THE EXAMINER

Volume 23, No. 12 December 2015C

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Did you know?...

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital

“Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993”

You have the right toexpress your concernsabout patient safety and

quality of care.There are several avenues opento you:* Through the ICE website.* The Hospital CustomerRelations Officer at 760-830-2475, or any of the CustomerRelations representatives in theHospital clinics, or directly tothe Joint Commission via: E-mail at complaint@jointcommission.orgFax: 630-792-5636

The Joint CommissionOak Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

To report Fraud, Waste andAbuse contact one of thebelow offices by calling:

Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344Combat Center: 760-830-7749NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx

An Award Winning Publication

NHTP patients will no longerhave to make the long drive foran MRI referral once the newGE 1.5 Tesla MRI unit goesonline. Scheduled to becomeoperational in early 2016,patients will be able to obtaintheir MRI results without leav-ing the hospital.

The NHTP RadiologyDepartment is transforming intoa state-of-the-art imaging center

on par with the services offeredat much larger medical centers.

NHTP’s dedication to patientcare goes beyond providingpatients with a high-end MRIscanner able to produce superiordiagnostic images. The additionof the “Caring Suite” featureallows patients to experiencepatient-centered care with a cus-tomized environment. With thetap of a button, the Caring Suiteenables patients to choose light-ing, music, images and videoduring their MRI session. Thecustomized wall lighting andceiling video display helps keep

patients relaxed and entertainedand the large MRI access port isdesigned to alleviate anxiety andfeelings of claustrophobia.

Mammography. New mam-mography services will also beavailable in-house. In 2016,female beneficiaries, age 40 andolder, will be invited to obtain

their breast cancer screeningexaminations at NHTP on thenew Hologic SeleniaDimensions Mammography sys-tem. This ergonomicallydesigned machine providesimproved comfort through moreeven compression across thebreast while taking exceptional-ly fast and detailed digitalimages using low radiation.

Ultimately, this newMammography system willallow radiologists at NHTP todetect early breast cancer anddecrease the rate of false posi-

tive recalls. Once enrolled in NHTP’swomen’s imaging program,patients can confidently knowtheir breast screening examina-tions will be stored digitally andcan be easily recalled for com-parison both at NHTP or atanother duty station. Beforebeginning mammography exam-

inations at NHTP, patientsshould visit the RadiologyDepartment to complete aRecord Release Form to requestprior mammograms be sent toNHTP.

Computed Tomography (CT).NHTP’s efforts to continueoffering premier medical servic-es while improving patient safe-ty also extends to its CT scans.Currently, NHTP is in its firstyear of offering low dose LungCancer Screening CT with the

NHTP Radiology Expands Services, Offers MRI, MammographyBy Lt. Cmdr. ChristineMcDonald, NHTP RadiologyDepartment Head;Photos by Dave Marks

Alicia Armenta, newly hired MRI technician, poses in the newNHTP MRI suite with the newly installed and calibrated GE 1.5Tesla MRI unit.

Continued on Page 2, pleasesee Radiology.

On Aug. 27 the MRI unit was hoisted from the Emergency Dept.parking lot to an access panel on the NHTP roof.

The MRI unit was lowered through the roof into what wouldbecome the NHTP MRI suite.

2 -- The Examiner -- December -- 2015

Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the UnitedStates Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, under exclusive written contract withthe Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States MarineCorps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre-pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Commanding OfficerCapt. John A. Lamberton, MSC, USN

Executive OfficerCapt. Jeffrey W. Bitterman, MC, USN

Command Master Chief HMCM (FMF/AW/SW) Carol Merricks, USN

Public Affairs Officer/EditorMr. Dave Marks

Command OmbudsmanMr. J.Wesley Bassard (760) 668-1348 email: nhtpombudsman@yahoo.com

The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti-cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferredmethod of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk.

How to reach us...Commanding Officer Naval HospitalPublic Affairs OfficeBox 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA 92278-8250Com: (760) 830-2362DSN: 230-2362E-mail: david.m.marks.civ@mail.milHi-Desert Publishing Company56445 Twentynine Palms HighwayYucca Valley, CA 92284Com: (760) 365-3315FAX: (760) 365-8686

Patients seen in October -- 10,619Appointment No Shows in October -- 848

In October we had an 9.3 percent no-show rate. Weneed to keep trending downward by keeping theappointments we make, or by canceling in enough timefor someone else to use the slot...

To help patients obtain appointments, the NavalHospital now shows the number of open appointmentslots each day on the hospital Facebook site, check itout. On Facebook, search: Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms.

To make an appointment call -- 760-830-2752

To cancel an appointment call -- 760-830-2369

goal of identifying low-gradecancers that can be potentiallycured long before they becomeclinically evident. To qualify forthis program, patients must bebetween the ages of 55-80, havea 30-pack per year history oftobacco use and have smokedwithin the last 15 years. NHTPis currently using a multidisci-plinary approach within the hos-pital and is working with NavalMedical Center San Diego todevelop extended lung cancerscreening and preventive servic-es within the military treatmentsystem.

Fluoroscopy. In addition toexpanding its technologicaladvances for adults, NHTP hasalso adopted the National ImageGently Campaign Standards,which provides pediatricpatients with safe, high qualityexaminations with the minimumeffective-radiation exposure. InNovember 2015, NHTPinstalled both pediatric andpulsed fluoroscopic softwarewhich decreases the radiationdose by nearly 50 percent. Thisdose-reduction technique isaccomplished in children lessthan eight years old by remov-ing a grid within the fluoroscop-ic machine and in adults andchildren by delivering timedbursts of radiation to reduceoverall radiation exposure.

Radiography. With the additionof the RadPRO Delinia X-rayAcquisition System inSeptember 2015, NHTP’s radi-

Radiology, continued fromPage 1.

ology technicians havedecreased patient wait times andimproved technicians’ workflowthrough wireless DigitalRadiography. This technologicaladvancement accelerates exami-nations, improves image qualityand assists with decreasing thepatient dose within the radiolo-gy suite; and its portabilityallows technicians to bring thishigh level of care to patientswith limited ambulation in theEmergency Department or tothe inpatient ward.

Ultrasound. One of the mostcommon radiological examina-tions performed at NHTP onboth adults and children is ultra-sound. Just over a year agoNHTP purchased two newSiemens Acuson Ultrasoundmachines. These machinesallow for improved image quali-ty and more accurate ultrasoundexaminations--which exceed theAmerican Institute ofUltrasound in Medicine (AIUM)examination requirements.

NHTP Radiology is proud tooffer an array of technologicallyadvanced diagnostic tools to ourpatients. We are thankful for theefforts of many individuals frommultiple departments and thecommand as a whole whoenabled this transformation andmade this imaging revolutionpossible. By investing in the lat-est technology and adapting tothe cultural changes around us,NHTP continues to provide itspatients with the best possiblemedical care and treatment out-comes.

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Serrita Coleman (Orthopedics/General Surgery Dept.) offers up aheaping serving of goodwill, friendship and holiday spirit at the Thanksgiving potluck Nov. 19. TheWardroom Mess provided vegetables. The Chiefs Mess provided desserts. The First Class Petty OfficerAssociation provided mash potatoes and other side dishes. The Second Class Petty Officer Associationprovided turkey, ham and drinks. The Junior Enlisted Association provided casseroles.

2X3Smith’s Family

Properties

Preventive Medicine CornerSubmit Questions/Concerns and Tanya Will Provide Answers

Tanya Stuckey

The Examiner--December 2015-- 3

appears to rest with whoseresearch you read.Stillblowingsmoke.org warnsusers that the unregulated chem-icals (as many as 7000) used tocreate flavored “juice” in vapingvials increases the risk of eyeand throat irritation, lunginflammation and asthma risk.Research sponsored by tobaccoleader, R.J. Reynolds acknowl-edges that the long-term healthaffects are unknown, but arelikely to be less harmful thantraditional cigarettes. Let’s notleave out our associates that areprotecting the bystanders bykeeping their tobacco-use per-sonal by dipping or chewing.Are they harming anyone otherthan themselves? Well, I wouldsuggest that their loved ones

Dear Tanya,

I am seven months pregnant. Isit still safe to get the flu shot? Iread that infants under 6 monthsshould not get the shot, so I amworried about harming my baby. Signed,

Expecting Mom

Dear Expecting Mom,

First, Congratulations! TheCDC recommends pregnantwomen get the flu vaccine andthey say it is safe for expectantmothers during any trimester.Receiving the influenzavaccine during pregnancy notonly shields the mother, who ismore susceptible to severe ill-ness from the flu due to changesin the immune system, but canalso protect her unborn child forsix months after birth.

Side effects experienced bypregnant women following thevaccine are the same as thoseexperienced by others receivingthe influenza vaccine. Theyare generally mild and includesoreness, redness, and/or swel-ling from theshot, fainting, headache, fever,muscle aches, nausea and/orfatigue. If side effects occur,they usually begin soon after the

shot is given and generally lastfrom one to two days.

For more information on the fluvaccine, contact NHTPImmunizations Clinic @ (760)830-2843 or go to the Centerfor Disease Control's websitehttp://www.cdc.gov/flu/con-sumer.

Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms is offering flu shots toall TriCare beneficiaries. Weencourage you to stay healthyand take advantage of this pre-ventive medicine health service.Flu shots will be available atNHTP Clinic A during the fol-lowing times: Nov. 16 through Dec. 30.Mon, Wed, Fri: 7:30 a.m. to3:30 p.m. Tues: 7:30 a.m. to 6p.m. Thurs: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Except holidays and weekends.Get the shot, not the flu.

Flu Shots at NHTP

Eliminate Tobacco and EVERYTHING Gets Better

I realize this is a controversialtopic and that’s why I love talk-ing about it! Tobacco use hasthe ability to touch everyone,not just the user. The cost oftobacco products is continuingto increase, medical costs(financial and physical) areweighing heavily, and second-hand smoke (or vapor) is a hotbutton. Whose rights are takingpriority? As long as you’re notin close proximity, does smok-ing outside really hurt anyone?What’s the big deal with vaping;it’s safer than smoking, right?

Do any of these questions getyou thinking about where youstand on tobacco use andwhether it’s an individual’s rightto smoke, dip or chew wheneverand wherever the urge strikes?

During WWII and even into theVietnam era, military memberswere given cigarettes with theirdaily rations. It’s no wonderthere are still people whobelieve smoking is “cool” but itisn’t the use of tobacco productsthat we want our youth to emu-late as they aspire to follow inthe footsteps of the warriorsbefore them, it’s the patriotism,honor, courage and commitment

By Tanya Stuckey, PublicHealth Specialist

along with the the goals ofbeing a fit, war-fightingmachine.

It’s ironic. We encourage ourcomrades to eat well, maintain ahealthy weight, workout andbuild strength and stamina tofulfill the duties of a militarycareer, yet we continue to nor-malize the use of tobacco prod-ucts that are incompatible withmaximum performance. Thisreminds me of the dieter whoworks so hard to lose a fewpounds and rewards him/herselfwith a heavy dessert.

Indulgence may feel good in themoment, but it ultimatelythwarts healthy efforts. Tobaccouse in any form is a leadingimpactor on combat readinessincluding everything from runtime to wound healing andinfection.

Navy Medicine is tobacco-freeand is a health and wellness rolemodel. Laws passed at the fed-eral, state and local level pre-vent tobacco use in publicplaces such as restaurants, storesand government buildings.

Some tobacco users argue theirright to legally consume tobaccoproducts are being infringed

upon.

Nearly all 50 states have estab-lished tobacco-free policies thatinclude smokeless tobacco. Thegoal is to reduce access to anduse by minors with the netresult of creating a healthierpopulation of non-smokers. Thedebate of where to draw the lineis ongoing. There appears to bean effort to create a new societalnorm that would save moneyand our health.

There is ample research to sup-port the view that second-handsmoke is dangerous to thosearound us. There is also a grow-ing body of research on theeffects of vapor produced frome-cigarettes and vaping units--including research on heavymetal toxicity, accidental poi-soning, overall health effectsand explosion risks from lithi-um batteries. As a result, theDoD treats electronic devicesthe same as tobacco. The AirForce has banned them entirelyand Navy Medicine bans theiruse on all Navy Medicine prop-erty.

This is where I have witnessedthe controversy first-hand. It

would be able to answer thatquestion best. According tooralhealthamerica.org, one canof dip has the same nicotinelevel as five packs of cigarettesand can be deadly if consumedby a child or an animal. It is obvious where I stand onthis topic and you wouldn’texpect anything different fromyour Health Promotions staff orPublic Health Department.Ultimately the decision to usetobacco lies with the individual.If and when you or a loved oneis ready to quit, the resourcesare here to support you.

For more information on tobac-co cessation programs, contactNHTP Health PromotionsTobacco Cessation Program:(760) 830-2814.

See, Quit Tobacco, above

Quit Tobacco, continued frombelow

4 -- The Examiner --December 2015

Awardees...

Lt. Marie Chiong is awarded the Navy and MarineCorps Commendation Medal “for meritorious servicein the superior performance of her duties while serv-ing as Division Officer, Family Medicine Blue Team,and Charge Nurse, Emergency Department, NHTP,from Nov. 2012 to Nov. 2015. Lt. Chiong led 22 staffin the care of 3,770 beneficiaries maintaining 95.7percent access to care. Her efforts contributed to theNational Committee for Quality Assurance LevelThree Accreditation. She additionally dedicated 1,728hours to the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination(SAFE) Program and developed a drill templateadopted by Navy Medicine West. Lt. Chiong’s distinc-tive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, andsteadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit uponherself and are in keeping with the highest traditionsof the United States Naval Service.”

Lt. j.g. Devon Cassidy is awarded the Navy andMarine Corps Achievement Medal “for profes-sional achievement in the superior performanceof her duties while serving as Shift Charge andStaff Nurse, Multi-Service Ward, NHTP, fromOct. 2012 to Nov. 2015. Lt. j.g. Cassidy’s expertleadership abilities helped oversee the nursingcare during 3,682 encounters and collaboratedwith providers to increase bed capacity from 30percent to 65 percent. She was instrumental inthe re-opening of the Ambulatory Infusion andWound Care Clinics on the Multi-Service Wardsaving the command over $377,000. Lt. j.g.Cassidy’s personal initiative, perseverance andunswerving devotion to duty reflect great creditupon herself and are in keeping with the highesttraditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Curtis Hargrove accepts the Best of the Best Award for the NHTPOperations Management Dept. for the Fourth Quarter, FY 2015(external customers). This award is testament to excellent customerservice as derived from patient satisfaction surveys, Tricare outpa-tient satisfaction surveys and/or Tricare inpatient satisfaction sur-veys. The NHTP command’s Customer Service and PatientRelations Program tabulates these surveys and the department hav-ing the best feedback from patients and beneficiaries is designatedas “The Best of the Best” department of the Quarter with a largeyellow celebratory banner.

Lt. Cmdr. Russell Saari accepts the Best of the Best Award onbehalf of the Orthopedics/General Surgery Dept. for the FourthQuarter, FY 2015 (internal customers). This award is testament toexcellent customer service as derived from patient satisfaction sur-veys, Tricare outpatient satisfaction surveys and/or Tricare inpatientsatisfaction surveys. The NHTP command’s Customer Service andPatient Relations Program tabulates these surveys and the depart-ment having the best feedback from patients and beneficiaries isdesignated as “The Best of the Best” department of the Quarterwith a large yellow celebratory banner.

Mr. James Knapp, NHTP PatientRecords Dept., is presented aFederal Length of Service Award“in grateful recognition andappreciation of your 10 years offaithful service to the federal gov-ernment.”

Mr. Colby Thorp, InformationManagement Dept., is presenteda Federal Length of ServiceAward “in grateful recognitionand appreciation of your fiveyears of faithful service to thefederal government.”

Ms. Jessica Woffard, NHTPRadiology Dept., is presented aFederal Length of Service Award“in grateful recognition andappreciation of your 15 years offaithful service to the federal gov-ernment.”

Call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273)Option 124 hours a day, 7 days a week

The Examiner --December 2015-- 5

Mr. Matthew Jung, NHTPPublic Health Directorate, ispresented a Federal Length ofService Award “in gratefulrecognition and appreciation ofyour five years of faithful serv-ice to the federal government.”

Mr. Christopher Young, PublicHealth Directorate, is presenteda Federal Length of ServiceAward “in grateful recognitionand appreciation of your fiveyears of faithful service to thefederal government.”

Lt. Derek Owens, PostAnesthesia Care Unit (PACU),is recognized for his conspicu-ous contributions to patientcare and safety.

Capt. Mason Continues Journey That Began As Seaman Apprentice

Capt. Mason’s sisters, Rosie McNeal (left), Cecila Aquiler, and brother-in-law Oscar Aguiler, travelled from the Outer Banks of the Carolinas toattend the transition ceremony (which was also their sister’s birthday).

Guest speaker, MCAGCC Commanding General,Maj. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, holds a congratulato-ry letter from the White House signed by PresidentObama.

HMC Andrew Gonzales, HMC Danell Dumas and Capt. Sandra Mason holdthe gifts presented from the Chiefs Mess.

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Anthony Juarez sings theNational Anthem.

Capt. Sandra Mason, former NHTP Executive Nurse, former NHTP Director of Nursing Services (April 2012 - Nov. 2015), former U.S.Marine Gunnery Sgt., was decidedly not piped ashore during a transition ceremony Nov. 17. The ceremony marked a transition from militaryto civilian life, culminating 41 years of military service that began in 1974 when she enlisted into the Navy as a seaman apprentice. Not oneto be satisfied with the status quo, Boatswain’s Mate Mason applied to Personnel School in 1977. Eleven years later, as a USMC GunnerySgt., she spent a year juggling Administrative Chief duties at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., with being a student atAmerican University. As the duty day ended and everyone else was heading home, she drove across town to attend class. She saved up herannual leave for her hands-on clinical training for her Registered Nursing degree. In 1988, Capt. Mason was commissioned an ensign in theNavy Nurse Corps. Her first assignment as a Navy nurse was at Naval Hospital Oakland. NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt. John A.Lamberton, officiated the transition ceremony and said, “This is a celebration of a continuing journey.... It is her personal growth planthrough which she has taught herself the meaning of service to others, and her willingness to face adversity with pride, determination, and adesire to show others a path to their own individually successful future.” Capt. Mason has been accepted into a Master’s of BusinessAdministration program at Pepperdine University. Her current goal is to become a healthcare organization chief executive officer.

6 -- The Examiner --December 2015

Sub Offer5X3

Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard!

Cmdr. Rebecca Navarrete Lt. j.g. Kendra ForemanLt. Carolynn Hine HMC Janette HolmesLt. Nichole KangCmdr. Rebecca Navarretearrived from Naval BranchHealth Clinic, Naval Base SanDiego, where she’s been aNurse Practitioner/SeniorMedical Officer for the pastthree years. She’s been in theNavy over 17 years. Originallyfrom Litchfield, N.H., Cmdr.Navarrete now considersOceanside, Calif., home. Sheearned her undergraduate de-gree from Quinnipiac Univ-ersity, Hamden Conn., and herMaster’s degree (Nurse Practi-tioner) in 2010 from the Univ-ersity of San Diego. A wo-men’s health specialist, Cmdr.Navarrete is back to full scopehealthcare, caring for childrenand the older population. “Ilove it!” she says. “I love help-ing people and making a differ-ence in their lives.” Her hus-band, Chuck, is the businessmanager for a Catholic Churchand her two children, 18 and23, have left the nest. Hobbiesinclude “anything outdoors”

Lt. Nichole Kang is our newclinical psychologist inBehavioral Health. She arrivedfrom Naval Medical CenterPortsmouth where she was aclinical psychology intern.Previously, Lt. Kang graduatedfrom the Uniformed ServicesUniversity of the HealthSciences. She earned herundergraduate degree from CalState, Long Beach, with dueldegrees in psychology andcriminal justice. Hometown isOrange County, Calif. “I’mexcited to come back toCalifornia,” she said. Lt. Kangisn’t new to the Navy, havingworked as a clinical researchassociate at Cedar SinaiHospital in Los Angeles priorto her appointment at USUHS.For hobbies Lt. Kang say sheenjoys, “anything involving theoutdoors, whether it’s kayak-ing, roller blading or bike rid-ing.” Musical taste involves“anything from oldies to mod-ern recent pop,” she said.

Lt. Carolynn Hine arrived fromthe 1st Dental Battalion, CampPendleton, where she wasOperations and TrainingOfficer. Before that, she wasearning her Master’s degree inHealthcare Administrationfrom Baylor University, as wellas a Master’s degree inBusiness Administration. Lt.Hine has been in the Navyseven years. She graduatedfrom the Naval Academy with adegree in chemistry. Hometown is Wilmington, Del. AtNHTP, she’s the StaffEducation and TrainingDepartment Head. She’s founda home in Yucca Valley whereshe lives with her two dogs, aminiature golden retriever poo-dle mix and a cairn terrier pugmix. An avid hiker, she saysshe’s happy to be here becauseshe likes the hospital environ-ment and loves the beauty ofthe desert. “I’m a big Patriotsfootball fan, so Sundays arekind of sacred for me.”

Lt. j.g. Kendra Foreman isNHTP’s newest registerednurse on the Multi-ServiceWard. She arrived from NavalMedical Center San Diegowhere for the past three yearsshe worked on the in-patientmental health ward. “I lovedit,” she said of the assignment.“I’m working to be a nursepractitioner for mental health,”she said. Hometown is Birm-ingham, Ala. She’s been in theNavy 21 years. She began herNavy career as an OperationsSpecialist and excelled in thatcareer field for 14 years beforebeing selected for the MedicalEnlisted CommissioningProgram. “The MECP is anawesome program,” she said.Foreman advises anyone inter-ested in the program to find amentor who has been throughthe process. Her husband of 10years, Claude, works forExxonMobil. Hobbies includescrapbooking, skating, volley-ball, “anything outdoors.”

HMC Janette Holmes arrivedfrom a three-year assignmentaboard the USS Kearsarge, aWasp-class amphibious assaultship out of Norfolk, Va. Shewas Leading Petty Officer(LPO) for both the medical anddental departments. She’s beenin the Navy 18 years and this isher third tour at NHTP. In2000-2003 she was an NHTPX-ray tech, having earned herofficial certification. In 2010she returned to be LPO for theNursing Services Directorateand then became the CareerCounselor. In her third itera-tion at NHTP, she’s LPO forMaterials Management andStaff Education and Training.Her husband, Gunnery Sgt.Lucas Holmes, is assigned tothe 3rd Light Armored Recon-naissance Battalion. He andkids, Cirsten, 14, Mikayla, 10,and Lucas, 6, are glad mom ishome. “They still have yet to letgo of me,” she said. Hobbiesinclude sewing and quilting.

The Examiner -- December 2015 -- 7

The NHTP Color Guard marched in the Palm Springs 19th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade Nov. 11, marching from RamonRoad to Alejo Road along Palm Canyon Drive. Top left (L-R): Hospital Corpsman Third Class Vince Lo (Adult MedicalCare Clinic), Hospital Corpsman Second Class Kenny Henry (NHTP Pharmacy), Hospital Corpsman Third Class VeronicaLazaro (NHTP Optometry Clinic) and Hospital Corpsman Sydney Oakley (NHTP Maternal Infant Nursing Dept.).

Teresa Turbyfill Wins FederalCivilian Nursing Excellence Award

Ms. Teresa Turbyfill, Infection Preventionist inNHTP’s Public Health Directorate, will be travel-ing to San Antonio, Texas, to accept the 2015Military Health Service Federal Civilian NursingExcellence Award in the Junior Leadership (GS-07-11) category. She is the only Navy nurse to beawarded this distinction; and as such, is an exam-ple for all nurses who strive for excellence whileembodying the principles of caring, technicalexpertise and leadership. “She works well withstaff; they trust her, and she offers assistancerather than criticism,” said Cmdr. Wendy Stone,NHTP Director for Public Health. Ms. Turbyfill’sselection was based in part on the “no findings”rating received from the recent Joint Commission/Medical Inspector General Survey of the InfectionControl and Prevention Program. She was alsoinstrumental in the development and execution ofthe NHTP Ebola Plan. Ms. Turbyfill earned herMaster’s degree in Nursing Education andNutrition from Jacksonville University,Jacksonville, Fla., and her registered nursingdegree from Point Loma Nazarene University inSan Diego. She is currently studying to achieve hercertification in Infection Control, which requireshands-on experience before candidates are eligible.

Ms. Teresa Turbyfill

The NHTP OB/GYN Clinic proudly display theirSea Star Awards, a testament to excellence in cus-tomer service.

Culinary Specialist Second Class Javonnie Beall mansthe breakfast burrito station during the Second ClassPetty Officer Association fund raiser Nov. 16. TheNHTP Galley remains closed until mid January 2016due to the Seismic Damper Project.

NHTP Commanding Officer, Captain John A. Lambertoninstituted the Sea Star Award to celebrate and commend hos-pital staff (military, civilian and contract) who exhibitextraordinary customer service skills. Patients, beneficiariesand staff nominate individuals who are not only skillful intheir technical expertise, but who go the extra mile withsmiles, concern for the individual’s welfare, and a welcom-ing attitude. When you see an NHTP staffer with a Sea Staron their hospital badge, you can trust that customer serviceand patient welfare is their highest priority.

Above: Medical Home Port Blue and Gold Teams (L-R): HNBraden Hunter, HMC Chief Villanueva, HN Kiara Kiper,HMC Madonna MacKnight, HM3 Jazsmin Sherrod, HM1John Tugman, Ms. Danyatesa McGhee.

8 -- The Examiner -- December-- 2015

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