JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 673d Medical Group (MDG) and Health Net Federal Services held a Medical Provider Open House Oct. 24, 2019, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The event was held to strengthen the relationships of the base’s mission partners with over 100 people attending.
“I think it’s great for clinicians to have a good relationship with the providers who are referring patients to them,” said Briana Leatham, a physical therapist at Wasilla Physical Therapy. “I think being able to see what providers here on base are able to do for military members is beneficial for us as well."
The event showcased the 673d MDG capabilities with a C-17 Globemaster III tour and a demonstration of patient movement.
Leadership from the 673d MDG also used the event to thank local providers for their partnerships and support.
Off base providers enable us to take care of our Airmen and soldiers at JBER, said U.S. Air Force Col. Sean O’Brien, 673d Surgical Operations Squadron commander. We can’t have the base that we have without the support from outside medical providers. Having a network of medical providers in the local area gives us a way to provide care that the 673d MDG may not be able to provide.
Providers were able to network with and ask questions to their military counterparts
As a result of these positive interactions, event organizers said they were optimistic about the event’s impact.
“I think it was a fantastic affair, it was a great opportunity for the providers in our network to have discussions with their counterparts in the 673d MDG,” said Bryan Longmuir, the director for TRICARE West Regional Support Office Tacoma. “We really appreciate what the Anchorage providers do for the military community here and we want to continue to foster that relationship and make it better going forward.”