Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps Published Jan. 31, 2025 By Senior Airman Dylan Maher 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- This week, January 27-31, 2025, was designated by the Air Force as Biomedical Sciences Corps Appreciation Week, a week to honor the history and recognize the men and women who comprise the BSC and all that they bring to the fight. Established in 1965 by the Air Force Medical Service, the BSC has its roots dating back to 1917 when the Sanitary Corps was established to combat infectious diseases. “The work being done behind the scenes by our diverse corps doesn’t always come to mind when you think about the medicals group’s role in the overall Air Force mission.” said 2nd Lt. Brian Vance, 28th Healthcare Operations Squadron clinical laboratory element chief. Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Stuart Sheer, 28th Medical Group pharmacy technician assembles an order of prescriptions for a patient at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 28, 2025. Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to assemble medications for patients and explain medication instructions to keep patients healthy and safe from unintended use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Makayla Goodson, 28th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron public health technician, left, conducts an ear examination on Airman First Class Elyse Blackburn, 28th OMRS public health technician at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 28, 2025. In addition to conducting occupational audiometric evaluations, public health technicians assist in occupational health program and ensures personnel receive appropriate pre-employment, periodic and termination occupational examinations (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps David Butler, 28th Medical Group family advocacy program assistant, listens to a patient at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 28, 2025. The family advocacy program specializes in the prevention, evaluation and treatment of family maltreatment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The BSC contains more than 2,400 officers, 5,800 enlisted members, and 1,000 civilians covering 13 distinct professions: Physical Therapy, Optometry, Podiatry, Physician Assistant, Audiology, Psychology, Social Worker, Occupational Therapy, Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Dietitian, Bioenvironmental Engineering, Public Health Officers, Entomology, Pharmacy, and Medical Lab Officers. Within the 28th Medical Group, 15 Officers, 26 Enlisted members, and 23 Civilians are recognized. As a member of the BSC, Vance values the impact of fostering a collaborative environment in the medical world, as well as providing quality patient care for fellow Airmen to keep them in the fight. “We can all better understand and support each other’s missions when we communicate and work together to find solutions that benefit the team,” said Vance. “If we are resistant to innovation and change, we won’t be able to pivot appropriately when the mission needs us to.” Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps Dr. Rachel Smith, 28th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron doctor of physical therapy, facilitates a PT session for an active duty service member at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 28, 2025. Physical therapists in the Air Force develop physical therapy treatments and evaluate patients to determine the type and frequency of treatment necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps U.S. Air Force Capt. Kirsten Anders, 28th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physician assistant, conducts a blood pressure test on Airman Caitlin Paine, 28th OMRS aerospace medical technician at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 28, 2025. The Air Force offers the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, an accredited program spanning 29 months of academic and clinical training dedicated to those serving in the United States military to further their medical education and become a physician assistant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Innovation through Air Force Medicine & Science, 28th Medical Group celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Biomedical Science Corps U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Rosemary Gutierrez, 28th Healthcare Operations Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of laboratory services, pipettes a blood sample at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 28, 2025. The 28th HOS medical laboratory conducts blood testing to ensure safety and compatibility for patients in need of blood transfusions or medications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res While the BSC continues to grow and develop in size and scope, the Air Force is not underestimating what it takes to optimize the Human weapon system. “Medicine is always changing,” said 1st Lt. Jocelin Cartier, 28th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physician assistant. “There’s always something new out there that can benefit someone in some way, specifically the military and deployment related.” After serving six years in the Air Force as a pararescueman, Cartier made his career aspirations a reality when he was accepted into the Interservice Physician Assistant Program in 2020. Cartier engages with active-duty Airman regularly at the clinic, ensuring they can perform at an optimum level to carry out the 28th Bomb Wing mission from home and in deployed locations around the world. “This is a great career field to be in if you want to practice medicine,” said Cartier. “If I had to go back and do it again, I would in a heartbeat.”