’s meet and greet with Warriors at the Center for the Intrepid, Smith praised the work being done to help wounded warriors transi-tion into civilian life.

“The one place that we don’t have to worry about is here in

OCT 2015 5

Staff, patients celebrate grand opening of Westover Medical Home

By Elaine SanchezBAMC Public Affairs

Brooke Army Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of its newest and largest com-munity-based medical home with a ribbon-cut-ting ceremony Sept. 18.

Westover Medical Home is a 14,000- square-foot military primary care clinic equipped with a laboratory and full service pharmacy with a drive through window option. Located on the Northwest side of San Antonio, the clinic officially opened to military benefi-ciaries in the surrounding area last month.

“We are proud to bring military medicine right into the neighborhood where our patients live,” said Army Col. Kevin Moore, chief, De-partment of Family and Community Medicine, at the ceremony. “Westover will expand the reach of military medicine in San Antonio, al-lowing us to care for more than 14,400 patients when fully staffed and operational.”

In its “end state,” the clinic will house 13 primary care providers, a behavioral health specialist, clinical pharmacologist, and more than 50 nurses, pharmacists, technicians and medical support staff. “We have handpicked a dedicated and talented staff to care for our pa-tients,” Moore said.

In his remarks, BAMC Commander Col. Evan Renz thanked everyone who contributed to the new clinic. “This is a beautiful facility and a staff with exceptional qualifications,” he said. “With the location, access, services and convenience for our patients, I think we’re on

track for success.”During the ceremony, several patients

looked on from the newly completed waiting areas. Army retiree Rick Lugo said he and his wife were thrilled when they heard about the new clinic, conveniently located five miles from their home. When attending other mili-tary clinics, “we would leave the house at 8 for a 9:30 appointment,” he said. “Now, we leave our house 10 minutes prior and still make it on time.”

When Nick and Clarita Alhambra heard about Westover, they immediately called to en-roll. The day of the ceremony marked their sec-ond visit to the facility. “It’s a very nice clinic and the parking is great,” Clarita said.

Staff and patients applauded as Brig. Gen. Barbara R. Holcomb, commanding general, Regional Health Command - Central (Provi-sional), Renz, and Dr. Darii Ann Lane, clinic officer in charge, cut the ribbon. The ceremony marks the beginning of a “great new venture,” Holcomb said.

Westover is one of nearly a dozen military medical clinics across San Antonio, and one of several community-based medical homes designed to offer convenient, high quality care to military families throughout the San Antonio Military Health System.

TRICARE beneficiaries who would like to enroll or move to the new Westover location can visit https://www.humanamilitary.com or call 1-800-444-5445. For beneficiaries age 65 or older, call 210-808-2721 for more informa-tion.

BAMC Commander Col. Evan M. Renz, Regional Health Command - Central (Provisional) Command-er Brig. Gen. Barbara Holcomb and Dr. Darii Ann Lane, clinic OIC, cut the ribbon to officially open Westover Medical Home in Northwest San Anto-nio, Sept. 18. Westover, BAMC’s newest communi-ty-based clinic, is open to all TRICARE beneficiaries in the surrounding area. The clinic provides primary care, behavioral health services, on-site laboratory capabilities and a phar-macy. (Photo by Robert Shields)

San Antonio, the Center for the In-trepid and the Warrior Transition Battalion. They get first class care all the time,” Smith said to the staff and patients. “Thank you for what you do.”

In addition to learning about the WTB’s mission, Rep. Hurd was also introduced to the importance of SARP and how they play a vi-tal role in helping Soldiers in their recovery, rehabilitation and reinte-gration.

“Getting involved with adaptive reconditioning allows recovering Soldiers to hone different skills, fo-cus and relax,” Thompson said. “It has a big impact on their recovery and their overall well-being.”

They are able to train in various sports such as, cycling, track and field, archery, shooting, sitting vol-leyball, swimming and wheelchair basketball or less stringent activ-ities such as fishing, music and horseback riding,” she said. “Many of them (Soldiers) compete in the Warrior Games, and bring home medals every year – most of them Gold and Silver.”

“You are an inspiration to a lot of people. Keep up the great work. This is pretty awesome,” said Hurd. “You (WTB) don’t practice the common practice, you set the best practice,” he said.

Since January 2007, including the current population, more than 71,000 wounded, ill, or injured Sol-diers and their Families received care from the dedicated Warrior Care and Transition Program with over 30,000 (approximately 44 percent) of Soldiers returned to the force.

The Army is currently caring for more than 3,000 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans be-tween WTB and the Army Wound-ed Warrior Program (AW2) with BAMC WTB having 273 Soldiers assigned to the battalion.

For more information about the BAMC WTB, visit http://www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/wtb/

For more information about the WTC, visit http://www.wtc.army.mil/



6

Retired general rehabs at hospital he once commandedBy Elaine SanchezBAMC Public Affairs

A retired major general has high praise for the health care he oversaw more than two decades ago.

“The care has been truly phenomenal,” said Maj. Gen. William L. Moore Jr., who served as Brooke Army Medical Center’s commander from 1988 to 1991. “But this doesn’t surprise me; the quality of medical practice here has always been excellent.”

Moore has been undergoing rehabilita-tion at the Center for the Intrepid, BAMC’s outpatient rehabilitation facility, since June 2014 when a fall at home resulted in an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. Doctors told him he’d never walk again, but he’s not only walking now, he’s navi-gating stairs with the help of a prosthesis.

His wife, Sissy, stood by nervously as he descended the stairs at the CFI, gripping his crutches tightly in one hand, shadowed closely by his physical therapist technician. “My husband is an overachiever,” she said fondly. “He’s 81 years old and still works out six times a week, then comes here for rehab. His therapists were amazed at his initial progress.”

Moore’s penchant for achievement was passed down from his father, he said. The son of a World War II first sergeant, Moore recalls his dad waking him each morning with a loud “Off and on!” From an early age, he aspired to be a service member like his father, but placed those plans on hold to pursue his medical degree. He became a general medicine doctor, got married and started a civilian practice in Rome, Ga. He didn’t shift gears until 1961, when he heard John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

“I walked in the kitchen the next day and told my wife, ‘I’m joining the Army,’”

Moore recalled. He was com-missioned on Jan. 4, 1962.

The military took him around the world, but he al-ways ended back at Fort Sam Houston, spending nearly half of his 33-year career in Texas. His BAMC time dates back to 1965 when he was an in-ternal medicine resident, fol-lowed by an Army-sponsored fellowship in infectious dis-ease at Southwestern Medical School’s Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Returning from Dal-las in the early 70s, he started the infectious disease subspe-cialty program while serving as BAMC’s assistant chief of medicine. After a short break in service, Moore reported to duty at Dwight D. Eisenhow-er Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Ga., and from there moved to Germany to com-mand Frankfurt Army Region-al Medical Center.

In 1986, former Army Sur-geon General Lt. Gen. Quinn Becker asked Moore to head up the Army HIV/Aids pro-gram in the surgeon general’s office in D.C. Two years later, in Novem-ber 1988, now Brig. Gen. Moore took com-mand of BAMC, which was headquartered on main post at that time.

His former secretary, Carolyn Putnam, recalls Moore’s innate drive clearly. “He wanted to improve his musical skills, so he decided to take piano lessons,” recalled Putnam, who is still serving as BAMC’s commander’s secretary. “His schedule was so busy he ended up taking lessons at 5:30 a.m. and still managed to arrive on time for morning report. His persistence paid off

and he plays beautifully.”While he loves music, his primary pas-

sion is teaching medicine, said Moore, who also served as commander of AMEDDC&S from 1991 to 1994. “I always taught the importance of personal responsibility, to care what’s happening with patients and to remain interested in the patient as a human being, not a disease,” he said. “We should approach patients with a genuine sense of concern for the holistic environment of the patient and his family, always taking into account how the illness might have an im-

Physical therapy technician Troy Hopkins assists retired Maj. Gen. William L. Moore Jr. at the Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center’s outpatient rehabilitation facility Sept. 3, 2015. Moore served as Brooke Army Medical Center’s com-mander from 1988 to 1991. (Photo by Robert Shields)

OCT 2015 7

pact on their lives.”Moore worked to incor-

porate those same principles at BAMC, contributing to its longstanding reputation for quality care.

Moore retired in 1994 and has since seen BAMC evolve and adopt new technology over the years but “the changes have been in bricks and mor-tar, not in the people,” he said. “There’s still ample caring, compassion, concern, and out-standing professional knowl-edge of the medicine that’s practiced here.”

His time at BAMC remains a bright spot in his career, he said. “I had so much fun work-ing here sometimes I wonder why I got paid for it.”

From their first meeting, Command Sgt. Maj. Tabitha Gavia was impressed at his devotion to health and fitness. “He’s a living, breathing exam-ple of the Performance Triad,” she said, referring to the Army Surgeon General’s initiative for activity, nutrition and sleep. “When I’m his age, I want to be just as devoted to wellness as General Moore.”

Now back at BAMC as a patient, Moore said he hopes to inspire the service mem-bers, some bilateral or triple amputees, recovering at the CFI alongside him. “I hope they look at me and think, ‘If this old geezer can do it, I can too,’” he said with a laugh. “The reality is, however much I inspire them, they inspire me more.”

MEDCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Visits Combat Casualty Care Research StaffBy Steven GalvanUSAISR Public Affairs

Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald C. Ecker, U.S. Army Medical Command senior en-listed leader, visited the U.S. Army Insti-tute of Surgical Research Sept. 8 to meet with the staff and become familiarized with the latest combat casualty care research.

The call to the Fort Sam Houston, Texas, headquartered command was Ecker’s first, and was an opportunity for the enlisted Sol-diers and staff of the Institute to showcase their research aimed at optimizing care for Wounded Warriors.

“The importance of this visit was first to thank every member of the team for their contributions in optimizing combat casual-ty care over the past 15 years of war,” said Ecker. “The ISR has been and is central to understanding the science of how to pro-vide effective combat medical interven-tions to very complex wounds and injuries far forward on the battlefield.”

Ecker, who is a combat medic, knows first-hand the importance of having well-trained med-ics with state-of-the-art equipment and material to save lives of those wounded on the battlefield.

“I want to ensure that our medical Soldiers performing their duties within the scientific walls of the ISR have a full appreciation for the battlefield art that our first responders and com-bat medics must master outside of a controlled environment,” he said. “In order for us on the Army Medicine team to master our profession of saving lives, we must understand not only the Warfighter, the enemy and terrain but also see ourselves within the overall situation. I believe this methodology then provides the why of what we medics do, in whatever our capacity.”

Sgt. Maj. James L. Devine, USAISR senior enlisted leader, said he was pleased with briefs Ecker received on the latest research initiatives and burn care at the USAISR Burn Center.

“Our Soldiers and staff did a great job at pro-viding Command Sgt. Maj. Ecker with a detailed description of the various research task areas at the ISR,” said Devine. “I believe he now has a better understanding of our mission, capabilities and responsibilities.”

Ecker ended his visit at the USAISR with a talk to the Soldiers where he encouraged them to read and be familiar with the Army’s transforma-tion and future outlook.

“The ISR’s future endeavors of profession-al expertise will certainly be needed in order to meet the demands of our Army continuing to win in a complex world,” Ecker said.

Sgt. Francisco A. Rosario, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Burn Intensive Care Unit and the Burn Flight Team, briefed Ecker on burn care, patient medical evacuations and inflight pa-tient care. Rosario believes that it is imperative for senior leaders to make these types of visits to gain knowledge of the command and for the Soldiers to receive the latest information directly from Army leaders.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Ecker was able to pro-vide a detailed overview of the Army’s goal to ensure that every military treatment facility be-comes a High Reliability Organization, while operating as a medical training and readiness platform,” said Rosario.

“Our ISR Soldiers are extremely intellectual-ly gifted, mission-oriented and impressive, and they provide a unique capability that will help our Army win,” Ecker said.

Sgt. Maj. James L. Devine, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research senior enlisted leader, welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald C. Ecker, U.S. Army Medical Command senior enlisted leader, to the USAISR Sept. 8 as USAISR Com-mander, Col. (Dr.) Michael D. Wirt looks on. (Photo by Steven Galvan)



8

959th MDG team wins EMT RodeoBy Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Plew27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

After two days running through intense scenarios in the eastern New Mexico des-ert, a team from the 959th Medical Group captured first place in the 2015 Annual EMT Rodeo Sept. 17-18 at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Besting 20 other teams of elite emergen-cy medical technicians from 22 installa-tions across the Air Force, the medics from Joint Base San Antonio convened at Can-non for two days of innovative, high-oc-tane competition.

During this, the rodeo’s eighth consecu-tive year, evaluators required all contend-ers to execute their lifesaving mission un-der greater pressure, stricter guidelines and more austere conditions than ever before. Featuring 19 categories of competition, each team demonstrated accurate tech-niques and effective implementation.

Winning the competition was a career high for many on the 959th MDG team, who were all observed under the critical eye of expert evaluators.

“Even after they announced Joint Base San Antonio, we were all in shock! It’s one thing to accomplish a personal goal, but to be a part of the best team in the Air Force was the highlight of my Air Force career thus far,” said Senior Airman Lindsey Hawkins from the 959th Medical Opera-tions Squadron.

Other members of the five-man team in-cluded Tech. Sgt. Warren Williamson, Se-nior Airman Bradley Gorman, and Senior Airman Ernesto Ramirez-Garcia from the 959th Inpatient Operations Squadron; and Senior Airman John Van Dam from the 959th MDOS. Williamson served as the team leader.

Teamwork was the key to the 959th MDG team’s success, Van Dam explained.

“Our team was successful because of our communication with one another. We

established our roles in the beginning and stuck to those roles throughout the chal-lenge,” he said.

In order to accommodate more than dou-ble the number of competitors this year, planners split the rodeo into two alternating days, with events occurring simultaneously at nearby Melrose Air Force Range and the Cannon Clinic.

One of the most unique aspects of the competition was the commando challenge - a vigorous, interactive, scenario-based obstacle course during which competitors put multiple skills to the test.

“By far, the commando challenge was the best part of the competition. It was a very realistic deployment setting which challenged us both mentally and physical-ly. Even completely exhausted, we had to apply lifesaving skills to assure the safety of ourselves as well as our patients,” Haw-kins said.

The EMT Rodeo gave the 959th MDG techs the opportunity to hone their craft as members of the 59th Medical Wing, whose primary mission is medical readiness and the development of warrior medics.

“Competing in the EMT Rodeo has helped me pinpoint (weaknesses) and what I can do to improve on those skills,” Van Dam said.

“This was an experience of a lifetime and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of such an awesome team,” Hawkins added.

Medics from the 959th MDG, working alongside their Army counterparts at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, provide first-class health care to more than 240,000 beneficiaries in the San Antonio area. The group is part of the 59th MDW headquar-tered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

(With contributions from the 59th Medi-cal Wing Public Affairs Office)

Emergency medical technicians from the 959th Medical Group assess and treat a patient during a scenario in the EMT Rodeo Sept. 18, 2015, at Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico. Twenty-one teams of elite EMTs from 22 installations across the Air Force convened at Cannon for four days of innovative, high-octane competition. Throughout the rodeo, teams executed their lifesaving mission under the critical eye of expert evaluators, demonstrating accurate technique and effective implemen-tation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez)

OCT 2015 9

BAMC holds annual event to celebrate cancer survivors

By Lori NewmanBAMC Public Affairs

The 9th Annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration was held Sept. 26 at San Anto-nio Military Medical Center to honor can-cer survivors and their families.

“The event celebrates all cancer sur-vivors and their families, and their brave fight against this insidious disease,” said Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Winnifred Wong, who helped to organize the event.

“We usually hold the event to coincide with the National Cancer Survivors Day in June, though this year we had to postpone the event to September.”

Don Doyle, a Vietnam veteran who served 22 years in the Army and another 22 years working for VIA Metropolitan Tran-sit, attended the event for the first time. He was diagnosed with cancer in September 2014 and treated at SAMMC.

“I think this event is great. I’m pleasant- ly surprised because people are very posi-tive. I was also surprised to see a lot of the staff here, because I know they work every day of the week and they still came in on a weekend,” Doyle said.

“The whole staff and everyone at the ra-diation clinic are amazing. I feel very for-tunate to get my treatment here,” he added.

This year’s theme was “Not All Su-per Heroes Wear Capes” to symbolize the strength and perseverance of cancer survi-vors. Many of the attendees came dressed in their favorite superhero costume.

“It is a fun day dedicated to positively celebrating our cancer survivors and their families, which includes live music, free food, a costume contest, drawings for priz-es and a health fair,” Wong said. “This year we had 11 outside agencies and 17 SAM-MC departments participate in the event and over 200 patients attend.”

The event brings awareness not only to survivorship, but also screening and preven-tion, because cancers that are caught earlier tend to have more favorable outcomes.

“Patients and their families benefit by

celebrating another year of survivorship and having access to our associated health fair, which provides information on new cutting edge techniques SAMMC departments pro-vide and also interacting with our amazing cancer care teams,” the doctor said.

Cancer survivors and their families also benefit from sharing their experience with others.

Thanhphuong Halcomb has been in re-mission for almost six years. “It means a lot that there is an event like this for [can-cer survivors]. I have attended this event for the past five years now,” Halcomb said. “Last year I came with my son and I met a really nice couple and we chatted.”

Army Pfc. Christopher Vandenberg’s entire family came out to support him. “It shows me that they care and support me,” he said.

Next year will be the 10th annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration here at SAMMC.

“June 2016 we’re expecting a great turn out and celebration of life,” Wong said.

Not All Super Heroes Wear Capes

Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Winnifred Wong holds a hand over the head of one of the contestants for the superhero costume contest Sept. 26, 2016 during the 9th annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration at San Antonio Military Medical Center. (Photo by Lori Newman)

Don Doyle and Esther Lopez attend the annu-al Cancer Survivors Day event for the first time Sept. 26, 2015 at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Doyle is a Vietnam Veteran and cancer survivor. (Photo by Lori Newman)

OCT 2015 OCT 2015For more information visit us on the web:


10 11

BAMC team wins regional ‘Best Medic’ competition

By John FranklinBAMC Volunteer

As the fog permeates the darkness of the early morning hours at Camp Bullis, teams of medics from throughout the Regional Health Command - Central (Provisional) compete in a grueling 12-mile march hauling a 35-pound pack on their back and their weapon in hand. This was the final event in the three day competition to earn the title, “Best Medic.”

Seven teams of Soldiers from med-ical treatment facilities across RHC-C (P) competed Sept. 18-20 to earn the coveted title, but it was the team from Brooke Army Medical Center, Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Eisele and Spc. Garrett Woodford who met the chal-lenge.

“What I enjoyed most about the com-petition was getting out in the field and competing with great Soldiers,” Wood-ford said.

BAMC planed, coordinated and exe-cuted the RHC-C (P) Best Medic Com-petition for the region.

“These competitors were challenged in a demanding, continuous, and realis-tic simulated operational environment,” said Army Capt. Jose Capellan, officer in charge of the competition. “In the short time they spent with us at Camp Bullis they established lasting relation-ships and fostered espirit de corps. They reviewed and applied the concepts of the Performance Triad and continuous-ly reflected on their role as professional Soldiers.”

Friday morning, the Soldiers first had to complete the Army Physical Fitness Test before moving to the medical lanes where they were briefed on the scenar-io: two wounded Soldiers and one pos-sible dead in a village under hostile fire.

Each team, followed by evaluators, was scored on their tactical approach

to the area and the care they provided the combat casualties they encountered while machine gun fire, mortar blasts and smoke surrounded the area. The teams had only 35 minutes to move from the start point to the village, lo-cate the casualties, provide immediate lifesaving aid, and move them safely to an evacuation point.

“The day combat trauma lane was definitely challenging,” Eisele said. “Having to maneuver tactically through the woods and the city to get to your casualties and then treat them in the al-lowed time given and to do it all correct-ly was intense. We were double check-ing everything we did just to make sure we wouldn’t lose any points.”

Teams were also tested in weapons qualification firing both an M-16 rifle and M-6 pistol from a variety of posi-tions, night medical lanes, night land navigation, an obstacle course, a 5K buddy run and written exam.

During medic-style buddy run the competitors faced some unique chal-lenges. Each team was required to place a 165-pound casualty on a SKEDCO and pull it several hundred meters. The teams were then required to assemble a SINCGARS radio unit and call in a simulated medical evacuation request before they could continue. Near the finish line they encountered three sim-ulated casualties which they needed to assess and load onto an ambulance be-fore running to the finish line.

“The most challenging event was the 5K buddy run. After completing all of the other events leading up to that event we were already tired, so completing the 5K event was definitely difficult,” Eisele said. “Having to pull the SKED-CO with a casualty in it as far as we did was not easy at all. And then trying to put together a radio when my arms were so tired was very interesting.”

Woodford agreed, “The most chal-

lenging events were the 5K and the 12 mile ruck march.”

The final day, following the 12-mile march RHC-C (P) Commander Army Brig. Gen. Barbara Holcomb present-ed Eisele and Woodford Meritorious Service Medal for their outstanding performance and achievements during the competition. They also received the Outstanding Medical Corps Knife and a RHC-C (P) belt buckle.

“This competition gave BAMC the opportunity to improve the organi-zation by providing tough, realistic training in a safe manner while being fiscally responsible,” Capellan said. “The execution of the events gave us an opportunity to reconnect with bat-tlefield medicine at the point of injury. At a medical facility as big and busy as BAMC this is something that is difficult to execute.

“My team planned, coordinated and executed the competition and they had fun doing it. This is why Soldiering is our vocation,” he concluded.

Eisele and Woodford will represent RHC-C (P) and compete in the U.S. Army Medical Command CSM Jack L. Clark Jr. Best Medic Competition Oct. 28-30 at Camp Bullis.

“Moving into the next competition we now know what our strengths and weaknesses are and we plan to train accordingly. We have a lot of training to conduct such as learning about 25 different knots, combat water survival, and of course maintaining and gaining more strength in the gym. The bottom line is that we plan to prepare to win the Army Best Medic Competition,” Eisele said.

“I just want to be as prepared as we possibly can be going into the Army Competition,” Woodford added.

(Lori Newman contributed to this ar-ticle)

Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Eisele and Army Spc. Garrett Woodford, the team from Brooke Army Medical Center, clear a building during the Regional Health Command - Central (Provisional) Best Medic Competition Sept. 18 at Camp Bullis. (Photo by John Franklin)

Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Eisele and Army Spc. Garrett Woodford pull a SKEDCO with a 165 pound dummy simulating a casualty during the Regional Health Command - Central (Provisional) Best Medic Competition Sept. 18 at Camp Bullis. (Photo by John Franklin)

A medic watches his teammate climb the ladder on the obstacle

course as evaluators watch Sept. 19 during the Regional Health

Command - Central (Provisional) Best Medic Competition at Camp

Bullis. The first medic must be coming down the ladder before

the second medic can begin their climb. Competitors have three

chances to complete an obstacle before receiving a penalty. (Photo

by John Franklin)



12

Fisher House BBQ ...

(From left) Terry Campion, Wayne Siepmann and Butch Gandre from the Young Farmer’s organization prepare brisket for the 22nd annual Fisher House BBQ Sept. 25. (Photo by Robert Shields)

BAMC Fisher House Manager Inge Godfrey (second from left) and

other guests cut the cake to celebrate Fisher House Founder Zachary

Fisher’s birthday Sept. 25 at the 22nd annual Fisher

House BBQ here. There was also a cake honoring the 25 years of service by the Fisher House.(Photo

by Robert Shields)

The “Hitlist,” a San Antonio rock band, perform at the

22nd annual Fisher House BBQ Sept. 25 at Brooke

Army Medical Center. (Photo by Robert Shields)

OCT 2015 13

celebrates 25 years of service

More than 2,900 plates were served at the 22nd annual Fisher House BBQ Sept. 25, 2015 here at the BAMC Fisher House. (Photo by Robert Shields)

Clarinda and Rozelia Conner get close to the Cheetos Cheetah at the 22nd annual Fisher House BBQ Sept. 25. (Photo by Robert Shields)

Raymond Kaloplastos (left) and Pedro G. Esquivel (right) from the Department of Vet-erans Affairs, pass out information about VA services Sept. 25 at the annual Fisher House BBQ. (Photo by Robert Shields)

The Brooke Army Medical Center Color

Guard presents the colors as a motor-

cycle group from an American Legion in

New Mexico salute the flag Sept. 25, 2015

at the annual Fisher House BBQ. (Photo by Robert Shields)

Warrior Outreach Coordinator Juan Arredondo and Senior Benefits Liaison Norma Gallegoz, represent the Wounded Warrior Project at the annual Fisher House BBQ Sept. 25. (Photo by Robert Shields)



14

By Elaine Sanchez and Steven GalvanBAMC & USAISR Public Affairs

Several nurses from San Antonio Mili-tary Medical Center and U.S. Army Insti-tute of Surgical Research were selected to showcase their nursing research and evi-dence-based practice innovations during a joint military course in San Antonio.

The nurses were among the Army, Navy, and Air Force presenters at the TriService Nursing Research Program’s Research and Evidence-based Practice Dissemination course Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

The course was intended to “highlight research and evidence-based practice in-novations … while fostering collaborative partnerships among TriService nursing partners,” the chiefs of the Army and Air Force Nurse Corps and director of the Navy Nurse Corps wrote in a welcome letter.

“It is so exciting to see nurses, clini-cians, administrators and leaders from all three military services come together with the goal of disseminating research and best practice evidence in order to im-prove the healthcare of our beneficiaries,” added Army Col. Michael Schlicher, the program’s executive director, in a letter to attendees.

SAMMC presentations ranged from the benefits of therapeutic music on inpa-tient surgical wards to improvements for “near miss” reporting on medical telemetry wards.

Air Force Capt. Kelly Lonergan, from SAMMC’s Inpatient Mental Health Unit, presented findings from her project on the “Use of Pet Therapy in an Inpatient Behav-ioral Health Setting.”

Lonergan’s project was geared to reduc-ing patient anxiety through the use of pet therapy. A pet therapy team visited with inpatient behavioral health patients at least once a week over a six-month period.

“We conducted a little over 30 visits per month, about 200 patients,” Lonergan said. “We found huge drops in anxiety post-pet

therapy.”The patients completed the

Hamilton Anxiety Scale 30 minutes prior to the pet thera-py and again 30 minutes after the pet therapy session.

“Because of the positive results we were able to in-crease our pet therapy teams from one to six,” Lonergan said. “So we have six rotating teams now that come through four times a week.”

The positive outcome in-spired them to share their re-sults with other units through-out the hospital, Lonergan said. “One of the other suc-cesses which I didn’t antic-ipate was staff morale,” she said. “Every time the pets came up the staff was so ex-cited.”

Also representing SAM-MC, Army Capt. Amanda Ro-driguez, a staff nurse on 3T, focused on patient safety with her project, “3T Medical In-tensive Care Unit Evidence-based Project to Reduce Nuisance Alarms.” The aim of the project was to reduce false physiolog-ical alarms and to improve patient safety, she said.

“Many studies have demonstrated as many as 99 percent of alarm signals may be false and can result in patient harm or death when a clinically actionable alarm is missed due to alarm fatigue,” she ex-plained. Alarm fatigue is when a person is exposed to an excessive number of alarms. This sensory overload can lead to desensi-tization and delays in response or missed alarms.

To reduce this high occurrence of false alarms, 3T MICU nurses implemented the American Association of Critical-care Nurses Practice Alert for Alarm Manage-ment at San Antonio Military Medical

Center. This practice involves “reviewing alarm setting and patient-specific tailoring of the physiological alarms every shift,” Rodriguez explained.

After a six-week period, “alarms were re-duced by over 900 fewer per day,” she said.

The project, with its impressive results, was well-received, Rodriguez said, noting the course “was not only an outstanding opportunity to share our accomplishments, but to encourage and inspire others to pursue evidence-based practice projects,” she said.

Robin Francis, assistant clinical nurse officer in charge for the 3W Medical Sur-gical Telemetry unit, highlighted one of her team’s poster presentations. The presenta-tion, authored by the unit practice council, showcased an initiative to improve com-munication between technicians and nurses when patients’ vital signs were abnormal

Nurses showcase innovations at TriService course

Air Force Capt. Kelly Lonergan, from SAMMC’s Inpatient Men-tal Health Unit, presents findings from her study on the “Use of Pet Therapy in an Inpatient Behavioral Health Setting” at the TriService Nursing Research Program’s Research and Evi-dence-based Practice Dissemination Course in San Antonio Aug. 31-Sept. 3. (Photo by Robert Shields)

OCT 2015 15

Nurses from the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical

Research were among the researchers selected to highlight their studies at

the TriService Nursing Re-search Program Research

and Evidence-Based Dissemination Course

Aug. 31-Sept. 3. (Photo by Steven Galvan)

but not within Rapid Response Team pa-rameters, she explained. They instituted “parameter pals,” a tool to assist tech-nicians in knowing when to alert nurses about abnormal vital signs.

As a result of the speedier detection of abnormal signs, “the tool increased our response time to activate RRT by 50 per-cent,” Francis said. “I am always very proud of my team.”

Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachary Ferguson, who spearheaded the initiative, called the conference an “enlightening ex-perience.” “The opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow nurses is rare but absolutely necessary,” he said. “It allowed us to grow not only as medical professionals but as Soldiers and Airmen as well.”

Army Capt. Allison Ferro, a 3E staff nurse at SAMMC, presented a case study on how academic service partnerships can enhance the development and training of military nurses. After sharing her findings in podium and poster presentations, Ferro took advantage of the opportunity to attend other sessions.

“I was able to hear from bedside nurses on their best practices and evidence-based projects, all the way up to the most senior military scientists and their ongoing pro-grams of research,” she said. “The material offered at this course is invaluable to my professional and personal development as a nurse.”

Army Lt. Col. Christopher Weidlich, deputy chief of research for the Center for

Nursing Science and Clinical Inquiry at SAMMC, attended the course and praised the overall conference.

Nurses from the USAISR were also among the researchers selected to highlight their studies.

“It is the premier opportunity for nurs-es across the DOD to network and share research and evidence-based program ef-forts,” said Lt. Col. Elizabeth Mann-Sali-nas, USAISR Systems for Care of Com-plex Patients Task Area Manager. “Most importantly, we can offer our junior officers and staff nurses the opportunity to develop professional skills in dissemination of their great work and improve patient care.”

According to Mann-Salinas, the US-AISR nurses presented 11 research and evidence-based practice posters and eight podium presentations.

“I believe that this course provides a wonderful framework for nurses to share relevant ideas and evidence-based prac-tice,” said Michael G. Barba, a registered nurse at the USAISR Burn Center Pro-gressive Care Ward. “It’s good for nurses to attend these types of events, but more important for them to participate in them as this fosters professional growth and re-inforces nursing as a profession.”

Barba presented a poster titled “Devel-oping Nurse Competency and Clinical Reasoning: An Evidence-Based Toolkit for Preceptor Development.” The objective of the study is to develop and implement an evidence-based preceptor development program for experienced burn center nurs-

es that is designed to improve preceptor knowledge and preceptee satisfaction.

“It is important that we have an evi-dence-based preceptor program in order to professionally and effectively develop the burn center nurses in a consistent manner to reduce variability and economize our ef-forts,” Barba said.

In addition to presenting a poster titled “Preparing Nurses for Future Combat Op-erations: Evaluation of the Role 2 Regis-try to Inform Pre-Deployment Training,” Mann-Salinas and members of the Burn Flight Team, Capts. Rebecca Fern and Sar-ah Hensley, participated in a separate meet-ing sponsored by TSNRP –the Research Interest Group for En Route Care.

“The primary goal of the group was to identify best practice for training and sus-taining competency in providing en route nursing care,” she said. “It was attended by members of all services that included researchers, policymakers and nurses who provide direct patient care at staging facili-ties on both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. It was a fantastic opportunity to synergize our efforts. Having our Burn Flight Team members attend provided a great opportu-nity for them to network with Air Force and Navy colleagues. ”

“It was an excellent opportunity for military nurses from all services to come together, exchange ideas, whether it be the latest in research or evidence-based proj-ects, and move the science forward, ulti-mately translating to improved patient care throughout military facilities,” he said.



16

Neurology Clinic, 7T inpatient unit receive honor for patient-centered careBy Elaine SanchezBAMC Public Affairs

Two Brooke Army Medical Center units were recognized for their positive impact on patient safety, experience and satisfac-tion during a Sept. 15 ceremony at San An-tonio Military Medical Center.

BAMC Commander Col. Evan Renz and Command Sgt. Maj. Tabitha Gavia present-ed the Neurology Clinic and the 7T Surgi-cal Trauma Inpatient Unit with 3-foot-tall Commander’s Award trophies to honor their stand-out dedication to safe, quality care during the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

“CSM Gavia and I are proud to honor these outstanding units for their excep-tional dedication to patient care,” the com-mander said.

The quarterly Commander’s Award pro-gram recognizes the outpatient clinic with the highest overall patient satisfaction score on the Army Provider Level Satisfac-

tion Survey, and the inpatient ward with the most continual efforts to improve patient experience by directly improving patient safety, explained Army Maj. Renee Zmijs-ki, chief, Clinical Operations Division. The program was inspired by BAMC’s High Reliability Organization journey, which focuses on delivering the safest, highest quality care with an aim of zero prevent-able harm.

The Neurology Clinic was honored for receiving more than 138 surveys with a perfect 100 percent rating in the area of Overall Visit Satisfaction three months in a row.

“The Neurology Clinic excels at provid-ing every patient a comprehensive, expert evaluation for a wide spectrum of neuro-logic disorders and tailoring a detailed treatment plan based on their individual needs and goals,” explained Air Force Maj. Wendy Chao, SAMMC staff neurologist. “All of our providers go above and beyond to personally address a patient and family’s questions and concerns during every visit.”

BAMC Commander Col. Evan Renz and Command Sgt. Maj. Tabitha Gavia present the Commander’s trophy to representatives from the 7T Surgical Trauma Inpatient Unit team for their exceptional patient care at San Antonio Military Medical Center, Sept. 15, 2015. Unit personnel are (from left) Army Lt. Col. Vanessa Worsham, 1st Lt. Meredith Myatt, 1st Lt. John Paul Dugyon and Tech. Sgt. Ricardo Empeno. (Photo by Robert Shields)

BAMC Commander Col. Evan Renz and Command Sgt. Maj. Tabitha Gavia present the Command-er’s trophy to representatives from the Neurology Clinic for their contributions to patient satisfaction during a ceremony at San Antonio Military Medical Center, Sept. 15, 2015. Neurology personnel are (from left) Maj. Wendy Chao, Esther Martinez, Tech. Sgt. Nessie Deguzman and Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Alonso. (Photo by Robert Shields)

OCT 2015 17

“Winning the Commander’s Cup validates what we in Neurol-ogy have known for some time -- the care we offer is exceptional,” Chao added. “It is an honor to be recognized among our peers and fuels our group to continue the quality work we strive to do ev-ery day.”

The 7T Surgical Trauma In-patient Unit team stood out for its innovations and patient sat-isfaction. This 26-bed unit is the largest surgical trauma unit at San Antonio Military Medical Center, treating a wide, complex range of diagnoses from facial fractures to multi-trauma.

The award, in part, recognized the team’s patient satisfaction scores, which have remained above 90 percent with an over-all 96 percent satisfaction in dis-charge planning. Additionally, 7T leadership has incorporated the Performance Triad pillars of Sleep, Activity and Nutrition throughout the unit to improve the morale and welfare of the staff.

“To receive this honor rein-forced from the command team that the Surgical Trauma unit is meeting the mission and inspir-ing Army Medicine’s vision,” explained Army Lt. Col. Vanes-sa Worsham, 7T’s clinical nurse officer in charge. “On 7T, every patient is a VIP; we take pride in providing patient-centered, safe, quality care. We strive to restore health, improve patient outcomes and their inpatient experience. The pillars of the Performance Triad continue to have a positive impact on our whitespace, re-siliency, and being a System for Health.”

By Steven GalvanUSAISR Public Affairs

Col. (Dr.) Richard L. Williams, director of Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration, at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research was selected to participate in the American Dental Asso-ciation’s Institute for Diversity in Leader-ship 2015-2016 class.

The class consists of 16 active leaders of the dental profession from various regions of the county. They were selected by the ADA Board of Trustees for this unique leader de-velopment program which will be complet-ed during three on-site training sessions in Chicago.

“It feels great to be selected for this pro-gram, and I’m very proud to be a part of it,” said Williams. “It’s an opportunity for us to get involved at a higher level of organized dentistry and assimilate into those ranks, and hopefully transfer into those positions in the future.”

The Institute provides a diverse group of dental professionals with education and ex-perience to develop their leadership skills, strengthen professional networks, and set leadership paths in dentistry and their com-munities.

“Helping to encourage and inspire the future leaders of our profession through our diversi-ty institute enriches our communities and our association,” said ADA President Dr. Maxine Feinberg in an ADA press release. “Many of the program graduates have gone on to lead-ership roles in the organized dentistry. I’d love to see more leadership development programs like this at the local level.”

The ADA Institute for Diversity in Leader-ship is sponsored by Henry Schein, Inc. and Procter & Gamble. A key part of the program is to have each participant design and implement a personal leadership project for their commu-nity or profession. For his project, Williams proposed an idea to a local underprivileged school district in San Antonio to promote op-portunities in dental or medical education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

“I have already consulted with academ-

ic leaders from the ‘Promise Zone’ from San Antonio’s east side. The director for Science and Technology for San Antonio Independent School District and I have already started col-laborating and developing a plan to enhance the development and preparation of students of the Young Men’s Leadership Academy.”

Williams and his class members are sched-uled to attend two more sessions at the ADA Headquarters—one in December and the third in September 2016. During the sessions they will be working with leading educators from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

“I’m looking forward to it, added Williams. “It’s an opportunity not too many military den-tal officers get. It’s also a wonderful opportuni-ty for me to represent the Army and the Medi-cal Command.”

Williams selected for ADA Leadership Institute

Col. (Dr.) Richard L. Williams, Director of Dental and Cra-niofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration, at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas was selected to participate in the Ameri-can Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leader-ship 2015-2016 class. (Photo by Steven Galvan)



18

Drug Take-Back DayArmy Maj. Walter Unruh collects unused or expired prescription medications Sept. 26 in the San Antonio Military Medical Center Medical Mall as part of the annual Drug Take-Back Day event. After the drugs are collected members of Joint Base San Antonio Security Forces seal the boxes and turn them over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for disposal. (Photos by Lori Newman)

CFC Kicks OffDonation stations stand ready as Brooke Army Medical Center Commander Army Col. Evan Renz gives opening remarks at the 2015 Combined Federal Campaign kickoff in the Medical Mall, Sept. 17. Military and civilian personnel can make a payroll deduc-tion pledge directly through myPay on the DFAS website at https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx or access myPay on BAMC’s Intranet (listed under Quick Links). The San Antonio Campaign ID is 0852 and the unit number is 232. (Photo by Robert Shields)

Snack DonationA group of Girl Scouts from Troop 197 donate snacks to the Pediatric Unit at

San Antonio Military Medical Center Sept. 28. The snacks are available to patients and their families during their hospital stay. (Photo by Lori Newman)

Other Happenings ...at Brooke Army Medical Center

OCT 2015 19

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends breast cancer screening tests for early detection. This means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. (Photo cour-tesy of Army.mil)

Breast Cancer: What you need to knowBy Antoine WilliamsArmy Public Health Nursing, Health Promotion

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to raise aware-ness about the importance of early detec-tion of breast cancer, spread the word about mammograms and encourage communi-ties, organizations, families and individuals to get involved.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among women of all races.

About one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point in their lifespan.

Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.

About 11 percent of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.

Studies show that women with disabili-ties are less likely than women without dis-abilities to have received a mammogram during the past two years.

Black women have the highest breast

cancer death rates of all racial and ethnic groups, and are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.

Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. Each year in the United States, about 2,000 men get breast cancer and about 400 men die from the disease.

The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treat-ed early. A mammogram, the screening test for breast cancer, can help find breast can-cer early when it’s easier to treat.

Warning SignsDifferent people have different warning

signs for breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.

Some warning signs of breast cancer are — new lump in the breast or under-arm; thickening or swelling of part of the breast; irritation or dimpling of breast skin; redness or flaky skin in the nipple/breast; pulling in pain in the nipple area; nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood; and/or any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

If you have any signs that worry you or if you have a family history of breast cancer, be sure to see your doctor right away.

Factors That Increase Your RiskAccording to the CDC, “The main fac-

tors that influence your risk for breast can-cer include being a woman, being older

(most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older), and having changes in certain breast cancer genes.”

Other factors: http://www.cdc.gov/can-cer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

General Guidelines for Early DetectionWomen should have yearly mammo-

grams starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health; and a clinical breast exam about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Wom-en should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.

Remember, early detection screening tests help identity potentially preventable diseases. When you get a preventive med-ical test, you’re not just doing it for your-self. You’re doing it for your family and loved ones.

San Antonio Military Medical Center’s Woman Imaging Center has a self-refer-ral policy. If you are 40 years old or over and have not had a mammogram in the last year, you are currently without any ab-normal breast symptoms, and you receive your care at SAMMC, call (210) 916-4229 Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make an appointment.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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San Antonio Military Medical Center JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234(210) 916-4141

Center for the Intrepid Bldg 3634JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234(210) 916-6100

Moreno Clinic Bldg 1179JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234(210) 916-4141

McWethy Troop Medical Clinic 3051 Garden Ave, Bldg 1279JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234(210) 916-4141 or (210) 916-4141

Schertz Medical HomeHorizon Center6051 FM 3009, Suite 210Schertz, TX 78154(210) 916-0055

Taylor Burk ClinicBldg 5026Camp Bullis, TX 78257(210) 916-3000

Westover Medical Home10010 Rogers CrossingSan Antonio, TX 78251(210)539-0916

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