JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Dr. Jason Oaks, head of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (MGMCSC), was named the 79th Medical Wing Civilian of the Quarter, Category III, because of his efforts over the past year to improve the quality and diversity of examinations offered by the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
"He arrived at a time of critical manning (Radiologist staffing was then at 20%) and jumped in with two feet to pitch in and help out. Merely meeting demands of the daily job has not been enough. Dr. Oaks has continued to push forward to increase efficiency, increase capabilities, and care for more patients in a safer and even more efficient manner. He has also stepped up during unforeseen circumstances to bear the brunt of the load of the department's daily work in order to allow his colleagues medical leave. He has never met a challenge that he cannot overcome and many more great things are expected from him in the months and years to follow," said 779th Flight Commander for the Diagnostic Imaging Flight, Major (Dr.) Susan Carbognin.
The unique part of being a radiologist is that he has to interact with virtually every other department on nearly a daily basis.
"The Department of Diagnostic Imaging is an important part of the 79th Medical Wing, as we perform a core need to complete the medical mission. We offer support across nearly all of the components of the wing ranging from the Emergent Care Clinic to family medicine to the dental clinics as well. I am a diagnostic radiologist in our department. A diagnostic radiologist is a physician who interprets imaging studies and acts as consult to other physician such as a family practitioner. I aid in the diagnosis of various ailments and help guide other physicians as it relates to imaging. I also perform a variety of image-guided procedures, such as biopsies and joint injections," said Dr. Oaks.
When he became aware of the position with the 779th Medical Group in the summer of 2014, he was eager to return to a role where he could support active duty personnel, retirees, and their dependents.
"I get to speak with patients and help direct all of the Airmen that support our section to ensure that the imaging needs of our patients and providers are met. I love that I get the chance to care for the best patient population in the country. Our active duty, retired, and dependent patients are a pleasure to serve, and we take their care very seriously. I am also proud of the staff that we have in our department. They are respectful, responsible and enthusiastic on a daily basis, and it is an honor to work with all of them," said Oaks.
The job here is very unique compared to other Diagnostic Imaging jobs in the National Capital Region (NCR).
"As a MGMCSC Radiologist, Dr. Oaks is an attending physician for residents at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base, California. He is also part of the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Staff and reads/interprets imaging exams from both locations on a regular basis. MGMCSC Diagnostic Imaging also provides interpretation services for the 579th Medical Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. In addition, Dr. Oaks must perform his duties utilizing teleradiology services. This means he is able to perform his job at a moment's notice wherever he may be located, from his laptop. Other NCR radiologists are unable to perform their duties outside of the office environment," said Carbognin.
Dr. Oaks embodies the 79th Medical Wing's mission of Ready Airmen...Premier Global Healthcare.