Vol. 24 No. 31 www.bethesda.med.navy.mil August 2, 2012 By Sharon Renee Taylor WRNMMC Journal staff writer In a continued commitment to provide quality care to its patients and measures of standards in ex- cellence, Walter Reed Bethesda’s mammography, radiation safety, orthotics and prosthetics, sleep dis- orders, cancer, along with patholo- gy, laboratory and a number of oth- er areas have received distin- guished honors for their accom- plishments. Mammography The Breast Imaging Center (BIC) passed the annual Mammography Quality Standards Act inspection by the Food and Drug Administra- tion, June 28. According to Dr. Priya Bhandarkar, lead radiologist for the BIC, the medical center performed more than 7,000 breast screening mammograms and an estimated 2,500 diagnostic mammograms be- tween June 2011 and May 2012. Bhandarkar explained what the an- nual inspection means for Walter Reed Bethesda patients. “Essentially for patients, it means that they’re receiving appro- priate follow-up treatment,” Bhan- darkar said. “It means that we’re certified to do our [mammograms] every year and the audit really takes into account all our screen- ings — how many screenings we’ve done and about the call backs: how many of our screenings turn into cancers and how we follow up with our cancers.” The radiologist explained the de- partment is required to show what WRNMMC earns certifications, accreditations See WRNMMC page 8 By Sarah Marshall WRNMMC Journal staff writer Walter Reed Bethesda’s Ruperta Charles is proud to see her daugh- ter following in her footsteps – quite literally. The former Olympic track and field competitor’s 20- year-old daughter, Afia Charles’ goal is to sprint to the finish line in this year’s London Games. “It’s surreal to see that she is do- ing the same thing I did,” said Ru- perta. The Pathology Lab medical tech- nologist, born and raised in An- tigua, began running in regional competitions around age 13. By about age 17, several US colleges began recruiting her and offering her track scholarships. In 1980, she moved to the states to attend Howard University. Of all schools vying for her, DC was closest to home, she said. Four years later, she ran in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, competing in the 100 and 200 meters and the 4x400 relay. She made it through to the semi-finals, just missing the finals by one event, the 4x400. In the 100 meter dash, her personal best was 11.69 seconds, and in the 400, one lap around the track, her personal best was 55 seconds. That was the culmination of her track career, she said, and every minute of hard work was worth- while. Competing against the world’s greatest athletes was an overwhelming and unforgettable experience, she explained. “[There were] people from all walks of life,” she said, and, “[All the] great names you read about, you’re lining up with them. Being in the stadium, it was just unbe- lievable.” After so many years of practical- ly living in her running shoes, with- out many free weekends or summer vacations, and then competing in the Olympics, Ruperta decided to focus on her career, earning her de- gree in clinical lab science. She lat- er married and had four kids – all of whom she described as “sports- driven.” Her two sons and two daughters have always been athlet- ic and goal-oriented, she said, not- ing how they display their goals on their bedroom walls so they can re- main in sight. “They’re very driven,” she said. “They get so immersed in whatever they do.” It’s important to have that mind- set, dedication and discipline, she said, because it transcends into work ethic, allowing individuals to do the best at whatever it is they seek to accomplish. Afia demon- strated just that in track and field, when she first tried the sport five years ago, Ruperta continued. She suggested her daughter give the sport a try when she started high school, at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md. She didn’t expect Afia would take her serious- ly, “because [teenagers] don’t want to do the things Mom did.” Having only run on the courts, Former Olympic Athlete Cheers on Daughter in London Courtesy Photo Ruperta Charles competes for Howard University at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia in 1983. See ATHLETE page 12 Photo by Sharon ReneeTaylor Lauren Brousseau,a prosthetic technician in the department of or- thopedics and rehabilitation creates a prosthetic.The medical cen- ter's high level of performance was recognized May 17 with a three- year accreditation.
Transcript
Vol. 24 No. 31 www.bethesda.med.navy.mil August 2, 2012
By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Journal staff writer
In a continued commitment toprovide quality care to its patientsand measures of standards in ex-cellence, Walter Reed Bethesda’smammography, radiation safety,orthotics and prosthetics, sleep dis-orders, cancer, along with patholo-gy, laboratory and a number of oth-er areas have received distin-guished honors for their accom-plishments.
MammographyThe Breast Imaging Center (BIC)
passed the annual MammographyQuality Standards Act inspectionby the Food and Drug Administra-tion, June 28. According to Dr. PriyaBhandarkar, lead radiologist for theBIC, the medical center performed
more than 7,000 breast screeningmammograms and an estimated2,500 diagnostic mammograms be-tween June 2011 and May 2012.Bhandarkar explained what the an-nual inspection means for WalterReed Bethesda patients.
“Essentially for patients, itmeans that they’re receiving appro-priate follow-up treatment,” Bhan-darkar said. “It means that we’recertified to do our [mammograms]every year and the audit reallytakes into account all our screen-ings — how many screenings we’vedone and about the call backs: howmany of our screenings turn intocancers and how we follow up withour cancers.”
The radiologist explained the de-partment is required to show what
WRNMMC earns certifications, accreditations
SeeWRNMMC page 8
By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal staff writer
Walter Reed Bethesda’s RupertaCharles is proud to see her daugh-ter following in her footsteps –quite literally. The former Olympictrack and field competitor’s 20-year-old daughter, Afia Charles’goal is to sprint to the finish line inthis year’s London Games.
“It’s surreal to see that she is do-ing the same thing I did,” said Ru-perta.
The Pathology Lab medical tech-nologist, born and raised in An-tigua, began running in regionalcompetitions around age 13. Byabout age 17, several US collegesbegan recruiting her and offeringher track scholarships. In 1980, shemoved to the states to attendHoward University. Of all schoolsvying for her, DC was closest tohome, she said. Four years later,she ran in the 1984 Los AngelesOlympic Games, competing in the100 and 200 meters and the 4x400
relay. She made it through to thesemi-finals, just missing the finalsby one event, the 4x400. In the 100meter dash, her personal best was11.69 seconds, and in the 400, onelap around the track, her personalbest was 55 seconds.
That was the culmination of hertrack career, she said, and everyminute of hard work was worth-while. Competing against theworld’s greatest athletes was anoverwhelming and unforgettableexperience, she explained.
“[There were] people from allwalks of life,” she said, and, “[Allthe] great names you read about,you’re lining up with them. Beingin the stadium, it was just unbe-lievable.”
After so many years of practical-ly living in her running shoes, with-out many free weekends or summervacations, and then competing inthe Olympics, Ruperta decided tofocus on her career, earning her de-gree in clinical lab science. She lat-er married and had four kids – all
of whom she described as “sports-driven.” Her two sons and twodaughters have always been athlet-ic and goal-oriented, she said, not-ing how they display their goals ontheir bedroom walls so they can re-main in sight.
“They’re very driven,” she said.“They get so immersed in whateverthey do.”
It’s important to have that mind-set, dedication and discipline, shesaid, because it transcends intowork ethic, allowing individuals todo the best at whatever it is theyseek to accomplish. Afia demon-strated just that in track and field,when she first tried the sport fiveyears ago, Ruperta continued. Shesuggested her daughter give thesport a try when she started highschool, at Eleanor Roosevelt HighSchool in Greenbelt, Md. She didn’texpect Afia would take her serious-ly, “because [teenagers] don’t wantto do the things Mom did.”
Having only run on the courts,
Former Olympic Athlete Cheers on Daughter in London
Courtesy Photo
Ruperta Charles competes forHoward University at the PennRelays in Philadelphia in 1983.See ATHLETE page 12
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
Lauren Brousseau, a prosthetic technician in the department of or-thopedics and rehabilitation creates a prosthetic.The medical cen-ter's high level of performance was recognized May 17 with a three-year accreditation.
2 Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Journal
Published by offset every Thurs-day by Comprint Military Publica-tions, 9030 Comprint Court,Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, a pri-vate firm in no way connectedwith the U.S. Navy, under exclu-sive written contract with theWalter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center, Bethesda, Md. Thiscommercial enterprise newspaper is anauthorized publication for members of the mil-itary services. Contents of The Journal are notnecessarily the official views of, nor endorsedby, the U.S. Government, the Department ofDefense, or the Department of Navy. The ap-pearance of advertising in this publication, in-cluding inserts or supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by the Department of De-fense or Comprint, Inc., of the products orservices advertised. Everything advertised inthis publication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, marital status, phys-ical handicap, political affiliation,or any other non-merit factor ofthe purchaser, user, or patron.Editorial content is edited, pre-pared and provided by the
Public Affairs Office, WalterReed National Military Medical
Center, Bethesda, Md. News copyshould be submitted to the Public Affairs Of-fice, Bldg. 1, 11th Floor, by noon one weekpreceding the desired publication date.News items are welcomed from all WRN-MMC complex sources. Inquiries aboutnews copy will be answered by calling (301)295-1803. Commercial advertising shouldbe placed with the publisher by telephoning(301) 921-2800. Publisher’s advertising of-fices are located at 9030 Comprint Court,Gaithersburg, Md. 20877. Classified adscan be placed by calling (301) 670-1700.
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda
Commanding Officer: Capt. Frederick (Fritz) Kass
Public Affairs Officer NSAB: Joseph MacriPublic Affairs Office NSAB: (301) 295-1803
Journal StaffStaff Writers MC2 John Hamilton
MC3 Dion DawsonSarah MarshallSharon Renee TaylorCat DeBinderKatie BradleyHelen Hocknell
Managing Editor MC1 Ardelle Purcell
NSAB Editor MC3 Nathan PardeWRNMMC Editor Bernard Little
Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations (301) 295-5727
Fleet And Family Support Center (301) 319-4087
WRNMMC OmbudsmanJulie Bondar (443) 854-5167
NSAB OmbudsmanJojo Lim Hector (703) 901-6730
Visit us on Facebook:Naval Support Activity Bethesda page:https://www.facebook.com/NSABethesda
Walter Reed National Medical Center page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-Reed-National-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107
Stages of HealingRhythm and blues artist Jay Hayden
will perform Wednesday at noon in theAmerica Building lobby as part ofWalter Reed Bethesda’s Stages ofHealing series. For more informationabout Stages of Healing, call MicahSickel at 301-295-2492.
Upcoming Lean Six Sigma CoursesLean Six Sigma courses are sched-
uled over the next several months atWalter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center (WRNMMC). TheGreen Belt Course for Lean Six Sigmais scheduled for Aug. 6-8, and Oct. 29-Nov. 2. The five-day course is worth 40Continuing Education Units(CEU)/Continuing Medical Education(CME), and open to all military andcivilian WRNMMC employees. Formore information, contact Lt. JohnGardner, a National Capital AreaRegional Black Belt, at [email protected] or 301-295-2037.
“The Anatomy of Sports”Specialists and athletes will discuss
tips and techniques to improve perform-ance while preventing injuries during apresentation on Aug. 11 from 10:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m., at the National Museumof Health and Medicine on Linden Laneat the Fort Detrick (Md.) Forest GlenAnnex in Silver Spring. Attendees willalso be able to watch medical illustra-tors paint on athletes' bodies to revealkey muscles and bones structures.Featured will be an anatomical artdemonstration that will illustrate howthe bodies of a horse and its rider mustwork in tandem to achieve maximumperformance. The event is free and opento the public. For more information, call301-319-3303 or email [email protected].
Since I’ve found my-self in the funny positionof being a physician incharge of a Navy instal-lation, I’ve often tried tofind ways to relate thetwo separate jobs (doctorand commander) to oneanother. It's not alwayseasy. There is howeverone area where I’vefound holding both titlesgives me a unique per-spective on an issue bothnear and dear to myselfas well as the Navy as a whole, physi-cal fitness.
Doctors often say that if exercisewere a medication, it would be themost prescribed medication in theworld. We don’t say this because we’resupposed to. We say it because we’veseen firsthand the benefits it provides.If I told my patients I had a magic pillthat would make them lose weight,feel better, help prevent disease andalleviate the symptoms of some othermedical conditions, they would take it.But when I recommend exercise I’moften met with skepticism. I do mybest to overcome those doubts. I cangive statistics on heart disease, cancer,obesity and host of other issues thatcan be prevented/improved by exer-cise. I can refer you to specialists whocan help design the right diet and ex-ercise plan to help create an exerciseprogram tailored to almost any condi-tion. There are few things that giveme more satisfaction as a doctor thanseeing a patient committed to gettinghealthier and succeeding.
Taking off my lab coat and puttingon my CO hat, there are few thingsthat give me more satisfaction thanseeing a sailor perform their job welland excel in their career. Physical fit-ness plays a large role in that. I’m not
just talking about do-ing well on your per-sonnel readiness testalthough that’s impor-tant. I’m talking aboutthe increases in posi-tive moods, energy lev-els and overall senseof well being that exer-cise can bring which of-ten translates into bet-ter job performance.You don’t have to bephysically fit to excelat your job, but it does
help in a very real way, even if you sitat a desk most of the day.
So why did I write all of that? Be-cause physical fitness is both a person-nel issue and a personal one.
When practicing medicine, the Navyhas given me all the tools I need tohelp my patients get and stay well. Asa CO however, they don’t give methose tools. They give them to you. Ifyou want to increase your fitness lev-els they’ve given you top of the line fit-ness centers, personal trainers, accessto nutritionists, everything you couldpossibly need to reach your fitnessgoals.
As a CO, I’d tell you those fitnessgoals are important to maintainingthe overall operational readiness ofthe Navy. As a doctor, I’d tell you theyare important for ensuring you feelyour best. In both roles I tell you be-cause I care.
For more information about the vari-ous programs the Navy has for helpingyou maintain a healthy lifestyle, visithttp://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/Pages/default.aspx.
All Ahead Full,Capt. Frederick (Fritz) KassNaval Support Activity BethesdaCommanding Officer
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 3Thursday, August 2, 2012 3
By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 3rd Class
Dion DawsonNSAB Public Affairs
staff writer
Sailors preparing for the upcomingSeptember NavyAdvancement Examsare encouraged to utilize the WalterReed National Military Medical Cen-ter’s (WRNMMC) Enlisted Advance-ment Program (EAP).
The EAP is a command-sponsoredweeklong course that assists juniorSailors with a comprehensive and ex-tensive study and review of the occu-pational and professional militaryknowledge (PMK).
“The military is extremely competi-tive,so we try our best to help everyonerealize that,” said Hospital Corpsman1st Class Orlando Dominici, leadingpetty officer of the interventional radi-ology department and an EAP coordi-nator.“Advancement and growth is es-sential to having a long, successful ca-reer. Sailors who are eligible for thenext advancement exam have the op-portunity to come together for a weekin an intensive course, teaching impor-tant areas of their bibliography andhelping improve their chances of beingpromoted to the next pay grade.”
Starting in September, the amountof questions on Navy-wide examina-tions will decrease from 200 to 175.The175 questions will consist of 150 rating-specific technical questions and 25
PMK questions. The new exam struc-ture will increase the emphasis onthese rating-specific technical ques-tions, improving the opportunity todemonstrate greater rating knowledgein comparison to a Sailor's peers.
“It’s important for Sailors to knowand understand everything related totheir job,” Dominici said. “If all but 25questions on the exam are rating-spe-cific questions, then what does that tellyou? We have the responsibility asservice members to strive to be expertsin our field and continue to learn everyday.”
To participate in EAP,a Sailor must
be eligible to test for the current ad-vancement cycle and route the requestfor training through their chain-of-command for accountability and man-ning purposes.
The EAP course is five days and willbe offered three more times this year.The next class is scheduled to startMonday and end Aug. 10 for E-3, withthe remaining classes taking placeAug. 13-17 and Aug. 20-24 for E-4.Thelast week of classes,Aug.27-31,open toE-3 and E-4 and will cover basic mili-tary requirements.
Sailors who attended the EAP creditthe program with being the difference-
maker when promotions were an-nounced months after the exam.
“I was able to advance to HM3 be-cause of EAP,”said Hospital Corpsman3rd Class GordonWing,assistant non-commissioned officer-in-charge of theophthalmology clinic at WRNMMC. “Imet new people, learned good studyhabits and test taking skills and tookthe exam with even more confidence.To be able to understand material thatI may not be familiar with was price-less. For example, I work in the hospi-tal, but I haven’t had the chance towork in the dental or pharmacy de-partments, but after EAP and morestudying, I feel like I can work in thoseplaces whenever the opportunity pres-ents itself.”
Wing went through EAP twice, inAugust 2010 and March 2011,and saidthe program is important to him be-cause it showed him how important itis to take care of his fellow servicemembers.
“As a service member, we share abond with our shipmates and battlebuddies,” said Wing. “These classesaren’t mandatory. The organizersdidn’t have to take time out of theirbusy schedules to put us in the posi-tion to get promoted and I will forev-er be indebted to them. I return thefavor by helping out other juniorSailors like I was helped.”
For more information regardingthe EAP, contact Dominici at 301-319-8607.
EAP Gives Sailors Tools to Succeed
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kenneth Abbate
Sailors take their E-4 advancement exam on the mess decks aboardthe Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Journal staff writer
Army Capt. Philip Rosen and NavyLt. Travis Allemang recently won“2012 Best of Poster” awards at theAmerican Urological Association(AUA) Annual Meeting.
The two urology residents presentedthe winning posters in moderated,question and answer sessions at themeeting May 19-23 inAtlanta,Ga.TheQ-and-A sessions allowed presenters toexplain and illustrate concepts, tech-niques or research findings in a man-ner to promote better understanding ofthe content,according to the Center forProstate Disease Research (CPDR)website.The organization cited the twophysicians as showing extreme prom-ise and excellence in the field ofprostate research.
“Residents like Capt. Rosen and Lt.Allemang in theWalter Reed Bethesdaurology program demonstrate thedepth of the military medical corps’training programs,” said Col. RobertDean, program director for UrologyResidency and director ofAndrology atWRNMMC. “It is clear that WRN-MMC’s urology program and otherWRNMMC residency programs placegreat emphasis on creating physicianscientists.”
Approximately a third of the severalthousand research abstracts submittedfor presentation at the annual meetingreceive acceptance for presentation,ac-cording to Dean, who explained this ishow vital research advances are con-veyed to the large numbers of urolo-gists and scientists who attend the na-tional urologic meeting.
“There is a great amount of timethat is placed into the research project,poster creation, and podium presenta-tion,” Dean said. He explained Rosenspent more than six months workingon his project, and presented similardata at other medical conferences.
The urologist said the research per-formed atWalter Reed Bethesda helpsadvance the medical sciences for allurology patients. “This research willadvance our basic understandings ofprostate cancer and possibly lead tobetter treatments for this very commoncancer,” he said. Dean indicated thereare 672 residents at WRNMMC, and12 of those are urology residents.
Rosen, a fifth-year urology residentatWRNMMC,won for his presentationof a poster titled, “Distinguishing Fea-tures of ERG Oncoprotein ExpressionAmong Matched Cohorts of African-American and Caucasian-AmericanProstate Cancer Patients.”
The ETS-related gene (ERG) proto-
oncogene is the most prevalent knowngene defect in prostate cancer, accord-ing to Rosen.His poster depicts a studywhich showed higher frequency ofERG oncoprotein expression inprostate tumors of Caucasian Ameri-can prostate cancer patients in com-parison to African Americans.
“We wanted to look at different ways
of stratifying patients that would re-veal a clinical significance associatedwith ERG status,” Rosen explained.
The study was a collaborative effortbetween the CPDR at Walter ReedBethesda along with the medical cen-ter’s urology service, the UniformedServices University of the Health Sci-ences (USUHS) Department of Sur-gery in Bethesda,Md.,and the Depart-ment of Genitourinary Pathology of theJoint Pathology Center in SilverSpring, Md., as well as the Institute ofPathology at the University Hospital ofBonn, located in Bonn, Germany. Re-tiredArmy Col. (Dr.) David G.McLeod,director of the CPDR who has servedas principal investigator on numerousprostate studies, also participated inthe ERG investigation along withRosen and 10 others.
The study concluded emerging datasupports ethnic differences of ERG inprostate cancer.Rosen said the focus isnow to determine why African Ameri-cans and Caucasian Americans havedifferent outcomes with ERG.
Rosen graduated fromWayne StateUniversity School of Medicine.
Allemang won for his presentationof a poster titled, “Age-AssociatedGene-Expression Signatures in Non-
Residents Win Awards for American Urological Association Poster Contest
Courtesy photo
Navy Lt. Travis Allemang (cen-ter), a Walter Reed Bethesdaurology resident, stands withcolleagues at the American Ur-ological Association (AUA) An-nual Meeting in front of theposter which earned him the2012 Best of Poster Award atthe meeting held May 19-23 inAtlanta, Ga. Allemang, won forhis presentation of a poster ti-tled, "Age-Associated Gene-Ex-pression Signatures in Non-Fa-milial Prostate Cancer."
See AWARDS page 11
4 Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Journal
By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer
Parking is available for patients atWalter Reed National Military Med-ical Center, according to base offi-cials.
Naval Support Activity Bethesda(NSAB) transportation programmanager Jeff Miller explained thereare approximately 1,500 spaces onbase designated for patient parking.In the America Garage, there are935 spaces, Building 55 has 580spaces (including 245 currently un-der construction), and there are 10spaces in the parking lot for theemergency room.
He added signage on base, begin-ning at the north and south gate di-rects patients to designated patientparking.
“Patients are only eligible topark within the designated patientparking areas. If a patient wishesto visit the temporary Navy Ex-change (NEX), it has its own gravelparking lot in front of it, the Quick-Mart/McDonald also has its ownparking, and the Bowling Alley hasparking adjacent to the building,”Miller stated.
Miller recommends outpatients
with appointments in the AmericanBuilding park in the AmericaGarage. “Inpatients with appoint-ments in Building 10 should considerparking in Building 55, and thoseseeking to use the pharmacies can ei-ther park in Building 55 for use ofthe pharmacy in Building 10, orAmerica Garage for the pharmacy inthe America Building.”
Patients can also be driven by acaregiver to the front of either theAmerica Building or Building 9,where a patient escort will take pa-tients by wheelchair if necessary totheir appointment while the care-giver locates parking, Miller added.“If patients have more than one ap-pointment within the hospital, pa-tient escort can either accommodatewheelchair access, or drive patientsto their appointments if the dis-tance dictates.”
Public transportation is also avail-able to Walter Reed Bethesda, Millercontinued. Metrorail’s Red Linetrains stop at the Medical Centerstation located directly across thestreet from Walter Reed Bethesda’sSouth Gate.
“The Medical Center Metrorail isalso a hub for numerous Metro andRide-On bus services,” Miller said.
He added non-stop shuttle buses forpatients run from the Medical Cen-ter station’s second to last bus shel-ter to Building 10, Monday throughFriday from 5:30 a.m., to 6:30 p.m.
For more information about pa-
tient parking at Walter Reed Bethes-da email Jeff Miller [email protected]. Forinformation about the Metro, visitthe website http://www.wmata.com/index.cfm.
4 Thursday, August 2, 2012
Patient Parking Available on Base
photo by Bernard S. Little
Parking is available for patients at Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center, said base officials.TheAmerica Garage (above) has935 spaces, while Building 55 has 580 spaces (include 245 currentlyunder construction).
1032317
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 5Thursday, August 2, 2012 5
By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer
With temperatures reachingtriple digits this summer in the Na-tional Capital Region, a dip in thepool or visit to the nearest waterpark or beach may sound refresh-ing, but venturing into public wa-ters can also be hazardous if thewater is not safe.
While water safety entails neverswimming alone, the use of lifevests, swimming only in designatedareas with life guards and keepinga close eye on small children andinexperienced swimmers, it also in-cludes healthy swimming.
“Healthy swimming allows us toparticipate in water-related activi-ties while preventing adversehealth events, such as recreationalwater illnesses (RWIs),” said Hos-pital Corpsman Third Class JustinD. Williams of the Preventive Med-icine Clinic at Walter Reed Nation-al Military Medical Center (WRN-MMC).
Recreational water illnesses(RWIs) are caused by germs spreadthrough contaminated water inswimming pools, water parks, wa-
ter play areas, hot tubs, decorativeand interactive water fountains,beaches, oceans, lakes and rivers,according to the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention(CDC).
“RWIs can also be caused bychemicals in water that evaporatecausing indoor air quality prob-lems,” Williams added. He ex-plained RWIs include a variety ofinfections associated with gastroin-testinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye,neurologic and wound infections.The most commonly reported RWIis diarrhea, the CDC says.
Diarrheal RWI is caused byswallowing contaminated water,while other RWIs (skin, ear, eye,respiratory, neurologic, wound andother infections) are caused bygerms that live naturally in the en-vironment (for example, in waterand soil), according to the CDC. Ifdisinfectant levels in pools or hottubs are not maintained at the ap-propriate levels, these germs canmultiply and cause illness whenswimmers breathe in mists oraerosols of, or have contact with thecontaminated water.
“In pools and hot tubs with the
correct pH and disinfectant levels,chlorine will kill most germs thatcause RWIs in less than an hour.However, chlorine takes longer tokill some germs, such as cryp-tosporidium (that can cause diar-rheal illnesses), which can survivefor days even in a properly disinfec-ted pool. This is why it’s importantfor swimmers to keep germs out ofthe water in the first place,” statesthe CDC.
“Anyone can become infectedwith RWI; however, children, preg-nant women, and people withweakened immune systems (for ex-ample, people living with AIDS, in-dividuals who have received an or-gan transplant, or people receivingcertain types of chemotherapy) cansuffer from more severe RWIs if in-fected,” Williams said.
The CDC recommends thesesteps for all swimmers to help pre-vent germs from causing RWIs:don’t swim when you have diar-rhea; don’t swallow pool water; andpractice good hygiene (shower withsoap before swimming, and washyour hands after using the restroom or changing diapers).
Other recommendations from
the CDC include: taking kids onbathroom breaks and checking dia-pers often (waiting to hear “I haveto go” may mean that it’s too late);changing diapers in a bathroom ordiaper-changing area and not atpoolside where germs can spread inand around the pool; and washing
Healthy Swimming: Protect Yourself AgainstRecreational Water Illnesses
Culinary Specialist2nd Class Gideon Cofie,building manager andassistant career coun-selor for Naval SupportActivity Bethesda(NSAB), is a calm andquiet man who spendsmost of his day helpingother service membersget the most out of theirNavy career.
Cofie's job responsi-bilities include morethan acting as a build-ing manager, managingall the trouble calls res-idents have and takingcare of any issuesbrought to the frontdesk of his building. Heis also a data collectioncoordinator for the Sex-ual Assault Preventionand Response Program.
Cofie said, "Thebiggest influences onmy life are my parents,because they didn’thave as many opportu-nities as we have now.One of the things theyalways said was, 'youhave to be better thanwhat I am and use thatopportunity to help oth-ers as well.' So thattranslated to: make my-self as successful as Ican be and try to helpothers. That was one ofthe things that mademe choose the careercounselor route forNSAB. I’m using whatI’ve learned to educateothers and keep themon the right path whenit comes to their careersand personal accom-plishments."
For the past 15months, Cofie hasworked for Lt. JohnGardner, Deputy Chiefof Staff for Strategy and
Innovation at NavyMedicine National Cap-ital Area, who describeshim as a team-orientedSailor with a verybright future ahead ofhim.
“He is a smart and
genuine Sailor who isprofessional and has apassion for serving,”said Gardner. “He’s [theright candidate] for theposition of career coun-selor. His focus, in allthe time that I’veknown him, is to takecare of others.”
Master-at-Arms 1stClass Craig Hector,NSAB’s career coun-selor said that good andeffective are the bestwords to describe himat his job.
“He is very intelli-gent and knowledgebased,” said Hector. “Helikes to chase down in-formation and followsup very well. He has thegood skills needed to bea Sailor and an officer.”
Growing up in Africa,Cofie had one job: to goto school and make
good grades. That iswhy it was a surprise tohis father when hecame to the UnitedStates and wanted tojoin the military.
"My dad was opposedto it," said Cofie. "His vi-sion was, ‘in order to besuccessful we have to goto college.’ He said 'Ibrought you guys to thestates to get that dreamof actually accomplish-ing something.' He wasnot too fond of the ideaof me joining the Navy,but I think he has comearound to it from seeinghow successful [mybrother and I] have be-come. My older brotherand I joined the Navy,so he’s seen that wehave a job and we cansupport ourselves andsupport him as well. Itturned out pretty well."
Growing up, he didn'talways want to be aSailor. He actually hada start in a very prom-ising sports career. But,after joining the mili-tary and spending timeat NSAB, he found histrue calling.
"I wanted to be a soc-cer player when I wasgrowing up," he said. "Iwas very good at it, butmy dad’s view wasschool first and he wasvery strict about it. Hedidn’t really see my po-tential or my skills as asoccer player. He wasmainly in the stateswhile we were back athome so he didn’t actu-ally get to know what Iwas good at. When wecame to the states, hisgoal for us was justschool, so he basicallysteered us towardsthat. I think my goalschanged when I joinedthe Navy. Instead ofpursuing the soccerroute, I decided to stayin the Navy and go toschool and choose a dif-ferent route, my planright now is to become amedical service corpsofficer."
Cofie is currently us-ing all the opportuni-ties the Navy providesand is very close to hisbachelor’s degree andthat much closer to hisdream of becoming anU.S. Navy officer.
6 Thursday, August 2, 2012
Sailor Uses the Navy to Advance Himself, Others
Photo by MC2 John K. Hamiliton
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Gideon Cofie manages the front deskas building manager of Building 62, theWoundedWarrior Barracks.
children thoroughly with soap andwater after they’ve used the rest-room.
When it comes to swimming atthe beach, the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency’s BEACH Pro-gram (Beaches Environmental As-sessment, Closure, and Health Pro-gram) is designed to help local gov-ernment officials provide people withwater quality information.
Most water at beaches is safe forswimming, according to the EPA.However, monitoring of beach waterquality by local and environmentalofficials is necessary to warn peoplewhen there is a problem.
If the beach you frequent is notmonitored regularly, the EPA rec-ommends: avoid swimming afterheavy rains; looking for stormdrains along the beach designed todrain polluted water from streets,and avoid swimming near them;looking for trash and other signs ofpollution such as oil slicks in thewater; and contacting local healthand environmental protection offi-cials if you think your beach wateris contaminated.
For more information about beachmonitoring, check the EPA’s BeachWatch website at http://www.epa.gov/OST/beaches.
For more information concerninghealthy swimming, visit CDC’sHealthy Swimming website at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming.
SWIMMINGSWIMMINGContinued from 5
1032267
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 7
By MassCommunication
Specialist 2nd ClassJohn K. Hamilton
NSAB Public Affairsstaff writer
After three weeks oftraining, the Auxiliary Se-curity Force (ASF) at NavalSupport Activity Bethesda(NSAB) gained 15 newmembers during a gradua-tion ceremony Friday.
Tasked with augmentingbase security, the ASF pro-vides extra manning andworks hand in hand withsecurity personnel duringhigh profile visits from peo-ple such as the president,force protection conditionincreases, active threats,change of command cere-monies or when called uponby the base commander.
Master-at-Arms 1st ClassMichael Gamba, trainingcoordinator said his goal forthe new recruits was, “toprovide them with the basicskills to perform sentry du-ties and to be able to re-
spond in a tactful manner tocritical incidents.” Gambaadded, “These incidentsmay include everythingfrom catching a false [iden-tification] to responding to asecurity alert such as an ac-tive shooter.”
The training sessiontaught the new team mem-bers the basic duties of asentry, individual and team-tactical movements for re-sponding to threats, and theuse of non-lethal weapons.They also received instruc-tion on firearms, anti-ter-rorism/force protection top-ics, and empty-hand self-de-fense skills. All students re-ceived time on the firearmsrange in order to qualifywith the M9 pistol andM500 shotgun.
“I would like to thank theclass for putting forth 100percent effort,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class DevonWilson. “They worked reallyhard during this three weekblock of instruction. Thestudents showed enthusi-
asm, dedication and a will-ingness to learn throughoutthe course.”
Now that they are fully apart of the team, they arerequired to stand one eight-hour watch a month along-side NSAB's naval securityforces. All members aresubject to recall, in theevent of an increase in theforce protection posture andvisits by distinguishedguests. As an ASF member,they are required to per-form these duties for oneyear.
Capt. Frederick Kass,NSAB’s commanding offi-cer, was in attendance dur-ing the graduation to con-duct the ceremony and wel-come the new team mem-bers. His message was thatthe people who do a littlebit more than what is re-quired are the people whosucceed.
“I think that most of usdeep down understand thatall the really good stuff youget out of life is when you do
something a little bit extra,”said Kass. “There are plentyof times where doing what’srequired is just enough. Butto get anywhere in life andto really suck the marrowout of the short time wehave here, it frequently in-volves doing somethingmore than you have to.
“At the end of the day youare giving to us more than
you’re getting, and we ap-preciate it. But, long term,the character you build byvolunteering to do some-thing extra and pushingyourself through somethingharder is the benefit. That’show character gets builtover time and you should bevery proud of yourselves forwhat you have accom-plished.”
Thursday, August 2, 2012 7
Auxiliary Security Force Welcomes New Members
Photo by MC2 John K. Hamilton
Graduates from the most recent Auxiliary SecurityForce training course and their instructors pose fora group photo during their graduation ceremonyFriday.
Want to WIN A CAR?Go to www.chevychasecars.tv to learn
how to enter the Chevy Chase CarsAmateur Video Challenge for your
chance to win a 2013 Nissan Versa!Please see Contest Rules for complete details
Special
Military Pricing
on allNissans!
8 Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Journal8 Thursday, August 2, 2012
are being followed and thatstaff documents everything.“We’ve been maintainingthese standards everyyear,” she said.
Last year, the facility (op-erating as the former Na-tional Naval Medical Cen-ter), was awarded a three-year term accreditation aftera review by the AmericanCollege of Radiology (ACR).The ACR gold seal of accred-itation, earned after a vigor-ous review process, repre-sents the highest level of im-age quality and patient safe-ty: ensuring national radia-tion standards are met, per-sonnel are well-qualified andthe facility meets or exceedsquality assurance and guide-lines.
Radiation SafetyOn June 21, the Depart-
ment of the Navy awardedWalter Reed Bethesda with aNaval Radioactive MaterialsJoint Permit — the first De-partment of Defense facilityto be issued a permit by theChairman of the Naval Radi-ation Safety Committee, ac-cording to Navy Capt. DonnaL. Davis-Urgo, executive sec-retary of the committee.
The medical center’s mostrecent permit was not rou-
tine, said Col. Casmere H.Taylor, who serves as radia-tion consultant to the JointTask Force National CapitalRegion Medical (JTFCapMed) and chief of Radia-tion Safety at Walter ReedBethesda. He explained theachievement occurred whilethe former National NavalMedical Center (NNMC) andthe former Walter ReedArmy Medical Center(WRAMC) were integratingunder the Base Realignmentand Closure (BRAC) law.
Taylor added it was thefirst time both Army andNavy radiation safety capa-bilities were combined toadapt to a Navy Master Ma-terial License.
The permit applicationprocess began December2011 with the addition ofseveral elements over thenext five months until thereview and subsequent ap-proval in June, according toCharlie Brannon.The WalterReed Bethesda radiationsafety officer and healthphysicist with more than 29years of combined experiencein the field as both a uni-formed Army officer and aNavy civilian, said BRACposed a series of challenges,such as relocating depart-ments like nuclear medicineand radiation oncology thatuse radiation in diagnosis,treatment and research. En-suring construction of thenew locations upheld radia-
tion safety standards and re-viewing the best Army andNavy practices to develop ajoint operation were also cit-ed. One of the biggest chal-lenges was developing andtraining hospital staffers to asingle standard, the radia-tion safety officer said.
“We’ve always had a greatamount of responsibility,”said Brannon, who explainedwhat the department does. “[We ensure] our patients aregiven the best standard ofcare; that their exposure toradiation is minimized, aswell as ensure our work-ers...utilizing best practicesthat keep their exposurerisks are kept to a mini-mum.”
Orthotics andProsthetics
The American Board forCertification (ABC) in Or-thotics, Prosthetics and Pe-dorthics, Inc., awarded athree-year accreditation inorthotics and prosthetics toWalter Reed Bethesda onMay 17.
“Receiving accreditation isa significant achievement,one that recognizes out-standing performance,” saidCatherine A. Carter, execu-tive director of ABC.
Dave Laufer, service chieffor the Orthotic and Pros-thetic Service in the Depart-ment of Orthopedics and Re-
habilitation, said the highestlevel accreditation the de-partment recently earned isjust another assurance forthe patient and confidence inthe care they receive at Wal-ter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center (WRN-MMC). “As a patient youknow you’re going to receivethe highest levels of patientcare available within thefield regardless of [where]you go. I think we’ve alwaysexemplified [that],” he said.
The evaluation included athorough assessment of thephysical facility and qualityof patient care.ABC conduct-ed interviews and reviewedorganizational documents,including records of patientcare. Surveyors will return toWalter Reed Bethesda to val-idate compliance with stan-dards every three years orduring the renewal.
“Accreditation is a com-plex process and it all beginswith preparation,” explainedMegan Damewood, aspokesperson for ABC, whosaid facilities must makesure they comply with ac-creditation standards andmeet the basic eligibility re-quirements prior to submit-ting an application. “Oncethe application is approved,the facility is put into a sur-vey queue for an unan-nounced and unscheduledsite visit. Walter ReedBethesda passed with a verygood score,” she said.
“You can’t get accreditedanywhere unless everyonewho works in the facility ison board,” explained Laufer.
He said the certificationapplication was submittedDecember 2011. He estimat-ed the department seesabout 1,200 patients permonth for orthotics and anestimated 500 patient visitsor more each month for pros-thetics. Laufer credited hisentire team as instrumentalin the accreditation processwhich reviewed the depart-ment in more than 100 stan-dards.
“It starts at the front deskall the way out,” Laufer said.“It’s organizational manage-ment, patient care stan-dards, quality assurance,supplier compliance, facilitysafety management, in addi-tion to the fact that we’reable to do these amazingthings with prosthetics andorthotics. It’s all those thingsthat [are] examined whenthey do the accreditation.”
“Accreditation is a recogni-tion for the outstandingwork that’s been done allalong with our orthotic andprosthetic shop — the recog-nition by the professional or-ganization of the high levelof performance that’s donehere,” explained Chuck Scov-ille, chief of amputee servicesin the orthopedics and reha-bilitation department.
Sleep Disorders CenterThe American Academy of
Sleep Medicine (AASM)awarded five-year accredita-tion to the Walter ReedBethesda Sleep DisordersCenter May 18. Walter ReedBethesda’s Out of CenterSleep Testing lab also earneda five-year accreditation Dec.31, 2011. The medical cen-ter’s sleep disorders center isconsidered a “Center of Ex-cellence” by the Departmentof Defense.
Considered the “goldstandard” to evaluate sleepmedicine facilities and serv-ices in North America, thestandards for accreditationensure that sleep medicineproviders demonstrate com-pliance in areas such as pa-tient policies, facility andequipment, practice stan-dards and procedures, dataacquisition, along with pa-tient care, evaluation andrecords, according to theAASM. “Out of Center” test-ing, also known as homesleep testing, is “the futureof sleep medicine in Ameri-
WRNMMCWRNMMCContinued from 1
SeeWRNMMC page 10
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
Martha Palacio-Yance, a prosthetic technician, left, reviews an arm socket she's making for an above elbowamputee with James Vanderson, an upper extremity prosthetist for the orthotic and prosthetic service atWRNMMC.
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 9Thursday, August 2, 2012 9
By Helen Hocknell
“The following story isthat of a prolific and savagekiller, yellow fever, and theevents by which the veil ofthis terrible scourge waslifted.”
That’s the opening line ofNavy Capt. (Dr.) StantonCope’s signature lecture onyellow fever, which he hasdelivered to hundreds of au-diences made up of militarypersonnel, medical profes-sionals and interested civil-ians across the globe.
Cope is the director of theArmed Forces Pest Manage-ment Board and an adjunctprofessor at the UniformedServices University of theHealth Sciences (USU),where he teaches medicalentomology lab sections.Cope will be retiring fromthe Navy in September after23 years of service. Lastweek’s presentation, hostedin Silver Spring, Md. by theNational Museum of Healthand Medicine, was bitter-sweet for Cope, as it was thelast he will give while on ac-tive duty.
His presentation coversthe experiments conductedin Cuba in 1900 by the Wal-ter Reed Board, a team ofscientists led by Maj. WalterReed, the Army physicianfor whom Walter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Cen-ter (WRNMMC) is named.Reed is credited with prov-ing the yellow fever virus istransmitted by mosquitoes,considered one of the mostmonumental discoveries inthe history of public health.
Cope said he first becameinterested in Reed’s experi-ments when he was com-pleting his doctorate in pub-
lic health at the Universityof California, Los Angeles.He was moved by the brav-ery of the volunteers, whorisked their lives and en-dured appalling conditionsfor the sake of medical sci-ence.
Since then, Cope hasamassed one of the largestpersonal collections of his-toric documents and itemsrelating to Reed’s experi-ments, including a copy thelandmark scientific paperoutlining the board’s find-ings, signed by Reed him-self.
“You name it, I’ve got it,”said Cope of his collection.
Cope often brings theseitems with him or showsphotos of artifacts through-out his talk.
“I thought the presenta-tion was very good,” saidArmy Capt. (Dr.) Erica Lin-droth, an entomologist withthe Walter Reed Army Insti-tute of Research (WRAIR) inSilver Spring, Md., whostudies the effectiveness ofinsect repellants. “It was in-teresting to learn moreabout the people involved inyellow fever research.”
Although the idea thatyellow fever was transmit-ted by mosquitoes had beenput forth by other scientistsin the late 1800s, Reed wasthe first to prove it. At thetime most people believedyellow fever was spread bypoisoned air, or by contami-nated objects such as cloth-ing and bedding, called“fomites.” So Reed provedthat theory false by havingvolunteers stay for weeks ina quarantined home, usingsheets and pajamas thathad been slept in and vom-ited on by patients sufferingfrom the disease. Miracu-lously, the volunteers re-mained healthy.
“He was a very thoroughscientist,” said Cope, callingReed’s research “one of thegreat medical discoveries of
our time.”From 1668 to 1893, there
were 135 major epidemics ofthe disease in U.S. portcities, claiming the lives ofhundreds of thousands ofAmerican citizens, saidCope. Symptoms includenausea, fever, aches andpains, bleeding and organfailure. Approximately 20 to50 percent of serious casesresult in death.
“This was a true publichealth calamity, a very scarytime,” said Cope. In re-sponse, the Surgeon Generalof the Army commissionedThe Walter Reed Board in1900 to investigate thecause of the disease.
The board began its workin June, focusing at first ona possible bacterial cause,but ruled that out by lateJuly, and decided to begintesting whether yellow feverwas transmitted by mosqui-to bite. On Aug. 2, Reed wascalled back to Washington,D.C. to finish a critical re-port on typhoid fever, butthe other members of theboard continued the re-search in his absence.
The study took a tragicturn when one of the scien-tists, Dr. Jesse Lazear, con-tracted the disease after be-ing bitten by one of his ownmosquitoes, and died in late
September.Upon his return to Cuba
in October, Reed readthrough Lazear’s notebooklooking for clues. He thenbegan conducting the con-trolled experiments thatprovided concrete evidencedisproving the fomite theo-ry, and conclusively demon-strated mosquitoes were re-sponsible for transmittingthe disease.
Reed’s controlled experi-ments required human vol-unteers to take serioushealth risks, resulting in 22cases of yellow fever, thoughluckily no fatalities. It wasalso one the earliest docu-mented uses of informedconsent by participants,Cope noted.
“When Reed returned toWashington from Cuba, thework of the board was high-ly scrutinized,” said Cope.“Reed endured personal andprofessional attacks fromfriends and enemies whowere jealous of his success,which left him depressedand humiliated.”
Before the general publiccould fully appreciate hismonumental contribution tomedicine, Reed died of aruptured appendix on Nov.23, 1902 at the age of 51. Heis buried at Arlington Na-tional Cemetery, where aheadstone states: “he gaveto man control over thatdreadful scourge, yellowfever.”
Cope said he visits Reed’sgrave about once a year topay his respects, and hopestelling his story will encour-age others to do the same.
According to the WorldHealth Organization, yellowfever still kills approximate-ly 30,000 people each year.There is no known specifictreatment, only supportivecare, but a vaccine is nowavailable and required foractive duty personnel.
To learn more about yel-low fever and the vaccine,please visit the Centers forDisease Control and Pre-vention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/in-dex.html.
Presentation on Yellow Fever illustrates legacy of Maj. Walter Reed
Photo by Helen Hocknell
Navy Capt. Stanton Cope delivers his signature lecture on the history of yellowfever, a disease that plagued U.S. port cities for centuries, resulting in countlessdeaths and untold economic damage.Maj.Walter Reed,namesake ofWalter ReedNational Military Medical Center, is the Army physician credited with provingyellow fever is spread by mosquitoes.
Courtesy Photo
10 Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Journal
ca,” according to Lt. Col. Christopher Lettieri,chief of Sleep Medicine at Walter Reed Bethes-da, who said home testing negates the need forpatients to come into a hospital or lab settingfor sleep studies and study people in their nor-mal environment.
Joint CommissionIn March, Walter Reed Bethesda successfully
completed its first survey by The Joint Commis-sion (TJC). The survey evaluated the medicalcenter’s quality of health care and efficiency ofadministrative procedures, leading to its full ac-creditation on May 2.
“Each time our staff demonstrates how theysafely provide high quality care, and how theypartner with the patient and their family in theplanning of their care consistently, then we’vegone a long way to staying continuously surveyready,” Gene Monroe, WRNMMC Joint Commis-sion specialist, told The Journal in March.
The Joint Commission is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that surveys more than19,000 health-care organizations and programsin the U.S. for possible accreditation, to contin-uously improve health care for the public withthe vision for all people [to] always experiencethe safest, highest quality, best-value healthcare across all settings.
CancerOn March 29, the medical center completed
a successful on-site review of its oncology pro-
gram by the American College of SurgeonsCommission on Cancer (CoC), and subsequentlyawarded accreditation.
“The Commission on Cancer is the standardall great programs seek,” explained Navy Capt.Ralph C. Jones who served as Cancer Commit-tee chair during the CoC review, stating 25 per-cent of hospitals in the U.S. and territories areCoC approved, and nearly 80 percent of all U.S.cancers are treated in CoC approved hospitals.
Dr. Frederick L. Greene, a CoC surveyor formore than a decade, reviewed the Walter ReedBethesda oncology program in March. “This isa marvelous facility and we should all be proudof it,” he said. “I’m especially proud of it, beingformer military, and the job that this institutionis doing in cancer care. It’s a pleasure and I’mproud to have this as part of our Commissionon Cancer as one of our 1,500 hospitals.”
Kidney TransplantAlso in March, the Kidney Transplant Service
received an exceptional review of the program bythe United Network for Organ Sharing, Achiev-ing a clinical score of 100 percent and an admin-istrative score of 91 percent, according to WalterReed Bethesda Transplant Coordinator CarolineAcker.
Surgeons at Walter Reed Bethesda performedmore than 18 kidney transplants since the twomedical centers combined to form WRNMMC,the first within a week of moving the WRAMCdepartment to Bethesda. Prior to integration, allDoD transplants were performed at WRAMC.The WRAMC transplant service performed anaverage 30 kidney transplants per year, accord-ing to Acker. She said about 100 or more of themedical center’s DoD and VA patients await kid-ney transplants
Pathology and LaboratoryThe Pathology and Laboratory Department at
Walter Reed Bethesda earned accreditation bythe College of American Pathologists (CAP) lastDecember, after completing a "highly successful"unannounced inspection November 2011. Thetwo-year accreditation is up for renewal Decem-ber 2013.
The bi-annual CAP inspection originally duethis summer, was conducted more than sixmonths earlier, according to Navy Capt. DavidLarson, Department of Pathology director atWalter Reed Bethesda, "to make sure we hadn'tmissed something in bringing the two labs to-gether and to avoid putting our patients andstaff at risk," after WRAMC and NNMC inte-grated August 2011.
Larson told The Journal in December that the“peer” inspectors who reviewed the facility latelast year had high praise for the quality of workperformed by the department. He said the in-spections are based on rigorous standards andincludes in-depth checklist requirements withboard-certified pathologists inspecting labs oth-er than their own but of similar size.
The lab performs approximately 300,000 testsmonthly in the lab at Walter Reed Bethesda.About 2,000 phlebotomy cases are done daily.
In a series of messages to staffers in June,Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterCommander Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks praisedthe staff citing their dedication and hard work.He thanked everyone who made these achieve-ments possible for the Nation's Medical Center.“As always, you are setting the benchmark forhealth care,” he stated.
WRNMMCWRNMMCContinued from 8
10 Thursday, August 2, 2012
1032266
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 11
By WRNMMC PublicAffairs Office
Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks, com-mander of Walter Reed National Mili-tary Medical Center (WRNMMC), re-cently saluted theArmy Medical Corpsand Army Medical Department(AMEDD) for 237 years of service tothe nation.
Since the Continental Congress es-tablished the “Director General andChief Physician” of the Army hospitalon July 27, 1775, “Army physicianshave led the world in combat traumacare, infectious disease management,public health and many other arenasof medicine and surgery,”Stocks statedin an email to theWalter Reed Bethes-da staff on July 26.
“Most recently, in the current con-flict, Army physicians have been in-strumental in achieving the highestsurvival rates for service memberswith devastating injuries,” Stocks con-tinued.
“As we serve at the Nation’s MedicalCenter,you see evidence ofArmy med-icine’s successes here in the recoveryand rehabilitation of our wounded war-riors,”he added.“I am honored to servewith such a distinguished group ofphysicians.”
In establishing the Army MedicalCorps and AMEDD in 1775, the lan-guage of the Continental Congression-al resolution spoke of "a Hospital,"which at the time meant a hospital sys-tem or medical department, explainedKirk Frady of the AMEDD.
In 1789,the Department of the Hos-pital was disbanded and a system of“Regimental Surgeons” was estab-lished in its place, Frady continued. In1908,Congress made official the desig-nation “Medical Corps,” which hadbeen used informally among the Med-ical Department’s regular physicians,he added.
Internationally recognized contribu-tions of Medical Corps officers include:William Beaumont, known as “Fatherof Gastric Physiology”; Maj. JonathanLetterman, known as the “Father ofBattlefield Medicine,whose system en-abled thousands of wounded Soldiers
to be recovered and treated during theCivil War; Brig. Gen. George MillerSternberg,considered the first U.S.bac-teriologist, having written “Manual ofBacteriology (1892);Maj.Gen.WilliamGorgas, known as “Father of ModernDay Preventive Medicine”; Col. AlbertGlass,“Father of modern military Psy-chiatry” (World War II to Viet Nam);and Maj. Walter Reed, whose work tocontrol yellow fever game impetus tothe then new fields of epidemiologyand biomedicine during the early1900s.
“For more than two centuries, theArmy Medical Corps team has beensaving lives, spearheading researchand caring for [service members] andfamilies from battlefields across theglobe, to our hospitals and clinics hereat home,”said Lt.Gen.Patricia Horoho,Army surgeon general and command-er of the Army Medical Command.
“Currently, theArmy Medical Corpsconsists of more than 4,400 active dutyphysicians representing all the special-ties and sub-specialties of medicine,ac-cording to AMEDD officials, who addthat Medical Corps officers may be as-signed to fixed military medical facili-ties, to deployable combat units or tomilitary medical research and develop-ment duties.
U.S.Army physicians serve in one ofseveral general career fields:
• Operational Medicine -- providesmedical support to the Soldier andhis/her Chain of Command in the fieldsetting to include pre-and post-deploy-ment readiness.
• Clinical Medicine -- is the field ofArmy Medicine that provides medicalcare in the garrison setting.
• Academic Medicine and ResearchMedicine -- focuses on education,train-ing and research inArmy Medical Cen-ters and laboratories.
For more information on the ArmyMedical Corps and Army Medical De-partment, visit the following websites:
Builder ofTrust book (Borden Insti-tute) http://www.bordeninstitute.army.mil/other_pub/BuildersofTrust_web.pdf
The Office of Medical History:http://history.amedd.army.mil/
Thursday, August 2, 2012 11
WRNMMC CommanderSalutes Army Medicine
photo by Gail Cureton,Army Northern Regional Medical Command
Army Capt. Bradley M. Ritland, physical therapist, observes MarineCpl. Garrett J. Carnes walking over small hurdles during a physicaltherapy session in the MilitaryAdvancedTraining Center (MATC) atWalter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday.
Familial Prostate Cancer.”“Prostate cancer is a strong age-as-
sociated disease. [It] is not fully un-derstood why some younger men de-velop either very aggressive diseaseor benign disease,” Allemang ex-plained. “Our hope is that this studywill help describe the biological dif-
ferences in the disease state of thesemen which can then be used to devel-op more targeted therapies.”
Currently a second-year urologyresident at Sentara Norfolk GeneralHospital in Norfolk, Va., the Navylieutenant said additional laboratorytests are currently underway atCPDR that aim to verify the resultsof the research study he presented incompetition. Allemang joined CPDRas a fourth-year medical school stu-dent at USUHS.
AWARDSAWARDSContinued from 3
1032263
12 Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Journal12 Thursday, August 2, 2012
By MassCommunication
Specialist 3rd ClassNathan Parde
NSAB Public Affairsstaff writer
Located in the bottom lev-el of Building 11 at NavalSupport Activity Bethesda,the Multi-Use Learning Fa-cility (MLF) computer lab isavailable for service mem-bers and civilians to use tomeet their technologicalneeds.
“From faxing, scanning,and printing, to email accessand more, the MLF isequipped to serve its manyvisitors,” said Ashley Kobil-ka, a basic skills instructorwho works with woundedwarriors, active duty andcivilians to improve academ-ic and ASVAB (Armed Serv-ices Vocational Aptitude
Battery) skills.The lab is funded and
staffed by Army ContinuingEducation Services, but it isopen to all service members,civilian employees and visi-tors.
“On a daily basis, you canfind service members new tothe command who are com-pleting online paperwork,caregivers checking theiremail accounts, studentscompleting assignments foronline courses, or Soldiersstopping by to get advicefrom our knowledgeablestaff about their IT (infor-mation technology) dilem-mas,” said Kobilka.
The computer lab’s man-ager, Omar Hurt, is an A+Computer Certified Techni-cian who has a backgroundin electronics and comput-ers and six years experienceworking with wounded war-
riors. He said one of the bestparts of the computer lab isthat it does not require aCommon Access Card (CAC)to log in.
“It is an open-source lab,so there is no need for aCAC,” said Hurt. “Servicemembers can access theiraccounts through the use ofa password.”
Hurt said the computerlab is visited regularly byvarious organizations andclasses.
“Currently, Army Educa-tion Basic Skills EducationProgram (BSEP) andASVAB classes use thespace from time to time, toincorporate computer-based
activities and assignmentsinto the curriculum. SeveralFleet and Family Servicesand Warrior TransitionBrigade workshops also uti-lize the lab.”
Army Maj. Brett Theeler,a physician in the WalterReed National MilitaryMedical Center’s Neurologydepartment, said he heardabout the MLF while he waschecking into the commandand thought it might be auseful resource.
“I’m in-processing and donot have access to my owncomputer yet,” said Theeler.“So, I’ve been visiting thelab at least every other dayto conduct business, access
my Army Knowledge ac-count online, and email. It’simportant to have a placelike this available when it isneeded.”
Theeler said the lab is setup so that anyone can accessit easily, and the staff is alsoaccessible. “Everythingworks well, there are plentyof computers available, andthe staff is helpful andknowledgeable.”
The MLF is located inRoom 45 of Building 11, andopen Monday throughThursday, from 7:30 a.m. to8 p.m. MLF staff can bereached at 301-400-3418. Noappointment is necessary touse the facility.
NSAB Computer Lab Offers Printing, Email Services
Photos by MC3 Nathan Parde
Ashley Kobilka, staff member and instructor at theNaval Support Activity Bethesda's Multi-Use Learn-ing Facility, teaches the math portion of a basic skillsclassTuesday.
Maj. Brett Theeler uses a computer in the Multi-Use Learning Facility to com-plete work on his online Army Knowledge accountTuesday.
Ruperta said her daughtertried out for track in bas-ketball shoes. “[The coach]looked at the watch, lookedat her feet, and said, ‘howcould she run this timewith basketball shoes?’ Herealized she had talent.”
Afia worked hard, domi-nating the sport, and lateraccepted a track scholar-ship to the University ofCentral Florida (UCF).There, she has become theschool’s first Olympic ath-lete, Ruperta said. Havingspent summers working outin Antigua with Ruperta’s
former coach, Afia was of-fered a spot on theCaribbean country’s teamto compete in the 400 meterdash. Semi-finals for thisevent will air at noon onFriday, Aug. 3.
Still running to stay inshape, Ruperta has workedwith her daughter over thelast few years during thesummer time, the “off sea-son” for track and field. Afiahas also prepared with thehelp of her UCF coach, aswell as Dee Dee Trotter, a2008 gold and bronzemedalist and currentOlympian who regularlytrains at UCF.
Ruperta anticipates herdaughter will continue togrow stronger in the sport,as she gains confidence,
and will become a medalcontender in the next sum-mer Olympics, in Brazil.
“I’m really proud of herto see what she has accom-plished in such a shorttime,” she said.
Having worked at theformer Walter Reed ArmyMedical Center (WRAMC)since 2006, prior to integra-tion to form Walter ReedBethesda, Ruperta said shehas learned many core val-ues from running that shestill applies today. The sporttaught her commitmentand time management.
“That transcends intoeverything you do,” shesaid. “Of course there arealways people who thinkthey can’t do it, but you al-
ways have to believe inyourself.”
Ruperta, who teaches hercolleagues how to runHematology tests and inter-pret data, was described asan “outstanding teacherand mentor” by PathologyLaboratory Manager NavyCapt. Larry Ciolorito.
“Her success here reflectsthe same drive and dedica-tion she demonstrated asan elite athlete,” he said.“It’s not surprising whensomeone of her caliberdemonstrates excellence inmore than one field, nor isit a surprise when such anoutstanding teacher androle model sees one of herchildren achieve success.”
ATHLETEATHLETEContinued from 1
Photo by Sarah Marshall
Charles works in Patholo-gy atWalter Reed Bethes-da. She also competed inthe 1984 Olympic Gamesin Los Angeles for her na-tive country Antigua andBarbuda. Her daughter,Afia, will run in this year'sOlympic Games in LondonforAntigua and Barbuda.
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 13Thursday, August 2, 2012 13
Here’s My CardGuide to Professional Service Call 301-670-7106
T660020
H H H HTHE RÉSUMÉ EXPERT
n Federal/State/Local Gov’t/Private Sector Résumésn KSA’s n Database Input n Transitioning Military
n Outplacement Assistance
“Mobile Service”
NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATED SVCSH H H Hn Situation Specific Writing Projects
Please call Phyllis Houston at 301-574-3956
T660010
* Military Law* Family Law* Personal Injury
CALL FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATIONWWW.BURCHANDVOSS.COM
MILITARY DISCOUNTRonald K.VossRonald K.VossLarry N. BurchLarry N. BurchFormer Navy JAGFormer Navy JAG
The Law Offices of Burch & Voss
301-474-4468
“Helping the People who Serve and their Families.”
Chesapeake-PotomacWINDOW CLEANING
T660100
Family owned & operatedFamily owned & operatedserving localserving local
area for 30 years.area for 30 years.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
•Working ownersassure Quality
•Residential Servicea Specialty
301-656-9274703-356-4459410-280-2284
14 Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Journal14 Thursday, August 2, 2012
JAGUAR S TYPE 2004:3.0 L V6, 4dr,Light greenloaded w/every option$14,000 include ext warr59Kmi. 831-601-2313
Go online to place yourweb ad for FREE*or call us at301-670-2503
to place your ad in print.www.DCMilitaryBuyandSell.com*Free categories limited. See online for details.
Don’t Wait... Get it Sold, Call Us Today!301-670-2503301-670-2503301-670-2503
You’ll reach over 125,000 militarypersonnel and their families!
ClassifiedsCall 301-670-2503
Pharmacy/Phlebotomy
Tech TraineesNeeded Now
Pharmacies/ hospi-tals now hiring.No experience?
Job Training& Placement
Assistance Available1-877-240-4524
CTO SCHEV
GERMANTOWN: 3LVL TH3Br, 2FBA, 2HBA 1Car GarDeck, Fpl, Great condition .$2000/month Plus Utils.No Pets. 410-375-4554
STAFF WRITERThe Enterprise newspaper in St.Mary’s County is seeking a staffwriter to cover Patuxent RiverNaval Air Station, the primary
employer in this SouthernMaryland community, as well as
the town of Leonardtown andfeature articles as assigned. Willbe expected to contribute to TheEnterprise’s twice-weekly printedition and its website, which is
updated daily. Requirementsinclude a bachelor’s degree and aminimum of two years reportingexperience. Send resume and
BETHESDA PARKROCKVILLE: 3Br, 2BaCondo all Utilities includ-ed $1650/monthCall 240-353-8500
Job OpportunitiesPosition descriptions can be found at
CSC.com/Careersussearch by Requisition number.
Position at AVMI, PAX River, MD1200G1Z Quality Assurance Specialist-Position is with AVMI
but located in Pt. Mugu, CA1200D20 Engineering Technician III, Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic1200D23 Engineering Technician IV, Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic1200C68 Electronics Engineer (Aircraft Instrumentation)
Position at ATR, PAX River, MD1200FNS Engineering Technician V1200EOB Computer Systems Analyst I1200DT9 Software Engineer1200DTE Software Engineer1200EBN Engineer1200A06 Engineering Technician IV
Positions are with SURETRAK1200AEU Field Engineer Professional, Radar Specialist Electrician1200AFA System Administrator
Apply At:CSC.com/Careersus/Job Opportunities
Search by Job Requisition Number above.CSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Visit us online at www.csc.com
The Journal Thursday, August 2, 2012 15Thursday, August 2, 2012 15
1034724
Conveniently Located2 1/2 miles north of I-495 &Less than 3 miles to WRNMMC
![IUMPST: The Journal. Vol 2 (Pedagogy), August, 2011. · PDF fileIUMPST: The Journal. Vol 2 (Pedagogy), August, 2011. [ ] VISUALIZING DECIMAL MULTIPLICATION WITH AREA](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/5a74e8147f8b9aa3688c0e5f/iumpst-the-journal-vol-2-pedagogy-august-2011-iumpst-the-journal.jpg)
