Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) is more than a place to treat the sick and injured. It's also a learning academy for Army Medicine's new junior enlisted soldiers training in various medical arenas.
The Phase II training, an extension of the Army's Advanced Individual Training (AIT), provides technical training to Soldiers in their respective specialty. CRDAMC hosts seven Phase II training programs: 68D Operating Room Specialist; 68F Physical Therapy Specialist; 68K Medical Laboratory Technician; 68L Occupational Therapy Specialist; 68P Radiology Technologist; 68U Ear, Nose, and Throat Technologist; and 68Y Eye Specialist.
During the individual programs, which range from seven weeks to 26 weeks, Soldiers learn their craft through intensive classroom and practical knowledge. CRDAMC hosts /land valuable exposure to six occupational specialties ranging from radiology and physical therapy to lab and occupational therapy.
According to Capt. Abigail Giunta, CRDAMC is one of eight medical centers who offer Phase II training.
"CRDAMC is unique to the Army in that we are one of only five to offer Phase II training," said Giunta, who commands the 200 plus students, enrolled in various CRDAMC programs. "The purpose of AIT Phase II is to gain the hands on, on-the-job exposure and experience. In AIT Phase I, they receive the technical and didactic knowledge. Here, they put that in motion by physically working in and utilizing their learned skill set."
Pfc. Minda Chavarin, a recent Phase II radiology graduate, has nothing but praise for CRDAMC's program.
"It's pretty much like a library of knowledge that you take with you to your duty station," said the San Francisco native, complimenting her student coordinators and preceptors for their help in crafting her specialized skillset. "It's a wonderful feeling to know that I will be able to support other soldiers and lend a helping hand in saving lives."
Giunta said the hospital's expanded role from a community hospital to a medical center in 2006 demonstrates the value of having a viable medical training facility in the area.
"The expansion really speaks volumes about the demand and need for the support and services we provide to our beneficiaries, and the type of training and exposure we are able to offer to our staff and students," she said.
Pfc. Mary Key, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, said the program has raised her confidence level.
"I am impressed with the amazing opportunities we have been given to learn and develop our skills so we can be proficient in servicing our soldiers," said Key, who is a middle-school teacher in the Saint Paul area.
During the 46-week radiology program, Key and Chavarin received extensive cross training in image production and evaluation, radiographic procedures, patient care and education. Rotation areas included magnetic resonance, mammography, computed tomography and interventional radiology. Both earned the 68P, Radiology Specialist, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
"The program really does prepare Soldiers for what they will see in the real world," said CRDAMC's Troop Command Sergeant Major Dave Francis. "The medical center here provides amazing opportunities for Soldiers to learn and develop their skills so they can be proficient in what they do and for soldiers."
The Phase II graduation ceremonies also have been the highlight of the command sergeant major's senior enlisted career.
"I think that coming to graduations are the highlight of any day because you see these young Soldiers excel. They remind me of my early career years," he said. "And they have that light in their eyes and that desire to do well. It really does make your heart swell because I know that in time, I will leave the Army in great hands."
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