ANDREWS AFB, Md –
My name is Col. Bob Miller, and I took command of the 79th Medical Group Malcolm Grow Medical Center on Jan. 17. As a Uniformed Services University School of Medicine graduate, some 20 years ago, I could not have been happier to return to my old stomping grounds in a different role. It has only been two months since my arrival from RAF Lakenheath in the UK, however much has transpired in this short period of time that is worth sharing. Clearly change will be a constant over the upcoming year. That being said, one thing that will not change is our commitment to providing the highest quality medical care for those who choose Malcolm Grow as their military medical treatment facility.
My vision for Malcolm Grow is to be "a medical treatment facility of choice providing agile joint medical services in a dynamic global environment." I realize patients in the National Capital Region have many choices about where to receive their care. I also appreciate we may not be the largest or newest facility around, which is all the more evident realizing we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary this summer. What we plan to offer that will set us apart from our competition is unmatched customer service built around the core value of "service before self." The medics of the 79 MDG are proud of our heritage which is best exemplified by our new logo: "Malcolm Grow Medics ... The Face of Air Force Medicine."
We had an opportunity to put this commitment to the test, when staff assembled for a 'Pride Day.' Active duty and civilian medics got together to use some old fashion elbow grease to clean the facility for you, our patients. Although mother nature did not fully cooperate, the morning culminated in a "FOD walk" around the grounds of the facility. The pride and passion of the medics was evident during this team building event. Some staff could not participate because they were providing state of the art care for patients in the Emergency Department or on the wards. For those in attendance, it was an opportunity to ensure the Face of Air Force Medicine continues to sparkle.
'Pride Day' also helped us prepare for our upcoming Joint Commission and AFIA inspections. The week-long event - the most important inspection for a MDG - is expected soon, so don't be surprised to see additional activity around the hospital as we make final preparations. This is one more opportunity to display our pride and leave no doubt that we are the healthcare facility of choice for those living in our catchment area.
There will also be ongoing construction at the hospital over the next few months.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy will move from the main tower to building 1075, where the MDG Conference Center is presently located. The move will create space for the new Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center. Other renovations will be ongoing throughout the facility to enhance the services being offered. Once again, change will be the constant as we strive to improve options for care. I look forward to having the opportunity to personally show you why we are proud to call ourselves "Malcolm Grow Medics ... The Face of Air Force Medicine."