Branch Medical Clinic is here for you

Photo By Cpl. R. J. Driver | Petty Officer 2nd Class Efrain Lopez, a lab corpsman with the Naval Hospital, draws blood from Lance Cpl. Joshua Martinez, a communications navigator with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, on July 20 at the Branch Medical Clinic.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

07.23.2009

Story by Pfc. R. J. Driver 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

BEAUFORT, S.C. - Accidents are bound to happen in the day-to-day lives of Marines and Sailors. The Branch Medical Clinic aboard the Air Station is dedicated to keeping Marines and Sailors in the fight, administering shots, storing medical records and keeping service members mission ready.

"Our mission is important, yet simple," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Milas Sturdivant, the assistant leading petty officer with the BMC. "It is to provide excellent, efficient and safe healthcare services to our patients while ensuring operational readiness."

The BMC has 80 Sailors on hand to provide friendly and effective services, who aid in mission completion and continue its duty to maintain troops' health.

"These sailors have an important role in keeping service members in the fight and ready for deployment," said Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Moody, the senior enlisted leader with the BMC.

According to Sgt. Shawn Kennedy, the tool room noncommissioned officer-in-charge with Marine Aircraft Logistics Squadron 31, when coming to a medical facility, patients often have certain basic expectations. Some expectations are friendly and knowledgeable doctors, quality service and an accurate diagnosis. When the BMC meets expectations, it receives positive feedback and an upstanding reputation.

"The medical facility and services are great," said Kennedy. "It's helpful to be able to come in, be seen and treated the same day."

The BMC offers X-rays, optometry, audiology, emergency and routine dental work, pre and post-deployment exams and immunizations to its patients using today's most current technology.

"Many of the machines in the hospital have been updated within the past couple months," Sturdivant said. "We have had our lab remodeled and a brand-new x-ray machine installed.

"There are only a few services we do not offer on the Air Station, such as surgeries and physical therapy," Sturdivant added. "For those services, we refer the Marine or sailor to the Naval Hospital Beaufort so they can be better treated."

Any concerns about your pre or post deployment health care, dental appointments or sick call needs can be taken care of between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Date Taken: 07.23.2009
• Date Posted: 07.23.2009 15:54
• Story ID: 36727
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US