Volume 25, No. 1 January 2017 “Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993” T E HE XAMINER An Award Winning Publication Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx Did you know?... The National Committee for Quality Happy New Year! Assurance Recognizes NHTP Excellence And Welcome, First Baby of 2017! Y ou have the right to By Lt. LauraBeth Brogdon express your concerns "NCQAlevel III accreditation Naval Hospital Twentynine about patient safety and means we have the structure and quality of care. Palms Patient-Centered Medical support to provide the highest There are several avenues open Home Port Blue and Gold quality of care to our patients," to you: Teams received Level III Cmdr. Christopher * Through the ICE website. National Committee for Quality Abbott, NHTPDirector of * The Hospital Customer Assurance (NCQA) accredita- Relations Officer at 760-830- tion. Medical Services said. "This 2475, or any of the Customer certification recognizes our Relations representatives in the commitment to the highest level This accreditation is the most Hospital clinics, or directly to of care. And coincident with widely-used model for trans- the Joint Commission via: this recognition, our patient sat- forming primary care E-mail at isfaction surveys show an [email protected] practices into medical homes increased level of satisfaction Fax: 630-792-5636 and is considered the gold stan- with customer service and treat- ment; and our staff The Joint Commission satisfaction has significantly Oak Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL60181 increased," Abbott said. In April, 2016, staff on the T o report Fraud, Waste and NHTPPatient Centered Medical Abuse contact one of the Home Port began their journey below offices by calling: towards NCQAaccreditation. Over the course of seven Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344 months, members of the Combat Center: 760-830-7749 Medical Home Port team col- NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832 L-R: Dante Flores, 8, Anna Guadalupe Flores, Sgt. Ernesto laborated with key individuals Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175 Hernandez pose with newborn, Axel, who was born at 3:56 a.m. DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098 throughout the hospital and ded- January 1, 2017, on the Maternal Infant and Nursing Ward, Robert icated over 80 on- and off-duty E. Bush Naval Hospital. Axel is the hospital’s first baby of the new hours to submit 11 slide decks year. Attending physician is Cmdr. Susan Antle. Flores and that reflected the quality care Hernandez are both from Nogales, Arizona. Hernandez is assigned Lt. LauraBeth Brogdon is rec- over 8,000 NHTPbeneficiaries to the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, Marine Air Ground Combat ognized for her work in spear- received. Center. (Photo by Lt. j.g. April Currie) heading the NHTPteam that achieved NCQALevel III The comprehensive submission accreditation. Presenting package contained the policy Officer is Capt. Jeffrey and procedures of the Medical Bitterman, NHTP Home Port to include access to Commanding Officer, acting. care, preventative and acute care, medication reconciliation, dard in healthcare. Many stud- nurse-run protocols, ies, both military and civilian, population health, referral man- show medical clinics with a agement and numerous other Office 8250 mhigedhiecra ql uhaolmitye, mloowdeerl cleoasdtss, taond topics. Commanding OfficerNaval Hospital Public Affairs Box 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA92278- ipTtppmmrrraaheoitnpmeidves rimioafncdorvtaeey rletdrm hdsctiee'c as pa ea rfmmaexlo t phciis.eleeuoinrttsmaitt eisroneny' f gac mst nehwio dceoidk tfeeh ccnl atathilrrlee et. o a Tt2Tcpbio0aewohntn1neietee9 niLifnn.sti ety tuN-v vneocaae iefvltnl nio aaedIt ll Iep l PuI rHr oeanoNofdltvm iCs olicp dsuQDaie rtriA a eeshplc ihafaegotocmihrcne brntoqehetrudserea.idtlai tt-yo, LJsee-rRfvfr:e e Cuy opBm tihtmteea rhnmodal inMd aaayns tmde reC aColm hoimnef aD Jneedcriernymg R bOearfmf 2iec2ye ,ri n EC xtahepcetu .N tJiHvoehT nOP fLGfiacamellrbe eyC.ratopnt. 2 -- The Examiner- January - 2017 Sailor in the Spotlight Petty Officer Second Class Mario Acosta Morales Lt. j.g. Elena Williams accepts a Letter of Recognition for Best Performance from the Defense Medical Logistics Division on behalf of the NHTPMaterial Management Department. “Your efforts contributed to an enterprise-wide standardization action, while achieving a com- pliance rate of 97 percent. Your quarterly cost avoidance totaled $10,000. We congratulate you as the FY16, Third Quarter Winner in the medium-spend category for Best Performance.” Elf duty was performed by Seaman Erika Fernandez and Seaman Hector Corona, both from the NHTPEmergency Department, dur- ing the NHTPholiday party at Smith’s Ranch December 13. Santa, aka Don White, arrived from the North Pole, via Orange County. Hospital Corpsman Second now from working with other Class Mario Acosta Morales has volunteers,” Acosta Morales Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United been at NHTPsince May 2014. said. States Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, under exclusive written contract with Apharmacy technician, he’s the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including been in the Navy 10 years. Prior He’s active with the Combined inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States Marine to this assignment, Acosta Federal Campaign and is a Corps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised Morales worked in the pharma- Command Fitness Leader. He in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur- cy at Naval Branch Health reports at 5:30 a.m. three times chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the Clinic, Groton, Connecticut, a week to assist his fellow publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre- only an hour away from his Sailors, and says it’s especially pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif. hometown, Wallingford, satisfying seeing improvement Connecticut. and increased retention Commanding Officer prospects. Capt. John A. Lamberton, MSC, USN Asingle Sailor, Acosta Morales Executive Officer found himself traveling to Los Acosta Morales originally Capt. Jeffrey W. Bitterman, MC, USN Angeles, Las Vegas and even joined the Navy to see the world San Francisco after reporting to and go to school. “It has worked Command MasterChief NHTPto satisfy his appetite for out pretty well. I’ve traveled HMCM (SW/AW/FMF) Jerry Ramey, USN travel. The visits took a toll on quite a bit,” he said. His first his wallet and he began looking duty station was Rota, Spain. Public Affairs Officer/Editor for activities closer to home. He He is currently enrolled in the Mr. Dave Marks joined the Second Class Petty American Military University in Officer’s Association (SCPOA) a health-sciences curriculum Command Ombudsman Ms. Mica Wolkenhauer (252) 503-8070 email: [email protected] and was elected to be public with the goal of becoming either affairs officer. He also began a pharmacist or a physician’s The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti- volunteering with the assistant. For hobbies, Acosta cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferred MCAGCC American Red Cross Morales enjoys soccer and trav- method of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk. youth group. “It’s nice, because el. He has this advice for inex- How to reach us... I’m a single Sailor and it gets perienced Sailors: “You get out Commanding Officer Naval Hospital me connected with other people. of the Navy what you put into Public Affairs Office I have a lot more comraderie it.” He suggests taking advan- Box 788250 MAGTFTC tage of the educational opportu- Twentynine Palms, CA92278-8250 nities early. “I waited a couple Com: (760) 830-2362 of years to start college and now DSN: 230-2362 I’m kicking myself realizing E-mail: [email protected] how much further along I could Hi-Desert Publishing Company be,” he said. “It’s never too late, 56445 Twentynine Palms Highway though. Start pursuing those Yucca Valley, CA92284 goals as early as possible,” he Com: (760) 365-3315 FAX: (760) 365-8686 advised. Preventive Medicine Corner The Examiner- January 2017 -- 3 Lt. Christopher Skirvin Submit Questions/Concerns and Tanya Will Provide Answers was promoted to his cur- rent rank December 14 called and scheduled a consult is going to get you the results in a ceremony on the with a surgeon to look at other you are looking for. NHTPQuarterdeck. options. Do you have any ideas Skirvin is Department on what else is out there for me? Make an appointment to see Head for the Signed, your Primary Care Manager Information Striving to Lose about all of your weight-loss Management options. You may even consider Department. Hometown Dear Striving, meeting with a behavioral con- is Nashville, Tennessee. Military moves and adjusting to sultant located within the prima- Promoting Officer is isolated duty stations often cre- ry-care setting to put the knowl- Cmdr. Gary Grothe. ate changes in lifestyles and edge you have gathered into upset routines. First, I want to manageable practice that will Hospital Corpsman congratulate you on taking the last and help keep the weight First Class Chirsbert right steps to becoming more off. Barbon reenlisted for active and connecting with oth- two more years ers who have faced similar The Naval Hospital has a host December 8. Barbon is Tanya Stuckey obstacles. I also want to remind of resources and our staff is Lead Petty Officer for Dear Tanya, you that every BODYis differ- eager to help you in creating a NHTPDirectorate of I have always been a little more ent and requires a specific plan healthy plan that works for your Branch Clinics. He’s on the heavy side when it comes for healthy weight loss. What specific needs. Keep up the been in the Navy 17 to weight, but I have gained works for some, may not be the great work as you exercise and years. Hometown is San even more since moving to best or healthiest option for you. surround yourself with an Diego, California. Twentynine Palms last year. I True, cutting calories is a rec- encouraging circle of friends Reenlisting Officer is have cut calories, joined a gym, ommendation for losing excess and family. The combination of Cmdr. Rebecca signed up for classes with other weight, but too few calories can a well-balanced meal plan, exer- Navarrete. military spouses, and even result in little to no change and cise and a positive support sys- sought the guidance of other may cause other health issues. tem will get you where you are women who have found success Talk to a dietician about what going and feeling great! Hospital Corpsman Second in losing weight. I have even types of foods and caloric intake --Tanya Class Balofoma Wembakpete reenlisted for four more years December 13. Wembakpete is a preventive medicine techni- cian in the Public Health Directorate. He’s been in the Navy five years. Hometown is Tampa, Florida. Reenlisting Officer is Lt. j.g. Stephanie Harris. Hospital Corpsman Second Residents of the Four Seasons Senior Community in Hemet, Class Daniel Dobrick reenlist- California, with help from members of the California Military Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Cruz was promot- ed for three more years Institute, Perris, California, and the Perris City Rotary Club, ed to his present rank in a December December 2. Dobrick is assis- delivered presents and gift cards Dec. 21 for U.S. Marine and 1 ceremony. Cruz is a staff psychia- tant command career coun- Navy families. Capt. Quinn Hawley (Ret.) helped coordinate the trist in the Mental Health selor. He’s been in the Navy gifts which were donated by the Soboba Casino. “This started Department. He’s been in the Navy eight years. Reenlisting Officer seven years ago when Four Seasons Community president John six years. Lt. Cmdr. William Johnson is Lt. j.g. AG Baranek had a granddaughter in the Navy,” Hawley said. is the promoting officer. 4 - The Examiner-- January 2017 Awardees... The following awards were pre- sented during the First Friday Award Ceremony, December 2, 2016, in NHTPClassrooms 4&5. Hospital Commanding Officer, Capt. John A. Lamberton, was the presenting officer. The Frocking Ceremony was held on December 1. HM3 Nicholas Braun is award- Ms. Tiffany Outlaw is present- HM2 Steven Cullity is awarded HM3 Henry Dawson is award- ed the Navy and Marine Corps ed with a Patient Safety Award. the Navy and Marine Corps ed the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Achievement Medal. Achievement Medal. Ms. Holly Aguilar is presented with a Letter of Commendation citing her selection as NHTP Senior Civilian of the Year. Ms. Beth Allen is presented Lt. Michelle Green is awarded with a Patient Safety Award. HM3 Jazsmin Sherrod is HM2 Tyler Perkins is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps awarded the Navy and Marine the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Corps Achievement Medal. Achievement Medal. Ms. Cathrine Winsor is pre- sented with a Letter of Commendations citing her HM2 Benjamin Clark is award- Lt. Maria Sweat is presented selection as NHTPJunior ed TWO Navy and Marine with a Patient Safety Award. HM2 Joseph Towery is award- HM3 Trevor Williams is Contractor of the Year. Corps Achievement Medals. ed the Navy and Marine Corps awarded the Navy and Marine Achievement Medal. Corps Achievement Medal. The Examiner- January 2017 -- 5 HM3 Trevor Williams is pinned to his current rank in a Dec. 1 HM2 Seth Anderson is pinned CS3 Alexandria Johnson is HM2 Carlie Buddemeyer is Dr. Lindsey Keeley is presented Frocking Ceremony. to his present rank in a Dec. 1 pinned to her present rank in a pinned to her present rank in a with a Letter of Commendation Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. citing her selection as NHTP Senior Contractor of the Year. HM3 Clint Stringer is pinned HM3 Dylan Beck is pinned to HM3 Johnanthan Rodney is HM3 Julio Garcia (center) is HM3 Marquis Thomas is to his present rank in a Dec. 1 his present rank in a Dec. 1 pinned to his present rank in a pinned to his present rank in a pinned to his present rank in Frocking Ceremony. Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. CS3 Paula Caudle is pinned to HM3 Rudolf Duran is pinned HM3 Suriel Torrespagan is HM3 Trevor Morganstern is HM3 Rome Lake is pinned to her present rank in a Dec. 5 to his present rank in a Dec. 1 pinned to his present rank in a pinned to his present rank in a his present rank in Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. Dec. 1 Frocking Ceremony. Frocking Ceremony. 6 -- The Examiner- January 2017 Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard! HM1 Christian Tilley HM3 Dyresha McKay Cmdr. Patricia Miller Ms. Carissa Walton Ms. Gina Buffaloe Ms. Carissa Walton is NHTP’s Hospital Corpsman First Class Hospital Corpsman Third Class Cmdr. Patricia Miller arrived Ms. Gina Buffaloe is our new Department of Health Manage- Christian Tilley arrived from 1st Dyresha McKay arrived from from the Captain James A. Patient Relations Officer. She ment new Case Manager. Marine Division, Camp Camp Pendleton where she Lovell Federal Health Center in retired from the Navy in 2011 as Originally from Utah, Walton Pendleton, where he was worked in the Mental Health Illinois where she was division a psychiatric technician; and her has lived in Twentynine Palms Leading Petty Officer for 2nd Directorate and the Substance officer for outpatient mental last duty station was Naval with her family since 2004. She Battalion, 1st Marines, deploy- Abuse Clinic. She’s been in the health and consult services. Hospital Lemoore. She had earned her registered-nursing ing twice in that role. He’s been Navy for three and a half years. Miller has been in the Navy 24 returned to Birmingham, degree from Copper Mountain in the Navy 13 years. He was Camp Pendleton was her first years. At NHTP, she will be a Alabama, where she was taking College in Joshua Tree. She is originally drawn to the Navy duty station. At NHTP, McKay nurse practitioner in the medical courses in criminal justice from mother to five children, the old- from a goal of becoming an is assigned to the Mental homeport for Marines and Strayer University. Buffaloe has est a senior in high school, the EMT/paramedic. Navy Health Clinic in the AMCC. Sailors. She’s here with her hus- had patient relations training youngest is 18-months-old. Her Medicine seemed like a natural Hometown is St. Louis, band who retired from the Navy and held the patient relations husband retired from the Marine fit. With both his grandfather Missouri. She joined the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 position in the Mental Health Corps and was MCAGCC pub- and father Navy veterans, Tilley to take advantage of the career with a specialty in ordnance. Directorate at Naval Medical lic affairs officer before retiring is third generation Navy. Born and education opportunities as Both are glad to be away from Center San Diego. “I’m a natu- in 2008. He’s now the cross- in San Diego, he grew up in well as a more positive environ- the harsh Illinois winter. She rally compassionate, empathetic country and track coach at the Seymour, Tennessee. Tilley is ment. “It’s working out great,” grew up in an Air Force family person who enjoys problem high school. “We’re all usually currently enrolled with National she said. “I’ve definitely and lived all over, but lists solving,” she said. Buffaloe has involved in Saturday races,” University working on his RN enjoyed my time in the Navy so Austin, Texas, as her favorite been a military-medicine patient Walton noted. She said she’s degree. He is considering apply- far. There are endless opportuni- place. Miller is prior enlisted and said that experience bolsters looking forward to bringing her ing for a nursing commission ties and you just have to ask and served six years as an avia- her already strong skill set. She organizational skills to the case but hasn’t made a final decision. questions, get involved and do tion machinist mate. She said is looking forward to a systemic manager position. “Organizing He’s familiar with the high it.” McKay is currently enrolled she enjoyed that, but had always approach to problem solving. the needs of the service mem- desert from multiple training with MiraCosta College in wanted to be a nurse and She’s here with her son, 25, and bers, helping them with appoint- excursions from Camp Oceanside with the goal of earn- returned to school, earning her her daughter, 19. They’ve found ments and helping them get Pendleton. Tilley is awaiting ing a liberal arts degree and RN from Fresno State and her a house in Twentynine Palms, back to the level of activity base housing, at which time his working in early childhood edu- Master’s degree in Nursing which she says has a beautiful they’ve been accustomed to, wife and 10-year-old son will cation. She enjoys spending from Rush University in view. For hobbies she enjoys especially with the great case join him. Hobbies include soft- time with her family, which Chicago. She also has a her two dogs, a shephard mix, 6, management team we have here, ball, wood working and reading. consists of a one-year-old and Master’s in Human Relations and a Catahoula Leopard dog, 9. is something I’m looking for- He enjoys reading history, fan- her husband, a Corpsman with from Oklahoma State Univer- She fosters dogs and matches ward to being a part of.” tasy and general fiction. the 7th Marine Regiment. sity. Hobbies include travel. unwanted dogs with homes. New Year’s Log Entry The Examiner- January 2017 -- 7 by Lt. Maureena B. Sosa 2016 Through the Camera Lens Alas the New Year is here! Greetings to all near and dear, January July The Medical Mecca of the Mojave, Left: Standing by in full gear. Ribbon cutting The staff on watch is making rounds, for new All doors secured, temp checks are done, MRI Flight deck free of FOD and lights work around, suite. All conditions normal; everyone is safe and sound. While most of the heroes lay flat on their backs, After enjoying some champagne and lamb on rack, New AMCC Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony February And maybe midnight kisses from their better halves, The hospital is protected by our duty staff. August The Emergency Room, MSWand MIND, Patient Admin, X-ray, Lab and Pharmacy, NHTPanswers the call of duty, 24/7, 365 always manned to deliver world-class quality. Who will be the first baby to arrive? Everyone is surely excited for the gift of life, Supply Corps 221st Birthday (Feb. 23) 1st Annual Continuous Process Improvement Fair Hail to the soon to be parents, March September Such an honor to be part of this greatness. Our brothers and sisters in the Marine Corps, Another year of training and more, What a privilege it is to uphold, Their readiness and health is our service’s core. What’s in store for all of us? Best believe there’s more to come, Last Year’s business we will carry forward, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society Always aiming for improvement. April NHTPOmbudsman Mica Wolkenhauer is welcomed aboard. October Dr. Lund wants us to remember the phrase “You Matter,” For this is a place where everyone is empowered, Contributions are valued and encouraged, Knowledge is enhanced and definitely fostered. Oh how we treasure our partnerships, Working side by side, garnering best practices, Disseminating such a great package, Not only here but throughout the system. Chief Petty Officer 123rd Birthday (April 1). Knowledge is power; sharing is caring, Navy’s 241st Birthday is celebrated in Las Vegas. This culture we will be embracing, May November The Command Communication Plan, we should be reading, AHigh Reliability Organization we should be maintaining. From our civilian staff and military of all ranks, Passion and dedication are always at hand, Delivering world class and efficient care, Driven by the principles of partnership, readiness and health. As we close another year, Great memories we will keep, 241st U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps Anniversary. The smile on our patients’faces, Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage celebration Is what makes everything so dear. December June Captain Lamberton has taken the helm, Reminding one and all, That the cloth of our nation, Is a sacred thing to behold. He looks at every staff with a great sense of pride, The honor and happiness, with words he cannot describe, How fortunate he is, commissioned to be in charge, Of such a great organization that deserves more than a great applause. Editor’s note: Lt. Sosa presented this to the NHTPExecutive Steering Command Master Chief Jerry Ramey is welcomed Combat Center American Red Cross Youth Group delivers Committee as its first order of business for 2017. aboard in a Change of Charge ceremony. signed holiday banner in support of NHTPstaff. 8 -- The Examiner- January - 2017