Vol. 24 No. 38 www.bethesda.med.navy.mil September 20, 2012 By Helen Hocknell NSAB Public Affairs staff writer F. Edward Hebert, a con- gressman from Louisiana, spent years advocating for what he called a "West Point of Military Medicine," a feder- ally-funded university to edu- cate military doctors. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sci- ences (USU) was established by an act of Congress on Sept. 21, 1972, graduated its first class in 1980, and named its medical school after Hebert in 1983. Since its founding, USU has educated nearly 5,000 physicians and hundreds of other medical professionals through its graduate degree programs. "USU was created to fill a need for career military physi- cians and leaders," said Uni- versity President Dr. Charles L. Rice. "Four decades later, USU produces men and women who are educated to care for our troops to the high- est standard attainable." USU students do not incur the costly financial debt of traditional medical schools and graduate programs be- cause their tuition is waived by the Department of De- fense in exchange for a serv- ice commitment after gradu- ation. Their curriculum fea- tures unique, hands-on learn- ing experiences both in and out of the classroom. Each fall, senior medical students and graduate nurs- ing students participate in the capstone field training exer- cise known as Operation Bushmaster, designed to sim- ulate combat conditions and test students' ability to lead and manage the logistics of providing medical care in a stressful situation. In their first year, students visit Antietam Battlefield to learn about advances in mil- itary medicine made during the Civil War. USU requires its students to complete more than 30 hours of history coursework in order to grad- uate, and remains the only American medical school that has an entire history de- partment with a military- centric focus. In August 2011, the univer- sity introduced a new curricu- lum called "Molecules to Mili- tary Medicine," aimed at pro- viding a stronger link between classroom learning and clini- cal experience. "It used to be two years of pure basic science mostly in the classroom, with a teeny bit of clinical, but we're evolving from a lecture-based system to more small group and team- based learning with an organ- centric concentration," said USU Professor and Director of Cardiovascular Physiology Dr. J. Timothy O'Neill. "Rather than studying physiology or pharmacology by itself, we start cardiovascular pre-clini- cal medicine by teaching the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the heart and circulatory system all in one. It's a way of integrating all of the basic science, as well as starting clinical contact, so students are exposed to clini- cal material from the first day and can see how it all relates to what they want to do even- tually, which is to take care of patients." O'Neill came to USU in May of 1979 as a postdoctoral researcher, and now serves as director of research for the neonatal fellowship program. His research focuses on devel- opmental changes in circula- tory physiology in newborns, an area of study he acknowl- edges many wouldn't associ- ate with military medicine. But, O'Neill explained: "The military promises to take care of its own from cradle to grave - not just the Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine, but the whole family. In order to do that, you need to have all the disciplines covered." In addition to providing top quality military medical education and training pro- "Learning to care for those in harm's way" USU celebrates 40th anniversary See USU page 6 Jacqueline Surls, a postdoctoral fellow in USU's De- partment of Medicine, studies immunology. Courtesy photos During field training exercise Operation Bushmaster,USU students are observed by professors and evaluated on their medical knowledge and leadership abilities.
Transcript
Vol. 24 No. 38 www.bethesda.med.navy.mil September 20, 2012
By Helen HocknellNSAB Public Affairs
staff writer
F. Edward Hebert, a con-gressman from Louisiana,spent years advocating forwhat he called a "West Pointof Military Medicine," a feder-ally-funded university to edu-cate military doctors.
The Uniformed ServicesUniversity of the Health Sci-ences (USU) was establishedby an act of Congress on Sept.21, 1972, graduated its firstclass in 1980, and named itsmedical school after Hebert in1983. Since its founding, USUhas educated nearly 5,000physicians and hundreds ofother medical professionalsthrough its graduate degreeprograms.
"USU was created to fill aneed for career military physi-cians and leaders," said Uni-versity President Dr. CharlesL. Rice. "Four decades later,USU produces men andwomen who are educated tocare for our troops to the high-est standard attainable."
USU students do not incurthe costly financial debt of
traditional medical schoolsand graduate programs be-cause their tuition is waivedby the Department of De-fense in exchange for a serv-ice commitment after gradu-ation. Their curriculum fea-tures unique, hands-on learn-ing experiences both in andout of the classroom.
Each fall, senior medicalstudents and graduate nurs-ing students participate in thecapstone field training exer-cise known as OperationBushmaster, designed to sim-ulate combat conditions andtest students' ability to leadand manage the logistics ofproviding medical care in astressful situation.
In their first year, studentsvisit Antietam Battlefield tolearn about advances in mil-itary medicine made duringthe Civil War. USU requiresits students to complete morethan 30 hours of historycoursework in order to grad-uate, and remains the onlyAmerican medical schoolthat has an entire history de-partment with a military-centric focus.
InAugust 2011, the univer-
sity introduced a new curricu-lum called "Molecules to Mili-tary Medicine," aimed at pro-viding a stronger link betweenclassroom learning and clini-cal experience.
"It used to be two years ofpure basic science mostly inthe classroom,with a teeny bitof clinical, but we're evolvingfrom a lecture-based system tomore small group and team-based learning with an organ-centric concentration," saidUSU Professor and Director ofCardiovascular Physiology Dr.J. Timothy O'Neill. "Ratherthan studying physiology orpharmacology by itself, we
start cardiovascular pre-clini-cal medicine by teaching theanatomy, physiology andpharmacology of the heartand circulatory system all inone. It's a way of integratingall of the basic science, as wellas starting clinical contact, sostudents are exposed to clini-cal material from the first dayand can see how it all relatesto what they want to do even-tually, which is to take care ofpatients."
O'Neill came to USU inMay of 1979 as a postdoctoralresearcher, and now serves asdirector of research for theneonatal fellowship program.
His research focuses on devel-opmental changes in circula-tory physiology in newborns,an area of study he acknowl-edges many wouldn't associ-ate with military medicine.
But, O'Neill explained:"The military promises to takecare of its own from cradle tograve - not just the Soldier,Sailor, Airman or Marine, butthe whole family. In order todo that, you need to have allthe disciplines covered."
In addition to providingtop quality military medicaleducation and training pro-
"Learning to care for those in harm's way"
USU celebrates 40th anniversary
See USU page 6
Jacqueline Surls, a postdoctoral fellow in USU's De-partment of Medicine, studies immunology.
Courtesy photos
During field training exercise Operation Bushmaster,USU students are observedby professors and evaluated on their medical knowledge and leadership abilities.
2 Thursday, September 20, 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 telephoning301-921-2800. 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) BethesdaCommanding Officer: Capt. Frederick (Fritz) Kass
Public Affairs Officer NSAB: Joseph MacriPublic Affairs Office NSAB: (301) 295-1803
Journal StaffStaff Writers MC3 Nathan Parde
Sarah MarshallSharon Renee TaylorCat DeBinderKatie BradleyHelen Hocknell
Managing Editor MC1 Ardelle Purcell
NSAB Editor MC2 John HamiltonWRNMMC Editor Bernard Little
Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations 301-295-5727
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
Prostate Cancer Support Group MeetingThe Walter Reed National Military
Medical Center (WRNMMC) ProstateCancer Support Group will meet today inthe America Building River ConferenceRoom on the third floor adjacent to theCenter for Prostate Disease Researchfrom 1 to 2 p.m., and from 6:30 to 7:30p.m. For more information, call VinMcDonand at 703-643-2658 or email [email protected].
Hispanic American Heritage EventTo celebrate Hispanic American
Heritage Month, on Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m.the Bethesda Multicultural Committeewill sponsor an event to include a Latinband, dancing and free Latin Americanfood samples, in the America Building atri-um at Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center. For more information, callSgt. 1st Class Jason Zielske at 301-400-2847.
Flu Vaccination AvailableAll Walter Reed National Military
Medical Center staff and beneficiaries areurged to protect themselves and others bygetting the flu vaccine. The vaccine is of-fered in Building 9, first floor nearRadiology Monday through Friday from 8a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 5. No appointmentis necessary, but you must bring your mili-tary ID, staff badge or Common AccessCard (CAC).
The flu shot is for ages 6 and above.Children under 3 years of age must receivethe vaccine in the Immunization Clinic onthe fourth floor of the America Building.Accompanying beneficiaries may also re-ceive the flu vaccine in the clinic. FluMistis for ages 2 to 49 with no medical con-traindications. For more information, callLt. Cmdr. Nancy Delahoya at 301-295-4738or [email protected].
Bethesda NotebookBethesda NotebookCommander's ColumnSeptember is Suicide
Awareness Month, a con-cern we can never over-state as we strive to pro-mote a healthy, supportiveenvironment year round.
At the Nation's MedicalCenter, as you relentlesslyprovide quality care to ourNation's heroes and theirfamily members, I want toremind you it is equallyimportant to look out forone another. We must con-tinue to ensure our lifestyle is one ofhealth and wellness, so we can continuewhat we do best.
Many of you have gone on a numberof deployments and training exercises,often spending time away from yourloved ones - and yet you continue to giveit your all. These pressures can take atoll on each and every one of us, day inand day out. For some, these high de-mands we're often faced with may seemlike too much to bear and for some, youmay think suicide is your only solution.Let me assure you that it is not.
It's not always easy to tell when anindividual is contemplating suicide, butthere are some warning signs we shouldall recognize, such as anxiety, sleepproblems, hopelessness, and a continu-ous low mood. You may also notice anincreased use of alcohol and/or drugs, orthe person might be engaging in reck-less behavior, taking unnecessary risks,or acting out in sudden anger or rage.
If you believe you know someone whois struggling, and is likely to attemptsuicide, do not hesitate to reach out tothem. Let them know you care, andthat you want to help. Act immediately,and discuss behaviors mentioned aboveto your chain of command.
Our dedicated behavioral healthcareproviders are available to lend support,and there are countless resources avail-able. Do not be a bystander - rememberthat your actions may save a life. Like-
wise, if you are personal-ly struggling with a diffi-cult time in your life, Iurge you to seek these re-sources - there is noshame in asking for help.
As we pay special at-tention this month toraising awareness notonly about suicide, butoverall wellness, we willhold a Safety StandDown Day on Thursday,Sept. 27 with multiple 1-
hour presentations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.This day will include activities that ad-dress suicide prevention, reduction ofhigh risk behavior and the improve-ment of health, discipline and resilienceof the force. All staff members are en-couraged to participate in the trainingsand presentations that will take placethroughout the day.
For more information on suicide pre-vention, please contact our BehavioralHealth Clinic at 301-295-0500, or theNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-TALK. Additional resourcescan be found online at www.military-onesource.mil. Chaplains are also avail-able 24/7 to visit staff, patients and fam-ilies, providing private meditation andprayer, daily mass and worship servicesas well as confidential counseling. Formore information, call 301-295-1510.
Remember, suicide prevention is ashared responsibility. We are a team,and we must all work together to keepeach other safe and provide a support-ive environment, at all levels. I want toreassure you that your efforts will nevergo unnoticed. We can't provide worldclass care without you - what YOU domatters!
Commander sends,Rear Adm. Alton L. StocksMC, USNWalter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center
The Journal Thursday, September 20, 2012 3Thursday, September 20, 2012 3
By MassCommunication
Specialist 2nd ClassJohn K. Hamilton
NSAB Public Affairsstaff writer
The Naval Support Activ-ity Bethesda (NSAB) Secu-rity Department wants mil-itary members and civilianpersonnel to know aboutthe dangers of identity theftand ways to avoid becominga victim.
The consequences of iden-tity theft can affect a personboth personally and profes-sionally. The NSAB securitydepartment is asking allstaff to pay extra attentionand carefully monitor bankstatements, credit cardstatements and all otherrecords of recent financialtransactions. These stepsare invaluable in detectingif and when a breach in in-formation has occurred.
"Identity theft can take a
toll on your life and affecteverything and everyonearound you," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Mark Collins,of the NSAB security depart-ment. "Not only can it affectyour financial situation andcredit report, but if you holdany security clearances orspecial access to facilities,then it can affect your safetyas well as co-workers andeven the national security ofthe United States."
Your identity can be stolenfrom the acquisition of just afew pieces of personal infor-mation. Collins suggestswatching for people lookingover your shoulder when en-tering a personal identifica-tion number or credit cardnumber, shred trash withpersonal identifiable data onit and destroy digital data.
"It is extremely easy to be-come a victim of identitytheft," said Ryan Gallagher,NSAB crime prevention offi-cer. "People are taking ad-
vantage of the technology wehave today and it's an ongo-ing problem to keep up withthe criminals that are doingthis type of crime.”
Gallagher suggests situa-tional awareness is yourbest line of defense againstinadvertently divulging yourpersonal information toshady sources. "Know whereyour important items arelike your purse or wallet andkeep those secured whenyou're not around,” said Gal-lagher. "Change your pass-words on a regular basis,check your bank statementsand do not provide personalinformation when it's notnecessary or when it's not avalidated source."
Be conscious of which In-ternet sites you use to con-duct online transactions andmake sure proper securityprotocols are in place.
According to the FederalTrade Commission website,www.FTC.gov, you should "be
aware of 'phishing' schemes,gimmicks usually generatedthrough emails or online pop-ups that attempt to deceiveusers into divulging creditcard numbers, bank accountinformation, social securitynumbers, passwords or allowaccess to password protectedwebsites. Perpetrators ofthese schemes target individ-uals by forwarding emailsthat appear to be from legiti-mate sources, forging compa-ny logos and letterheads toprey on unsuspecting users touse your information for theirown means."
It should be understoodthat reputable businessesdo not contact their cus-tomers to divulge personalinformation. If these in-stances occur, it would bewise to react cautiously andreport any suspicious activ-ity to your command infor-mation assurance office.
"It's very important tomonitor your credit report
and set up alerts for any un-usual activities," saidCollins. "Look for any un-usual emails or phone callsasking for personal infor-mation or requiring you tosubmit personal informa-tion to proceed with what-ever scam is being present-ed. These type of activitiesshould send up a red flagand be reported."
Financial managementclasses, provided free ofcharge though the NSABFleet and Family SupportCenter, have helpful informa-tion and tips on how to avoidbeing targeted by identitythieves. These classes shouldbe attended at least annually,as more ways of stealing per-sonal identifiable informationare being created every day.Privacy training resourcescan be found at http://priva-cy.navy.mil, as well as on theNavy Knowledge Online(NKO) and Army KnowledgeOnline (AKO) websites.
Don't become a victim, protect yourself against identity theft
By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal
staff writer
Five Sailors from the Na-tional Capital Area donnedfouled anchors and a newpair of khakis, accompaniedwith greater responsibilities,as they advanced to the rankof chief petty officer on Fri-day during a traditional pin-ning ceremony at WalterReed Bethesda.
"Navy chiefs are a uniquebreed. The term 'chief' meanssomething special to those ofus in the Navy. If you ask achief petty officer to do some-thing,you know it will be donewith the pride of 119 years ofservice, and you know it willbe done right. Today, you jointhat group. That will havespecial meaning to you for therest of your lives," said WalterReed Bethesda CommanderRear Adm.Alton Stocks.
The new chiefs were wel-comed into the "chiefs mess"after enduring a rigorousprocess and hard work, atransition that is sure to beone of the most importantevents in a Sailor's naval ca-reer, said retired Chief Rus-sell Burns, master of cere-monies.The chiefs began theevolution by being involvedin a program designed totrain first class petty officers
for their future leadershipgoals, called the Chief PettyOfficer 365 course. Aftercompleting an annual examin January, their record is re-viewed by a selection board,comprised of master chiefsand senior naval officers,Burns said.
"Needless to say, competi-tion is quite keen, and onlythe very best qualified areselected," he said.
Once selected to the rankof chief petty officer (CPO),each selectee continues withthe Chief Petty Officer 365course, allowing them tomaintain continued focusand development as a chief.
During the ceremony,Stocks recognized those whohave played a vital role insupporting the new chiefs ontheir path to success - familyand loved ones, as well as themany mentoring sponsors.
An honorary chief petty of-ficer,Stocks went on to explainto the chiefs that they will facenew challenges. As such, theyshould continue to expandtheir horizon, their way ofthinking,and the way they ap-proach these new situations.Along with their greater re-sponsibilities, he added, "Yourjob now is to mentor juniorpetty officers so they can be-come chief petty officers."
Congratulating the new
chiefs, Stocks said, "I see thatwe make a great group ofchief petty officers everyyear, and you're included.Welcome to the club."
Keynote speaker MasterChief Hospital CorpsmanBrad McIntire addressed thenew chiefs, congratulating hisshipmates and welcomingthem to the mess.The deputyforce master chief at the Bu-reau of Medicine and Surgery(BUMED) said making it tothe rank of chief petty officeris a significant achievementin a Sailor's career, one thatwill never be forgotten.
"I am proud to be here to-day to share in this time hon-ored tradition and pass italong to each of you," he said.He charged the new chiefswith passing on these tradi-tions. "These events, andmany others like them, arepart of what makes us astrong and honorable service.Navy tradition and pride runsdeep here today. It's aboutpassing and receiving knowl-edge. Passing and receivingknowledge is the essence ofthe weeks you endured."
Since the CPO was estab-lished 119 years ago, chiefshave continued to accom-plish the mission, throughunity and mentoring such
Five NCA Sailors Achieve Career Milestone, Pinned as 'Chief'
Photo by Sara Marshall
Among the newly pinned chief petty officers, ChiefYeoman Heather Lewis receives her fouled anchorsduring Friday's pinning ceremony,with the help of herson, as well as Chief Hospital Corpsman Stacie Sulli-van and Chief Hospital Corpsman Al Hance. See CHIEF page 7
4 Thursday, September 20, 2012 The Journal
By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 3rd Class
Nathan Parde, NSAB PublicAffairs staff writer and
Bernard S. Little, WRNMMCJournal staff writer
The Combined Federal Campaign(CFC) has kicked off its annualfundraising drive to collect funds forcharities and nonprofits, both locallyand worldwide.
This year's CFC fundraisingdrive will last from Sept. 1 to Dec.15 worldwide. At Walter ReedBethesda (WRB), the annual CFCfundraising drive began with a kick-off event in Clark AuditoriumWednesday.
"Our National Capital RegionMedical CFC campaign managersfrom the Joint Task Force (JTF),Walter Reed National Military Med-ical Center, Fort Belvoir CommunityHospital and the Joint PathologyCenter [have geared] up for a suc-cessful fundraising drive," said Maj.Gen. Steve L. Jones, commander,JTF Capital Medicine (CapMed). "Iencourage everyone to donate to thecharity of their preference in thisworthy cause. Even a small contri-bution can make a big difference."
In preparation for the CFC kick-off at WRB, CFC key workers re-ceived training Friday in the Amer-ica Building. During the training,key workers were encouraged tomake face to face, one-on-one con-tact with federal government em-ployees, seeking contributions.
"The key workers are the face ofthe campaign and are an absolutelycritical component to the success ofthe WRB CFC mission," said ArmyCapt. Michael Baker, CFC coordina-tor for this year's WRB campaign.
"A good majority of the WRB keyworkers you see out there are Sol-diers and Sailors who volunteeredto fill this role," Baker added. "Iknow we have a quality team andwe will be successful not only inmeeting our CFC contribution goals,
but also support the foundation ofthe WRB Strategic Plan, and that'spulling our resources together asone team and supporting people."
Army Sgt. 1st Class Don Berry,assistant campaign manager for theWRB CFC, said to the key workers,"I'm asking you to be very commit-ted, and put some thought and ef-fort into this. Make 100 percent con-tact with your personnel."
The CFC is the sole workplace-giving campaign through which fed-eral employees and military donorscan support eligible non-profit or-ganizations that provide health andhuman service benefits throughoutthe world, said Christina Betan-court Johnson, senior manager ofmarketing and communications forGlobal Impact, an organization thatis responsible for the Combined Fed-eral Campaign of the National Cap-ital Area (CFCNCA).
"The Combined Federal Cam-paign is the world's largest andmost successful annual workplacegiving campaign," said Johnson."There are more than 200 CFC[branches] throughout the countryand internationally that help toraise money for those in need, andthe CFCNCA is actually the largest
CFC [branch] in the world."Any federal employee, whether
military or civilian, currently em-ployed by the federal government orretired, is able to donate to the char-ities of their choice through theCFC, said Johnson.
"Donating to your favorite charityis very easy to do," said Johnson."Federal employees have the powerto make a gift by using the tradi-tional pledge form (which is avail-able in the workplace and is usuallydistributed by campaign key work-ers), or they can go online atwww.cfcnca.org and make a dona-tion. Their pledges can be made bypayroll deduction, credit card, debitcard, electronic check, traditionalcheck or cash."
Johnson said automatic debit isthe most common way for federalemployees to donate, accounting formore than 90 percent of all CFCfunds raised last year.
"Making a pledge through payrolldeduction allows you to enter anamount and have it automaticallytaken out of your paycheck each payperiod for distribution to your fa-vorite charities throughout theyear," said Johnson. "Payments on
Every Dollar Counts When Helping Those in Need
See CFC page 9
103258110325811032581
The Journal Thursday, September 20, 2012 5
By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer
Bearing the Walter Reed Bethes-da purple cross, navigating the Cap-ital Beltway, the 40-foot-long PatientEvacuation Vehicles (PEVs) are a vi-tal part of the process that guaran-tees America's heroes and their fam-ilies arrive at the Nation's MedicalCenter safely and as comfortable aspossible to receive world-class care.
Ensuring the safe arrival and de-parture of patients to and from Wal-ter Reed Bethesda requires round-the-clock coordination between vari-ous departments at the medical cen-ter, as well as overseas and continen-tal U.S.-based facilities, includingJoint Air Base Andrews, Md.
Cmdr. Timothy Wolfkill, assistantdeputy commander for readiness andoperations at Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center (WRN-MMC), explained that each week theworld's largest joint military medicalcenter currently receives 10 to 20 pa-tients, with various medical condi-tions, on incoming air evacuationflights. He added the majority of thepatients are coming from the U.S.Central Command's area of responsi-bility, which includes countries in theMiddle East, North Africa and Cen-tral Asia, most notably, Afghanistan.
"Flights arrive and depart at alltimes of the day and night; they maybe added at the last second or de-layed for hours, and we must be pre-pared to meet those requirements, "explained Army Capt. Richard T.Cetkowski, patient movement nurse
coordinator officer-in-charge at Wal-ter Reed Bethesda. "Decisions some-times have to be made quickly."
Coordination of air evacuationflights to Walter Reed Bethesda in-volves providers, medical evacuationteam members, the command dutyoffice, officer of the day, transporta-tion department, and senior staffmembers, to ensure "the continuityand level of care is maintained andnot compromised while the patientsare in transit," Wolfkill added.
Cetkowski agreed, explainingthe Patient Movement Cell, com-prised of Patient AdministrationDivision clerks and nurses, is con-stantly tracking pending inboundflights. "At the same time, we arepreparing warriors and their fami-lies who are ready to move on fromWalter Reed Bethesda.
"Inpatients who must be trans-ported through the air evacuationsystem to other hospitals or rehabfacilities must all go through our of-fice," Cetkowski added. "We thenwork with doctors, liaisons, nurses,social workers and the Air Force toplace these patients on flights.
"During missions, our nurses workwith a team of medics and corpsmenwho do everything from collecting lug-gage to preparing equipment and ve-hicles, to direct patient care," Cetkows-ki continued. "They must adapt to con-stant changes,and work to provide thesame high standard of care we deliverin the [medical center]."
"Open communication is the key
Thursday, September 20, 2012 5
Coordination Key to Patient Transport
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Staffs ofWalter Reed Bethesda's Readiness and Operations,PatientMovement Cell and Transportation Motor Pool work together toensure the safe arrival and departure of wounded warriors andtheir families to and from the Nation's Medical Center. "Flights ar-rive and depart at all times of the day and night; they may be addedat the last second or delayed for hours, and we must be preparedto meet those requirements, " explained Army Capt. Richard T.Cetkowski, patient movement nurse coordinator officer-in-chargeat Walter Reed Bethesda.
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6 Thursday, September 20, 2012 The Journal6 Thursday, September 20, 2012
By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal
staff writer
On the day Walter ReedBethesda paused to remem-ber the heroes lost on Sept.11, 2001, the Nation's Med-ical Center also saluted thenurses who care for thosewho keep America safe fromsimilar attacks.
Morayma Rivera, BrendaBaisden, and HospitalCorpsman Paul Thompsonreceived the DAISY Awardfor Extraordinary Nurses forthe months of May, June andJuly, respectively, during theSept. 11 ceremony at WalterReed National Military Med-ical Center (WRNMMC).Each received the "Healer'sTouch," a hand-carved ser-pentine stone sculpture fromZimbabwe. More than 50Walter Reed Bethesda nurs-es were nominated for theaward given out quarterly.
Rear Adm.Alton L. Stocks,WRNMMC's commander,praised the nurses and Wal-ter Reed Bethesda's health-care team, and told them theyare the ones who are healing
the wounded and their fami-lies, both physically and emo-tionally, while holding Amer-ica together whether de-ployed or at home.
The Walter Reed Bethesdacommander credited thenurses with helping peopleovercome any fears and vul-nerabilities they may have byestablishing trusting rela-tionships between the patientand their providers. He said,"You get them to open up. It'snot just about the medicaltreatment." Stocks said allWalter Reed Bethesda staffmembers should be proud ofwhat they do for the nationevery day. "I want to thankyou — thank you very much."
Col. Risa Bator, deputycommander for nursing atWalter Reed Bethesda, alsospoke at the ceremony, com-mending nurses for their ded-ication to care and service. "Atover 2,000 strong at this facil-ity alone, you are not only avital part of this organization,but also one of the largestnumber of people providinghealth care [anywhere]."
Nurses consistently topthe Gallup's annual Honestyand Ethics survey, which
measures how trustworthyU.S. residents consider dif-ferent professions, Bator con-tinued. "Since being added tothe list in 1999, nurses havetopped it all but one year,"she added. In 2001, firefight-ers ranked first after theywere included on a one-timebasis following the 9/11 ter-ror attacks.
The head nurse at WalterReed Bethesda also read let-ters from patients apprecia-tive of the nursing carethey've received at theworld's largest military med-ical center. The lettersthanked the nurses for their"genuine, passionate care,""going above and beyond thecall" to fulfill their patients'
needs, [and] providing "a lis-tening ear and an honestcompliment for the smallestof act" by their patients.
In addition to patients,peers, physicians, families,other staff and administra-tors may nominate nursesfor the DAISY award.Rivera, a nurse in the or-thopedics clinic, was nomi-nated by a patient for theaward. The patient statedof Rivera: "When I foundmyself needing care at Wal-ter Reed Bethesda, I metthis nurse - who combinedwith my doctor, saved mylife! I was in a very darkplace in my life when diag-nosed with a malignant softtissue cancer. [Rivera] wentabove the call of a nurseand took my hand and hasnever let go. I am eternallygrateful for her heart andlove for all her patients, es-pecially a wounded warriorlike myself. She is not onlya true professional, but awarrior in the fight for themen and women who havesacrificed so much for God
Walter Reed Bethesda Salutes Extraordinary Nurses
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Hospital Corpsman Paul Thompson, who works on 7East, is awarded the DAISY Award for July by WalterReed National Military Medical Center CommanderRear Adm.Alton L. Stocks and Col. Risa Bator, deputycommander for nursing atWalter Reed Bethesda,dur-ing a ceremony Sept. 11 in the Memorial Auditorium.
See NURSES page 9
grams, USU plays a signifi-cant role in medical researchwithin and beyond the mili-tary community, collaborat-ing across campus bound-aries with scientists frommany different disciplines.
Traumatic brain injury(TBI), considered the signa-ture wound of the wars in Iraqand Afghanistan, has affectedmore than 200,000 service-men and women worldwide.At The Center for Neuro-science and RegenerativeMedicine (CNRM), estab-lished in 2008,USU scientistsare seeking new approachesto understanding and treatingTBI. These initiatives includepartnering with researchersat the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH) to improve im-aging technology used to diag-nose TBI.
In the field of microbiology,USU researchers recentlyteamed up with NIH scientiststo develop a new method forproducing vaccines using highdoses of gamma radiation.Thediscovery could have a pro-found impact on the preven-tion and treatment of deadly
diseases like human immun-odeficiency virus (HIV).
Through the years, USUhas expanded from its humblebeginnings, with administra-tive offices located above adrug store in Bethesda, to be-come a leader in medical edu-cation and research.USU nowincludes a Graduate School ofNursing and added a newPostgraduate Dental Collegein 2010.
"What we produce are mil-itary medical leaders," said
USU Brigade CommanderNavy Capt. Tanis BatselStewart,who earned her med-ical degree and her master ofpublic health at USU in 1993and 2000, respectively. "Wehear from people who'veworked in theater with bothUSU alumni and physiciansfrom other schools that in atriage mass casualty situa-tion, they can tell you immedi-ately which one is a USUgrad, because they know ex-actly what to do."
Dr. Dawn Uithol, whograduated from USU withher medical degree in 1995,said USU equipped her withthe skills required to succeedboth in and out of the mili-tary. "The relationships I de-veloped and experiences Igained at USU went beyondwhat I would have expectedin preparing me for the ad-ventures that became my ca-reer in military medicine,"said Uithol, who left theArmy and is now a familyphysician practicing inHawaii and a lieutenantcolonel in the Hawaii Air Na-tional Guard. "The education
I received gave me the confi-dence, courage and flexibilityto adapt to an ever-changingworld of medicine."
Stewart said that whileUSU is proud of its reputa-tion, "we're not content to reston our laurels. In addition tocurriculum reform, we're al-ways looking at ways we canimprove, from leadership de-velopment to the caliber of ourresearch programs."
Stewart said she looks for-ward to seeing what the com-ing decades will bring for USU.
"We're always moving for-ward."
USUUSUContinued from 1
photo by Helen Hocknell
Navy Capt. (Dr.) Trueman Sharp, associate professorand chair of the Department of Military and Emer-gency Medicine at the Uniformed Services Universityof the Health Sciences, speaks to first-year medicalstudents about chronic diseases that afflicted CivilWarSoldiers.The annual day-trip to Antietam Battlefieldis aimed at deepening students' understanding of andappreciation for the history of military medicine.
40th Anniversary Activities at USU
Friday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m.Opening ceremony: Army's Fife and Drum Corps and
USU's own Color Guard and President's welcome ad-dress. Distinguished speakers include The HonorableJonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense forHealth Affairs, Maryland Congressman Honorable ChrisVan Hollen, former Under Secretary of Defense for Per-sonnel and Readiness Honorable David S.C. Chu. Next, apanel presentation and a remembrance ceremony forUSU personnel. Activities conclude with a reception.
with students and faculty, a cookout & sport-filled after-noon, and a screening of "Fighting for Life," along withself-paced and guided tours, plus a brick unveiling cere-mony. Evening concludes with dinner and dancing.
Contact Ms. Anne Dimke at 301-295-3791 [email protected] with questions.
The Journal Thursday, September 20, 2012 7Thursday, September 20, 2012 7
By David A. DickinsonWRNMMC Journal
staff writer
Several wounded warriors fromWalter Reed Bethesda competed inthe London 2012 Summer Para-lympics, Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.
As part of their rehabilitation,the wounded warriors receivedtheir initial training in adaptivesports through programs offered atWalter Reed Bethesda.
Paralympian standout RobJones, a retired Marine sergeantwho competed on the "Bad Compa-ny" pararowing with his teammateOksana Masters, earned a bronzemedal in mixed double sculls onSept. 2.
"Rob was here two years ago,"said Tiffany Smith, a recreationaltherapist with the Adaptive SportsRehabilitation Program at WalterReed Bethesda.
"From day one when rowing wasoffered, Rob would be here to train,even if no one else was," Smithadded. "It was no surprise he tookit to the next level."
Although the sound of laughter isfrequently heard in the Military Ad-vanced Training Center (MATC) atWalter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center, it's a place of dedi-cation to healing and hard work.These are needed to excel in adap-tive sports and achieve Para-lympian status, Smith explained.
"A lot of these wounded warriorstry our adaptive sports program[and] the ones who really get into itand commit to it, stand out," sheadded.
Other former Walter ReedBethesda adaptive sports athletesand wounded warriors who compet-ed in the trials at the recent Para-lympics included Jerrod Fields (intrack and field), James Stuck (sit-ting volleyball), and Sgt. 1st Class
Joshua Olsen, who competed inparashooting.
"In my stay at Walter ReedBethesda, there was an outdoorevent every day in therapy," Olsensaid in an American Forces PressService interview. "I went out andshot sporting clay one day. I hit myfirst 49 out of 50."
Olsen's recreational therapistput him in touch with an Armymarksman unit at Fort Benning,Ga., and the Soldier had a success-ful tryout with the unit. This even-tually led to his involvement withthe Paralympics. "I got along greatwith the coaches and other shooterson the team," said Olsen.
There are many sports availablethrough Walter Reed Bethesda's
Adaptive Field and Stream andAdaptive Sports Rehabilitation Pro-grams, according to Smith.
"We have tons of programs - threeto five are offered each day. We haveboth winter and summer sports,"Smith said."The warriors who excelare here every day, on time and fo-cused. Beyond their regular clinictime, they're doing extra hours out-side of mandatory therapy time."
On a weekly basis, wounded war-riors can incorporate adaptivesports as part of their rehabilitationtreatment, Smith explained. Ifwounded warriors go to physical oroccupational therapy in the morn-ing, they take time out to partici-pate in the adaptive activities to in-corporate what they are learning
inside the clinic, outside the clinic.Smith said the most popular
adaptive activity is scuba diving, aneight-week course which concludeswith a visit to Guatanamo Bay orVirgin Islands to earn open watercertification.
"We always try to have a goal andthere is a reward at the end," Smithsaid.
There are also programs avail-able that offer activities rangingfrom yoga to boxing. "A certifiedboxing coach comes in and workswith the guys," Smith said. "A goalis to admit boxing as one of the newParalympics sports."
For more information about adap-tive sports programs at Walter ReedBethesda, call 301-295-8525.
Warriors Take Adaptive Sports to the Next Level
that was passed down during theirinduction into the chiefs mess.
"Those are the lessons for thefoundation for you to be a chief pettyofficer," he said. "You are not donelearning, it is not over. This is justthe beginning. The last few weeksare an example of those Navy tradi-tions that make our service and theNavy chief unique and specialabove all others."
McIntire reminded the newchiefs about the importance of in-
tegrity, which he referred to as "theheart beat of our unity." He said,"Our commitment we make to theNavy, our nation, the command, ourSailors, and ourselves, is important,and that commitment is always asgood as the strength of the integritythat backs it up."
The new chiefs then had their an-chors pinned by their loved ones andchief sponsors, who mentored themthrough the process. Among the newchiefs, were Chief Hospital Corps-man Brian Cook, of BUMED; ChiefYeoman Heather Lewis, Navy Re-serve, Naval Inspector General, De-tachment 106; Chief HospitalCorpsman Natalie Jianuzzi, Walter
Reed Bethesda; Chief Explosive Or-dinance Disposal Aaron Ritter, Ex-plosive Ordinance Disposal Train-ing and Evaluation Unit Two; andChief Yeoman Brian Sturdevant,Uniformed Services University ofthe Health Sciences.
Following the ceremony, guestsformed a line to congratulate thenew chiefs, shaking their hands,and giving them hugs and flowers.With tears of joy, some describedthe feeling as breathtaking, includ-ing Cook, reserve "C" school pro-gram manager at BUMED.
"It's just awe-inspiring," he said."The feeling after 20 years of serviceto finally put on khakis is indescrib-
able." Jianuzzi, who works in Pre-ventative Medicine, Radiation SafetyDivision, shared similar sentiments.
"It's hard to describe. When youstand there, and you see all thepeople looking at you, it's emotion-al. It's an experience you can't putinto words," said Jianuzzi, who hasbeen in the Navy for 13 years. "Yousee all these people clapping andcheering for you because you're go-ing to be a part of something biggerthan yourself. It's an overwhelmingsense of joy." She added, "This iswhat you work towards. It's one ofthose prideful moments - it's themilestone of your career when youmake chief."
CHIEFCHIEFContinued from 3
Photo by David A. Dickinson
Boxing Instructor and former Marine, Kelvin De La O works with wounded warrior Spc. May Agurtoon her punch count and form during a recent training session atWalter Reed Bethesda. De La O andothers hope that boxing can soon become an event in the next Paralympics.
8 Thursday, September 20, 2012 The Journal
By Dr. Donna Kahn, Ret. NavyCaptain, WRNMMC
Department of Pediatrics
Rosh Hashanah, translated into"Head of the Year," is the first day ofthe Jewish year. During RoshHashanah, we celebrate the specialrelationship between God and hu-manity, our dependence upon Godas our creator, and God's depend-ence with us as the people thatmake his presence known and feltin our world. Jewish holidays followa lunar calendar, so the dates shiftfrom year to year. This year, Jewscelebrated Rosh Hashanah at sun-down on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Following Rosh Hashanah are the"Days of Awe," a 10 day period ofTeshuvah, which refers to the threeR's: 1) Reflection, 2) Repentance, and3) Return that end with Yom Kippur.During the Days of Awe, we seek for-giveness from friends, family and co-workers. On Yom Kippur, we at-tempt to mend our relationshipswith God through prayer.
Yom Kippur, which means "Day of
Atonement," has an extensiveprayer schedule laid out in a sepa-rate, special prayer book, referred toas the Machzor. Most of Yom Kippuris spent in the synagogue. Addition-ally, observant Jews will refrainfrom work and abstain from eatingor drinking, among other restric-tions. This 25-hour fast begins be-fore sunset on Tuesday and ends af-ter nightfall on the day of Yom Kip-pur, Wednesday. Yom Kippur servic-es end at nightfall with the blowingof the shofar, a ram's horn.
Celebration, Reflection markJewish New Year
Photo by Helen Hocknell
Jews across the globe mark RoshHashanah by eating traditionalfoods, like apples and honey, tocelebrate a sweet new year.
element to our mission," Cetkowskicontinued. "Our office works directlywith doctors to ensure patients'medical needs will be covered inflight and that they maintain thesame standard of care. We collabo-rate with nurses to assist with pa-tient preparation and teaching. So-cial workers assist in makingarrangements on both ends of thetransfer. Service liaisons ensurefamilies and warrior units are keptin the loop.We then communicate allour needs to the Air Force, who is re-sponsible for placing these patientson flights. Every one of these stepsis critical to the successful move-ment of our service men and womenand their families."
The PEV plays a vital role in pa-tient transport, Cetkowski ex-plained. "The PEV is our best toolfor patient transport," he said. Thevehicles "are used exclusively inthe National Capital Region tosupport the missions of WRNMMCand Fort Belvoir Community Hos-pital," he said.
"Our PEVs provide our team withan environment that closely mirrorsthe medical center," Cetkowski con-tinued. "They allow us to have ac-
cess to oxygen, suction, electricity,privacy and temperature control inthe transport environment."
Walter Reed Bethesda has threePEVs, each approximately nine feetwide and 14 feet tall.
"Our drivers are trained specifi-cally on these vehicles and worktirelessly to help us meet our mis-sion," Cetkowski said. "In additionto supporting wounded warriors,the vehicles may be used to respondto mass casualty events, as well asprovide medical support in the Na-tional Capital Area."
Andre Manly, transportation su-pervisor and fleet manager, hasworked on base for more than 20years and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Transporta-tion Motor Pool. He manages the ve-hicles for Walter Reed Bethesda andNaval Support Activity Bethesda,which includes not only the PEVs,but ambulances, ambulance busescalled AMBUSES, and all adminis-trative vehicles.
Manly calls his job "a labor oflove." He said what he enjoys mostis "feeling what we do assist thehospital in being able to providethe world-class health care, andwhile on medical evacuations, be-ing a member of the team thatprovides the first impression forthat health care. This is truly ateam effort."
TRANSPORTTRANSPORTContinued from 5
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The Journal Thursday, September 20, 2012 9Thursday, September 20, 2012 9
payroll deduction pledges begin onthe first pay period in January andconclude with the last pay periodin December."
When making a pledge, thedonor can specify a specific charityto receive the funds or make a gen-eral donation that will be splitamong several charities.All "undes-ignated" donations are combinedand then shared proportionallyamong all charities and federationsthat received designations.
"We have a charity search online,which allows donors to search fortheir favorite charities based onname or by impact, area or cause,"said Johnson. "There are more than4,400 charities in this region, acrossthe nation and around the worldwhich donors can donate to throughwww.cncnca.org."
Johnson said year after year, shehears positive feedback from
donors, charities and beneficiariesof services, saying they are reallythankful for the opportunity to give,and for the gracious offerings andgenerosity displayed throughoutthe campaign by the donors, thefederal campaign workers and vol-unteers that participate each year.
"We believe that through boththe committed efforts of our cam-paign workers and the generous do-nations of our donors, we have thereal power to offer hope to millions-in our neighborhoods, across thenation and around the world."
For more information about theWRB CFC, call or email Capt.Michael Baker at 301-295-6583 [email protected], oremail Sgt. 1st Class Don Berry [email protected].
For more information aboutNaval Support Activity Bethesda'sCFC or to make a donation, call oremail Culinary Specialist 2nd ClassWelner Saravia at 301-295-5715 [email protected],or email Master-at-Arms 2nd ClassRichard Kassulke at [email protected].
CFCCFCContinued from 4
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
and country."Baisden, a nurse in radiation/on-
cology, was also nominated by a pa-tient for the DAISY award. The pa-tient stated: "She was my nurse dur-ing my radiation treatment. She wasso fantastic. She helped me so muchwith everything from fatigue toburns to emotional stuff. She neverrushed me; she never made me feelhigh maintenance. She took everyquestion, concern or near symptomseriously. She understood my phobiaof radiation and made sure the radi-ation techs knew how scared I was;without her help I might not havefinished my treatments. She taughtme how to care for my skin at homeso I would not have to interrupt mytreatment. She always had a smileand encouraging saying. Now, fivemonths later, she still remembersmy name and keeps up with me. Sheis my hero!"
Also nominated for the award bya patient, Thompson, who works on7 East, was described in a letter as"smart and very helpful." The pa-tient added, "Every time [Thomp-son] is here he does a perfect assess-ment and asks if he can help withanything I'm doing. He helped mebuild a robotic arm, install a chip
into my computer and helped designa programmable electronic chip.Overall he's a good friend."
Established in 2000 in the memo-ry of J. Patrick Barnes by his family,the DAISY Award "honors the su-per-human work nurses do for pa-tients and families every day," ac-cording its founders.
In 1999, Barnes was diagnosedwith an auto-immune disease at theage of 33, and died shortly there-after. However, the nursing care heand his family experienced duringhis eight weeks of hospitalization,led his wife, Tena, and his parents,Bonnie and Mark, to begin theDAISY foundation and award inAmarillo, Texas, where Patrick andhis wife lived. DAISY stands for Dis-ease Attacking the Immune System.
Today, the DAISY Award is cele-brated in more than 1,200 health-care facilities in seven countries, andmore than 30,000 nurses have beenhonored, nominated by their pa-tients, patients' families and col-leagues, according to the DAISYfoundation, which also funds grantsfocused on treatment of patientswith auto-immune diseases and can-cer.
Last week's ceremony was thesecond for the Walter Reed Bethes-da's DAISY program, which wasoriginally established in 2010 at theformer Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter (WRAMC).
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