No bones about it: Musculoskeletal clinic opens

  • Published
  • By Jim Spellman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With the slicing of a blue ribbon by an oversized ceremonial scissor, Travis base leadership, along with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs' Northern California Health Care System and Sierra Pacific Network, debuted a new Musculoskeletal clinic at David Grant USAF Medical Center March 6.

More than 100 attendees from the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings, 60th Medical Group, Air Force Medical Support Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and United Excel contractor team were invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art facility, located on the first floor in the southwest corner of DGMC, across from the pediatrics clinic.

The project took 15 months to complete at a cost of $11 million. According to DGMC officials, the most difficult challenge was the transition of the orthopedics clinic, which had to be temporarily relocated twice during the construction process.

"DGMC's new Musculoskeletal clinic co-locates five modalities -podiatry, chiropractic, orthopedics, occupational therapy and physical therapy departments -into a fully integrated and cutting-edge physical rehabilitation center, which is a remarkable achievement," said Col. Doreen Wilder, 60th MDG hospital administrator. "New equipment, furnishings and an outdoor treatment courtyard will enhance the spectrum of care, while providing an ambiance which will improve the patient experience at DGMC."

The outdoor physical therapy courtyard is a unique feature of the clinic, making this military treatment facility the only one in the surrounding area with this type of comprehensive care. The PT courtyard serves up a progression of exercises designed to help a patient return to mission. It also provides environmental exposure for reacclimation during the rehabilitation process.

According to Wilder, this one-stop shop for all musculoskeletal functions provides for a greater collaboration of care amongst the specialty care providers, thereby enhancing patient care and seamless handoffs between departments, ensuring continuity of care. The physical therapy department also sponsors an internship program for 10 universities nationwide for 10 to 12 students per year.

"It enables our providers and students to work in a state-of-the-art treatment facility and expands their spectrum of care," Wilder explained. "It also enhances the joint incentive funded project we have with the VA for orthopedic surgery."

Use of lean design tools from Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program facilitated increased capacity with the expectation of improved access to care, magnifying current physical therapy and occupational therapy treatment space by 200 percent.

"Utilizing AFSO21 techniques has also doubled orthopedics and podiatry patient care capacity, which gives us the potential to expand our partnership with the VA," Wilder said.
With the focus on health, wellness and quality of life, this extensive multi-department modernization will advance the 60th MDG's vision as a Flagship medical center, advancing global care, according to Maj. Statwell Sinclair, Air Force Medical Support Agency, Health Facilities Division. "The amplified capacity will also provide an expanded partnership with the VA by increasing access and allowing care for more of our local veterans at DGMC," Sinclair said.

The completion of the new clinic marks an important milestone at DGMC. It nearly wraps up the second of three phases totaling $106 million to date in a structural improvement and modernization program that has been ongoing since 2008. The effort marks the first large-scale renovation of the medical facility since opening its doors in December 1988.

Currently, the interventional radiology department has been undergoing its new facelift since October 2012 with a completion date this summer. Meanwhile, the areas recently vacated by the podiatry, chiropractic, orthopedics, occupational therapy and physical therapy departments will bring a new and improved alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment clinic next to the mental health department.

"Additionally, a new café, known as Grant Central Station began construction last week and should be completed by June," Wilder said. "It will house a coffee bar and provide a place for patients and staff to relax and read, enjoy a cup of coffee or get on the Wi-Fi."

The third phase of renovation is in the design review phase and is 35 percent complete. Ground breaking and construction should begin in the fall.

For more information, contact DGMC at 423-7544.