59th Medical Wing - Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center
Background
The 59th Medical Wing (MDW), headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the U.S. Air Force's premier healthcare, medical education, research, and readiness wing. Its mission is to develop warrior medics through patient-centered care, emphasizing patient safety, ready access, and customer service. The wing serves over 255,000 beneficiaries in the Defense Health Agency San Antonio Market, providing a full spectrum of healthcare services.
The Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (WHASC), operated by the 59th MDW, is the Department of Defense's largest outpatient ambulatory surgical center. Located on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, WHASC offers comprehensive primary care, specialty care, and outpatient surgical services. The facility is named after Maj. Gen. Wilford F. Hall, a pioneering Air Force physician instrumental in developing aeromedical evacuation.
Key Strategic Focus
The 59th MDW's strategic focus includes:
- Medical Readiness: Maintaining a high state of readiness to support global operations and humanitarian missions.
- Medical Education and Training: Providing extensive medical education and training programs to develop future leaders in military medicine.
- Research and Innovation: Conducting research to advance medical practices and technologies, enhancing patient care and operational effectiveness.
- Patient-Centered Care: Delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare services to military personnel and their families.
Financials and Funding
The 59th MDW operates with a budget of approximately $317 million, supporting a staff of 8,400 personnel. This budget facilitates the provision of 900,000 clinic visits, 18,000 surgical procedures, and supports more than 300 worldwide deployments annually.
Pipeline Development
As a military medical wing, the 59th MDW focuses on developing and maintaining medical readiness capabilities rather than a traditional product pipeline. Key areas of development include:
- Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT): Managing 118 active-duty, Guard, and Reserve teams that provide intensive care during aeromedical evacuations.
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Offering ECMO services for patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure, including transport capabilities.
- Medical Education Programs: Providing graduate medical education and allied health programs through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC).
Technological Platform and Innovation
The 59th MDW employs several technological platforms and innovations, including:
- Clinical Laboratories: Operating the largest Air Force clinical laboratory, processing over 2.2 million tests annually to support patient care.
- Medical Simulation Centers: Utilizing advanced simulation technologies for medical training and readiness exercises.
- Telemedicine: Implementing telemedicine services to enhance access to care for remote and deployed personnel.
Leadership Team
The 59th MDW is led by:
- Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Harrell: Commander of the 59th Medical Wing, overseeing operations and strategic direction.
- Col. Wade Adair: Vice Commander, assisting in leadership and management of the wing's activities.
- Chief Master Sergeant Marcus Washington: Command Chief, providing enlisted leadership and guidance.
Competitor Profile
As a military medical facility, the 59th MDW does not have direct commercial competitors. However, it collaborates with various civilian healthcare providers and institutions to enhance medical services and training.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The 59th MDW has established several key collaborations, including:
- San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC): Partnering with Brooke Army Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center to provide comprehensive medical education and training programs.
- University of Texas Health Science Center: Collaborating on research initiatives and medical education programs.
- Veterans Affairs Audie Murphy Hospital: Coordinating care and services for veterans and active-duty personnel.
Operational Insights
The 59th MDW maintains a strong operational position through:
- Comprehensive Medical Services: Offering a full spectrum of healthcare services to military personnel and their families.
- Advanced Medical Capabilities: Providing specialized services such as ECMO and CCATT.
- Educational Excellence: Delivering extensive medical education and training programs to develop future leaders in military medicine.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The 59th MDW is focused on:
- Facility Modernization: Continuing to enhance and expand medical facilities to meet evolving healthcare needs.
- Research and Development: Advancing medical research to improve patient care and operational effectiveness.
- Global Medical Readiness: Enhancing capabilities to support worldwide deployments and humanitarian missions.
Contact Information
For more information, visit the official website of the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
