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AMC Command Surgeon Visits Pope

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Brig. Gen. Douglas Robb, Command Surgeon for Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., visited many Pope medical facilities Feb. 23-25 in order to consult with health care workers and community operators. 

The general made good use of his time by having a question and answer session with Pope Airmen during breakfast, visiting all of the various treatment facilities on Pope and visiting Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg. He also spent time with the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, had breakfast with some AMC award winners and even made time to visit a local Veteran's hospital. 

Part of General Robb's job as AMC's chief medical consultant involves visiting bases throughout the command to ensure the highest care is being performed throughout these medical treatment facilities. 

In an environment of constant change, many military members often wonder what will be in store for them in the coming years. This questioning translates to the medical community as well. 

"The future of military medicine will involve more joint efforts," the general said. "What we are seeing in medicine is always changing and advancing. This advance requires platforms that support change and advancements. Now we are starting to see these collaboration efforts come together, which in turn will make a stronger and more viable force for our U.S. military." 

He discussed how this collaboration of forces is not just happening in regards to Army and Air Force but involves Department of Defense, Veteran's Affairs and a host of other organizations. 

"These collaborative efforts provide a better intersection of our resources, which allows our medics to not only receive the finest training but also to give the finest care," he added. 

Another change Pope members can expect is the upcoming base realignment. General Robb expressed his belief in the benefits this transition will provide and that he has trust in the people executing it. 

"No one will be left behind in regards to BRAC," the general said. "The idea of BRAC is to take the resources we have and put them where they make the most sense. I have no doubt it will continue to be business as usual here. I think we will continue to see the team effort put forth. The focus of the mission will not change, and people will continue to receive superb care. I do think we will see a lot more collaboration and integration, and that makes sense. It is a good thing." 

General Robb talked about the faith he has in the 43rd MDG staff and leadership, and when considering that the Pope Clinic recently received the Air Force Surgeon General's Award for 2008, one can see why. 

"What is clear to me in light of this award is the responsibility the clinic shares as a team," He said. "It's a team award, and a team award is the most important award you can get, I think. All across base, there is a presence of the team aspect. The flight operations folks working with the Army, medics working with WAMC, the AES working with other services -- everyone on Pope is part of a team. That team mentality seems to be the motto and theme across the base, and that is exciting. It's what leadership should strive for -- performing as a team." 

General Robb had good things to say about the Medical Group but heaped praise on Pope's AES members as well. 

"The 43rd AES stationed here is part of a larger global AES team, and their support to GWOT is unparalleled in the history of warfare," He said. "To think that you can take an injured person and airlift him to Walter Reed or Bethesda in 24 to 36 hours, sometimes providing two surgeries en route, is just amazing. The AES here at Pope is part of that team, and I couldn't be prouder of what they do." 

General Robb likes what he does; but more to the point, he likes whom he meets.
"It's good going out to see the mission, but more importantly to see our dedicated and professional medics. I meet a lot of great people who are doing awesome work."