ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Malcolm Grow Medical Center celebrates 50 years of service today. Named after Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Malcolm Grow in 1962, the center was dedicated to man who served as a field doctor in both world wars, was selected as the first Air Force Surgeon General in 1949, and was active in military medicine until his death in 1960.
Originally named the USAF Hospital Andrews, construction began in June 1955 and was completed in May 1958, costing $5.5 million. Staffed by Bolling and Andrews medical personnel, the facility opened on August 4, 1958 and provided care to over 75,000 area military personnel and their families.
Today there are 372,200 eligible beneficiaries within 40 miles of MGMC. On a typical day, MGMC providers see 930 outpatients, 90 dental patients, 72 emergency room patients and has five inpatients. Staff complete seven surgical procedures and perform two deliveries. The Aeromedical Staging Flight takes care of 30 patients transitioning through the National Capital Region and carries out 1,963 pharmacy procedures. In 2007, MGMC oversaw over 10,400 patient and attendant movements alone.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Maxwell W. Steel, Jr., is the guest speaker at this evening's dining out commemorating the 50th anniversary of MGMC. General Steel was appointed in 1969 as MGMC commander and Surgeon of Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force. General Steel became command surgeon, Military Airlift Command in August 1970 and was appointed deputy surgeon general of the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 1, 1972.