U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Baxter, allergist and immunologist with the 56th Healthcare Operations Squadron, Maj. Lauren Gabreski, allergist and immunologist with the 48th HCOS, and Lt. Col. Tasha Hellu, allergist and immunologist with the 10th HCOS, pose for a graduation photo by a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt at the Lackland Parade Field, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in June 2024. Gabreski’s grandfather, retired Air Force Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski, flew the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt during World War II and the Korean War, becoming one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to achieve ace status in two wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Steigelman)

Oct. 1, 2024

Air Force Officer Honors Family Legacy Through Medical Service and Leadership

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — In a small Greek diner on Long Island, New York, U.S. Air Force Maj. Lauren Gabreski remembers the summers spent with her grandfather, Francis "Gabby" Gabreski. While she and her brother played in the booth, their grandfather—better known as one of America’s top fighter aces—shared stories not of aerial combat, but of faith and family. As an Air Force allergist and immunologist, Gabreski carries the values instilled by her grandfather. After completing the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center on June 30, 2024, she transitioned to the 48th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on her journey before the move, Gabreski shared how her family's military service shaped her path.

The Department of Defense’s Substance Use Education campaigns include “Own Your Limits,” focused on responsible drinking; “You Can Quit 2,” DOD’s tobacco cessation initiative; and “Too Much To Lose,” addressing prescription and illicit drug misuse.

Oct. 1, 2024

Substance Use Disorder Symposium highlights knowing the red flags, testing, novel therapies

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — Drug testing in the military, red flags [for abuse], and the use of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy were some of the topics discussed during the 2024 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Symposium, recently hosted by the National Capital Region (NCR) Pain Initiative (NCRPI) and Tele-Pain Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Doctor wearing white coat sits on a couch next to an elderly patient and shows her a clipboard.

Oct. 1, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Understanding How TRICARE For Life Works With Medicare

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Are you approaching Medicare eligibility? Unlock your health by understanding how TRICARE For Life works with Medicare and plan your coverage effectively, while avoiding out-of-pocket costs.

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the positive aspects of aging and raise awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults.

Sept. 30, 2024

Healthy Aging Month: Improving, maintaining health with age

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the positive aspects of aging and raise awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults.

Woman lies in dental chair with eyes closed and has teeth examined.

Sept. 26, 2024

Finding the Right TRICARE Dental Program Dentist After Moving

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Relocating can be an exciting, but stressful, time. Worrying about your family’s dental needs shouldn’t be part of that stress. Here’s a guide to help you find a dentist and understand the advantages of choosing a network provider with the TDP.

Dr. Gregory Chesnut (Urology) is listed as #2 among the top 20 specialty care providers in the third quarter’s Joint Outpatient Experience Survey (JOES) recently released by officials of the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

Sept. 26, 2024

Walter Reed, Defense Health Network National Capital Region Excel in JOES Best of the Best Rankings

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — Patients rated five Walter Reed physicians and two clinics among “the best of the best” in delivery care in results of the third quarter’s Joint Outpatient Experience Survey (JOES) recently released by officials of the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

The ribbon-cutting ceremony image

Sept. 25, 2024

New Intrepid Spirit Center for Fort Bliss, last to be built for NICoE

WBAMC Fort Bliss, Tx — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at William Beaumont Army Medical Center to celebrate the opening of the newly constructed Intrepid Spirit Center.

Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point recognized Sailors and staff at an awards ceremony held Wednesday, September 25 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Those recognized, from left to right were Mr. Kevin Murphy as Senior Employee of the Quarter, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Jabari Parker with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Hospital Corpsman Second class Kaytelyn Barros as Sailor of the Quarter, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Vanessa Schoefield as Junior Sailor of the Quarter, Hospitalman Nidya Salazar as Junior Sailor of the Quarter, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Alyssa Gastelum with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Victoria Synoground with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Sept. 25, 2024

Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point Honors Sailors, Staff at September Awards Ceremony

MCAS Cherry Point — Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point recognized Sailors and staff at an awards ceremony held Wednesday, September 25 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Walter Reed National Military recently received the prestigious 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) database.

Sept. 24, 2024

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Alexander T. Augusta Medical Center Receive Prestigious 5-Star Ratings in National Survey

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — The Defense Health Network National Capital Region (DHN-NCR) is proud to announce that both Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Alexander T. Augusta Medical Center (ATAMMC) have earned coveted 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) database. This prestigious recognition is based on patient surveys collected from October 2022 through September 2023, reflecting exceptional patient experiences across multiple areas of hospital care.

Group shot of NMCP personnel and staff from the Japanese training ships S Kashima and JS Shimakaze.

Sept. 24, 2024

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Welcomes Japanese Navy Personnel

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth — Portsmouth, Va. (Sept. 23, 2024) Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) staff hosted medical personnel from ships that are part of the Japanese Training Squadron’s Overseas Training Cruise, Sept. 23. An orientation tour and briefs at various locations in the medical center were given to the Japanese medical sailors and officers from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze.

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