Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas -- Since summer 2015, the Laughlin Air Force Base Clinic and Val Verde Regional Medical Center (VVRMC) have transitioned to new leadership teams.
These teams have been involved in a number of partnership initiatives designed to further strengthen their relationship with the goal of improving healthcare for the Laughlin and Del Rio communities.
“The 47th MDG team at Laughlin is excited about the chance to work with the new leadership at VVRMC and about their focus on quality care,” said Maj. (Dr) Jonathan Stering, 47th MDG chief of the medical staff.
The 47th Medical Group’s recent initiatives include the development and implementation of four pediatric-focused clinical protocols now in use at VVRMC: Newborn Nursery Discharge, Croup Pathway for Emergency Medicine, Hypoglycemia Protocol, and Phototherapy Protocol.
Pediatricians from Laughlin’s medical clinic and VVRMC have been working together to develop these protocols and have implemented them throughout VVRMC’s clinical departments. They are also working with the teams on possible pediatric residency rotations for Air Force physicians.
Working with Dr. Mohamed Shafiu, VVRMC chief of staff, and Dr. Mostafa Salama, a medical doctor at VVRMC, the 47th MDG plans to launch a clinical lecture series for healthcare providers, which will allow Laughlin’s medical staff to earn Continuing Medical Education credits here at VVRMC and to renew other educational programs that benefit both healthcare facilities. This saves time and money when compared with the previous alternative of temporary duty assignments in San Antonio and helps the Laughlin clinic maximize access to care for their patients.
Other new initiatives currently being developed by members of the 47th MDG and their VVRMC counterparts include training opportunities such as Val Verde ambulance ride-along and clinical rotations for Laughlin nurses and medics.
Additionally, behind the scenes work done by the Health Information Technology teams of the 47th Medical Support Squadron and VVRMC includes further development of the information systems network between both facilities. This allows a more seamless transfer of patient clinical information, thus streamlining referrals to Val Verde and the transfer of patient records back to Laughlin.
The 47th MDG leadership team has also been instrumental in coordinating meetings between Val Verde, Humana and TRICARE, to further develop the local network of healthcare providers in the Del Rio area and to increase the variety of specialty services available here as well.