Surgical squadron remains on the cutting edge

  • Published
  • By James Spellman Jr.
  • 60th Medical Group Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Both domestically and overseas in hostile war zones, 60th Surgical Operations Squadron personnel deliver general surgery, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedic, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecological health services for more than 500,000 Department of Defense and Department of Veteran Affairs eligible patients. It sustains more than 1,800 surgical cases involving more than 8,600 specific surgical procedures, including more than 400 deliveries annually.

The 60th MSOS maintains readiness and supports worldwide contingency operations with more than 378 personnel utilizing a $4.4 million budget that also supports Air Expeditionary Force missions, 10 research protocols, five graduate-level medical education programs and clinical Phase II training.

"The vision and enthusiasm of 60th MSOS personnel has facilitated a remarkable resurgence in surgery at DGMC, strengthening partnerships and invigorating their 'Just Say Yes' attitude that forged a dramatic 32 percent case volume increase over a three-year period," said Col. (Dr.) Kevin Connolly, 60th Medical Group commander. "Their diligence to surgical skills maintenance was instrumental in the signing of a 2010 California state bill that allowed military physicians to practice in civilian facilities under training agreements."

Some of the 60th MSOS' major accomplishments include the completion of a $5.4 million heart, lung and vascular center in 2010, ensuring DGMC exceeded its first-year surgical case goals. This year alone, the center has completed more than 80 cardiac surgeries and 300 vascular surgical procedures.

According to Connolly, these accomplishments were the direct result of three joint partnerships with local trauma hospitals that ensure vital currency skills are kept razor-sharp for surgeons, nurses and technicians deploying to the front lines of Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The 60th MSOS does such amazing things because of their outstanding Airmen, civilians, contractors and volunteers," Connolly said. "Clearly they embody the motto, 'Airmen first, medics always.' I'm extremely proud of you."