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Surgical society honors Wilford Hall doctors

  • Published
  • By Sue Campbell
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE,Texas --  Several 59th Medical Wing surgeons were honored during the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons' 54th scientific symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 12-17.

The SAFCS was formally chartered in 1958 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Membership is comprised of active duty military doctors of medicine and osteopathy who practice surgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and podiatric medicine; doctors of dentistry who limit their practice to oral surgery; and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

The society promotes excellence in surgery within the Air Force, serves as a forum for the presentation of scientific papers, and promotes retention of AF surgeons. For example, the SAFCS influenced the establishment of two-year $150,000 annual critical skills retention bonuses to critically short AF specialty codes which includes general surgery and general surgery subspecialties, such as vascular and colorectal.

More than 130 people attended the 2008 SAFCS symposium in April. During the event, surgical consultants gave updates on their specialties, including emergency medicine and anesthesia.

For the first time in the symposium's history, the AF Surgeon General sponsored 10 medical students' attendance from the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

"I thought the meeting was excellent. We were able to meet and hear from the leaders of Air Force surgery, which is great so early in our medical careers," said 2nd Lt. Brent Feldt, a fourth year USUHS student. "It was an honor to be included in a meeting surrounded by men and women who have deployed in support of the war effort and have taught us and will teach us so much. I hope the society continues to invite medical school students, as I think it is a valuable experience for them."

Col. (Dr.) Donald Jenkins, chief of trauma at WHMC, handed the SAFCS presidency to Col. (Dr.) Dave Powers, the first oral maxillofacial surgeon to lead the society. Colonel Powers trained at Wilford Hall Medical Center and is now assigned to the Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills location in Baltimore, Maryland.

Col. (Dr.) Alan Murdock was elected as vice president and Col. (Dr.) David Smith elected to the society's board. Both doctors are assigned to the 59th Surgical Specialties Squadron.

Each year, the society presents the Excalibur Award to recognize the person who has done the most for AF surgery. Col. (Dr.) Kimberly Slawinski, 59th Medical Support Group, was the 2007 recipient. Colonel Jenkins received the award for 2008.

"It was an honor and privilege to have served the AF and the society in the capacity of its leader," said Colonel Jenkins. "But what I've done is represent the people who have actually done the work...trying to clear a path for them. I think the award is representative of all their hard work and I accept it on their behalf."

Other 59th MDW doctors were also recognized during the symposium. Capt. (Dr.) Jason Pfluke, 59th Surgical Specialties Squadron, won the Paul W. Myers Award which recognizes excellence in resident research.

Capt Curtis J. Hayes, 59th Dental Training Squadron, won the Surgeon General's Award for outstanding paper in oral and maxillofacial surgery.