Capt Pluta asked me if I wanted to submit a note for this AFAA Newsletter. Of course I said “yes”, but that was a couple of months ago. Therefore, if any of you are wondering why there may have been a delay in publishing this edition, well now you know. My delinquency is a reflection of the schedule I have been keeping recently, which probably pales by comparison to yours. I have been traveling quite a bit, but fortunately, it has provided me the opportunity to visit with some of you. There is always a silver lining.
Each year about this time, I notice how much change has occurred over the past year. This year is no different. We have seen the arrival of a stellar group of new (AKA young) audiologists who have exceeded my expectations in the quality of care they provide and the degree of professionalism they exhibit. I can’t tell you what a relief that is, as I interviewed several of them. Unfortunately, in gaining new talent, that means we have lost several tremendous officers and friends.
- Maj Paula McPhail retired and resettled in the Southeast where she has proceeded to acquire a Southern accent (you would have to know her to appreciate that, y’all).
- Capt (Dr.) Les Loiseau is now going by the Doctor title and is still in Washington State.
- Maj Linda Morris, Maj (s) Tom Spongberg, and Capt Will Lopez decided to separate from the AF, each responding to a separate call to the civilian sector.
We will continue to miss them and the many positive contributions they made to the USAF.
I am really excited about how many you have found it possible to pursue the AuD, regardless of the program. There are more changes occurring with these programs and I am struggling to keep up with these. The important part is that those who are receiving this training are brining even more expertise to their patients and facilities – talents that I depend upon for advice on various topics.
TRICARE has presented each of us with unique challenges, both as practitioners and patients. It is very important that we understand the “system” as well as possible, so that we can competently explain the services available to our beneficiaries. I have heard too many comments from military members that have been negative, which were based on faulty information. No one will argue that there is room for improvement in this program, but we need to work to help our patients (and family members) understand how to get the best use of TRICARE. To do otherwise makes us part of the problem. As providers, we also need to understand the whole issue of accountability; that includes the whole area of coding. If we don’t take proper credit for what we do, we won’t get proper credit. This does not mean, “cooking the books.” Accurately counting what we do is what is needed.
There have been some really exciting initiatives over the past year that directly impact audiology and speech pathology. Each of the Consultants was asked to provide input for “Warskills Competencies”, or how we might be utilized in a wartime scenario if not as an audiologist or speech pathologist. The first hack at this was done several years ago by the then Associate Chief, Col (ret) Merle Tanner. Our role was seen as augmenting mental health in counseling during crises. I further expanded this to include augmenting Public Health, Bioenvironmental Engineering, and ENT. Some of you may have seen this already. Please understand that none of this has been coordinated with the respective career field Consultants. This was a vision of where we might go; our ability to get training in the Public Health course at USAFSAM is a reflection of that intent. I hope to approach the leadership in these career fields and see what might be possible.
This vision fits nicely into LtGen Carlton’s efforts for the International Health Specialist career tract. I am part of the planning group for this initiative, and have kept our specialties at the front, as we can easily have a role in Humanitarian Relief Operations (HUMRO) and Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). With that in mind, each of you needs to look at what language talents you have, or could acquire. If you have language competency, you should arrange to be tested through your Education Office.
You will receive a numeric rating that will determine:
- If you deserve monetary compensation for your skills (yes, you could receive an extra amount of money if you speak a foreign language).
- If you would be a candidate as an IHS.
- For more information about this program, search for the International Health Specialist web site.
Another exciting area is something just starting (so I can’t tell you much about it) and revolves around the concept of “Team Aerospace,” a title we have heard about for several years. We have considered ourselves key players in this arena and, as of this year, are perceived to be just that by our colleagues in Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Bioenvironmental Engineering, Health Physics, and Military Public Health. In this case, I am speaking for the audiology career specialty. This is part of LtGen Carlton’s view of a “hub-and-spoke” concept for medical care and prevention. The “hub” would be a “Center of Excellence” (the repository of expertise in a specific area) and the “spokes” would be the direct service at base level. I know all this sounds foreign and vague…because it is. I will keep you posted, as more specifics become available.
There have been many moves that have occurred in the past months that leave me struggling to follow. Maj (s) Steele is helping me in this effort by taking over for Capt Juvan (Smith). As soon as he recovers from a “system crash” he will be able to get a listing to all of us.
Regardless of whether or not you have moved or been recently assigned, I would like you all to, once again, conduct a Business Case Analysis of your operations. Lt Col (s) Stokes can provide you the tool and guidance in this area. Once you have done so, put together a briefing for your SQ/CC or Group/CC that describes what you do and shows them how cost effective you are in doing so. Before you do, please contact me so I can have a copy of your briefing. This approach was extremely helpful last year in proving the need for our services in uniform and that it was the best business decision. A copy of a briefing template can be obtained from Maj Narrigan.
Let me close by thanking each and every one of you for being the outstanding professionals that you are. This is recognized by your fellow BSCs at every meeting that I attend. It is also recognized by the successes we have had with promotions. As you know, I was thrilled for the wisdom of selecting Col Wirth; he is certainly one the premier AFMS leaders. Our most recent selectees to Major are Ava Craig, Ane Shull, and Stephen Steele. There have been several others over the past year. All of this means a great celebration at the next Short Course (which should be in August 2001). Congratulations to all!
Have a Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukah, and a very Merry Christmas! God’s blessings on all of you for the year to come.
Sincerely,
John Allen