29th BCT docs remember the Lava Clinic

Photo By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster | Lt. Col. C. Tucker Joustra, a doctor with the 29th Brigade Combat Team, gathers some equiptment near the computer his desk at the Lava Clinic on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.  

01.05.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

The 29th Brigade Combat Team doctors opened the doors of their Lava Clinic to those in need on Logistical Support Area Anaconda nearly a year ago because they wanted to help the men and women of the United States armed forces.

Physician's assistants and doctors all have a difficult job. They're the caregivers who offer support and answers to patients in need. "Need" constitutes a variety of different things. From runny noses to broken bones, the Lava Clinic staff offered care for illnesses and injuries.

The doctors at the Lava Clinic agreed to open their doors to the public to alleviate the burden that the troop medical center had. The doctors didn't want to turn anyone away and knew that the post TMC dealt with the majority of the occupants on the LSA.

Lt. Col. C. Tucker Joustra, a doctor at the Lava Clinic and family practitioner from Lamar, Mo., explained that helping others has been a major element of his work.

"One of my patients back home told me before I left that she would miss me, but our American troops deserve good care, too," Joustra said.

Joustra, a boisterous man with a huge smile, is part of a team that consists of four doctors and two physician's assistants.

"The National Guard unit [29th BCT] took us into their unit and opened up their hearts to us," Joustra said.

The cohesive nature of the unit has allowed them to do a multitude of different tasks including: detainee exams, care for local nationals, and helping the contractors and third country nationals, in addition to treating Soldiers. Capt. Roy Ouano is a physician's assistant and the Lava Clinic's OIC. Ouano has worked with the local nationals and has treated upper respiratory infections, dermatological cases, including second and third degree burns, and acute gastroenteritis. They have even performed minor surgery while in local villages.

"I thought about the question of the local nationals appreciating our services. I think the chaka sign tells it all," Ouano said. The chaka sign is a wave with only the thumb and pinky finger extended.

"These kids waving the chaka sign as we leave their village is a heart-warming sign that we have won these children's uncensored and uncorrupted hearts and minds," Ouano said.

The clinic welcomes injured or ill patrons from Anaconda and is willing to help those who cannot make it to the clinic by bringing the medical care to them.

Each member of the team leaves behind the practice of civilian medical care and research.

Capt. Robert Ferry is a pediatric endocrinologist from Texas. He has published multiple research papers regarding the innovative treatment of diabetes. Ferry, an officer in the National Guard, requested duty in Iraq because he thought that he could make a difference. His lab is still doing research and publishing work in his absence and he is able to communicate with them through e-mail.

"I'm there with the troops for whatever they need," Ferry said. "Here I am, a field surgeon. I've done what I came to do, which is to serve Soldiers and Iraqi kids."

Lt. Col. Jeff Anderson and Lt. Col. Lenard Kerr are both emergency room doctors back home.

Kerr, while deployed to Iraq, was lucky to participate via telephone in the event of his wife giving birth to their third child.

Three of the team members met at Fort Bliss, Texas, and have been together ever since. They met the fourth doctor when they linked up with the 29th BCT. Ouano and physician's assistant Capt. Shirley Haynes, indigenous members of the 29th, make up the rest of the team.

"Following our higher headquarters guidance of "do the right thing" when it comes to administering medical care, we have seen and done many interesting things," Joustra said.

• Date Taken: 01.05.2006
• Date Posted: 01.05.2006 08:14
• Story ID: 4270