HUMPHREYS GARRISON-The Humphreys Medical and Dental Clinic ushered in a new era in health care during a renewal ceremony here on July 10.
The ceremony marked the completion of a seven-month long, $3 million project that gutted the clinic and transformed it into a bright, modern facility focused on providing the best-possible medical and dental care to Soldiers and Families.
The clinic now has twice the number of examination rooms, a new interior design, more space, a new roof and energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning. Despite the extensive renovations, the clinic never shut down during the work.
During his remarks at the ceremony, Col. Jeffrey B. Clark, commander of the 65th Medical Brigade, said that the clinic's renovations mark its transformation from a Troop Medical Clinic to a family-centered health care facility.
Key to providing the best-possible family health care is to have the right people on the job, Clark said.
"We need, first and foremost, a staff of great folks dedicated to being patient friendly and patient centered," Clark said. "We've hired and brought in the right people."
Clark cited clinic officer in charge Lt. Col. Bart Meyers, a physician dual-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Practice, as an example of the clinic's patient centered philosophy.
In addition to Meyers the clinic staff includes another Family Practice physician, a Pediatrician, three triage nurses, seven nursing assistants, a licensed psychologist, four physician assistants, a physical therapist, a marriage and family life counselor, a Tricare team, laboratory technicians, a radiological technician, front desk clerks, appointment clerks and a health care administration specialist.
2nd Combat Aviation Brigade flight surgeons and medics also provide care at the medical clinic.
We need the right folks thinking the right way, Clark said. It is our privilege to serve the community.
The Humphreys Clinic renovations are the first of many to come on the Korean peninsula, Clark noted. U.S. Army Medical Command will provide $25 million to renovate every medical, dental, and veterinary facility in Korea over the next year, he said.
Clark said that credit for the funds goes to Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, who ensured the money was allocated.
If you're pleased with the facilities send him an e-mail, Clark said.
Col. Robin Bruno, the officer in charge of the Humphreys Dental Clinic followed Clark and emphasized how far the clinic has come in her time here.
"Two years ago I walked into probably the filthiest, most substandard clinic I'd ever seen save a Third World country," Bruno said. "I knew I had a big job ahead of me and I knew I was going to need help. I just didn't know what kind of tremendous help I would get."
Bruno said that now, because of a lot of hard work, money and support, Humphreys has possibly the finest dental clinic on the peninsula.
"Our Soldiers deserve no less," she said. "Soldiers are the reason I wear this uniform, they are the reason I come to work. We will do our best for you because you deserve it."
Meyers followed and recounted the number of health care and administrative personnel the clinic has hired over the last two years and the work that has gone into transforming the health clinic.
"Today we celebrate the cumulative efforts of Humphreys Garrison and MEDCOM," Meyers said.
Meyers said that a great deal of money has been put to work to pave the way for the future of health care at Humphreys.
"What you're seeing today is only the beginning," Meyers said.
A ribbon cutting and a tour of the facility followed the ceremony.
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