JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Our doctors at the 779th Medical Group are an inspiring group of medical professionals who are committed to providing the very best medical care and make a significant contribution in support of the Air Force medical mission every day. To recognize their dedication and thank them for their service, we created a large, poster size thank you note, signed by the staff at the 779 MDG, which is on display in the front lobby of the clinic.
We asked three of our doctors why they chose to be a physician in the Air Force and what Trusted Care means to them:
“I always knew I wanted to become a doctor and was familiar with the military because my family has a rich history in serving our country. When I found out the military had multiple medical specialties, I wanted to do my part and serve in that way. Being a physician in the Air Force is a rewarding career where I get to care for the dependents of our nations heroes. There is a uniqueness to this population that the civilian world does not always understand in regards to deployments, parents being gone, and the difficulties that our families face. I feel blessed that I have been specially trained to help treat some of these issues. I’m fortunate to have had many unique career opportunities and hope to continue to broaden my knowledge base,” said Maj. (Dr.) Tiffany Hamilton (Stratton), 779th Medical Group, pediatrician
“I chose to become a doctor in the US Air Force during my time as an ROTC student at the University of Florida and continued my studies at the Uniformed Services University for medical school. I love being a doctor in the military because the quality of care we provide is unmatched in the civilian sector. We can truly focus on patients, doing what is best for them and protecting the Air Force mission, without being encumbered by limitations of medical insurance. I have many more opportunities in the military than would be offered to me in a civilian setting,” said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Vanessa Wong, 779th Medical Group, forensic psychiatrist.
“As a Korean American, I am very thankful to this country for the opportunities provided to me and my family. After 9/11, I wanted to serve in the military but, as the youngest of three siblings, I knew my parents wouldn’t be able to afford college, let alone medical school. I was accepted to Virginia Tech with an Air Force ROTC scholarship and then continued my studies at the Uniformed Services University for medical school. I chose the Air Force because of the cooperative progression in medicine and my exposure to esteemed and knowledgeable female physicians in the Air Force that served as role models,” said Capt. (Dr.) Esther Guard, family physician.
“Trusted care means both the physician and patient/family are involved in care. I believe respect in both ways needs to occur, otherwise effective and trusted care would not be adequately delivered. Full honesty from both parties is at the base,” said Hamilton (Stratton).
“Trusted care means that a patient can come in for assistance and be assured they will get the best possible care available to them. It means treating the person as a whole rather than treating an acute symptom and listening to and assessing their needs in a fully comprehensive way so the patient feels they have had all their questions answered and needs met,” said Wong.
“Trusted care is treating patients how I would like my family to be taken care of. It’s being able to diagnose accurately, treat effectively, and provide support and motivation when needed,” said Guard.
A Big Thanks to all our 779 MDG doctors! We appreciate all you do.