Pediatrics

Senior Airman Melinda Burpee, 628th Medical Group aerospace medical technician, entertains two-year-old Olivia Miller before she meets with the doctor during a routine check-up Feb. 1, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston – Air Base, S.C. Olivia is the daughter of Maj. Tami Miller, Family Nurse Practitioner flight commander. The 628th MDG pediatricians support Airmen by guiding, and assisting families through the physical, mental and emotional growth of children, as well as treating illness. (U.S. Air Force illustration / Airman 1st Class Tom Brading)

628th MDG Laboratory!

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Frati, 628th Medical Group, medical laboratory Technician, changes reagents, at the 628th MDG laboratory at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C., Sept. 11, 2012. The 628th MDG Laboratory conducts all clinical laboratory procedures required in support of the 628th MDG’s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Chacarra Walker)

59th Medical Wing nurses hone skills at local hospital

1st Lt. Meredith Peiffer, a critical care nurse fellow with the 59th Training Squadron, prepares an IV drip in the pediatric intensive care unit at University Health System Feb. 7. The recent partnership between the 59th Medical Wing and UHS is the first of its kind, developing highly skilled nurses for humanitarian and peacetime missions. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua)

Air Force nurses and medical technicians are saluted

Published May 6, 2013
Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- The Air Force Medical Service is celebrating Nurse and Medical Technician week May 6 - 12. This year's event is themed "delivering quality and innovation in patient care."

"Nurses and technicians touch the lives of many people, in many different ways," said Col Jennifer Agulto, 82nd MDG deputy commander and chief nurse. "This week spotlights the impact that is made and recognizes the work that goes into supporting both military members and their families throughout the Air Force."

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which nursing personnel, who comprise the largest healthcare profession, are working to improve healthcare.

From bedside nursing in medical centers, hospitals and outpatient clinics, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of the Air Force community.

National Nurses Week was first celebrated in 1954. It recognized the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing with her work in the Crimean War. Nurses week is an annual commemorative celebration that started in 1991. The week always starts on May 6 and continues going through to the birthday of Florence Nightingale, on the May 12.

One of the main goals of the week is to provide an opportunity to highlight the many aspects of nursing. There have been impressive strides in the field of nursing, especially in the deployed environment. Nurses and medical technicians - Active Duty, Reserve, guardsmen, civilians and contractors support U.S. servicemen and women across the globe.

USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)