Team Tinker’s 4A0, 4A1, 4A2 technicians and Medical Service Corps officers kicked off their annual “4A and MSC Appreciation Week” on Oct. 28.
72nd Medical Group Administrator Lt. Col. Theodosia F. Hill, commander of the 72nd Medical Support Squadron, said MSC officers are professional healthcare administrators and executives who play a critical role in leading and managing diverse healthcare support programs at Military Treatment Facilities like the Tinker clinic.
Meanwhile, 4A0 technicians manage a multitude of programs including medical readiness and planning, medical administrative support to family health and flight medicine clinics, TRICARE operations, patient administration, processing documentation for medical evaluation boards, medical resource management and information technology management.
4A1s manage medical logistics and facility management operations for the clinic. 4A2s manage the biomedical equipment maintenance program and base lifesaving equipment, like automated external defibrillators.
Often behind the scenes, 4A0s, 4A1s, 4A2s and MSCs collaborate with clinicians to ensure that trusted care is delivered. MSCs and 4As are responsible for executing a wide range of diverse processes at the clinic, except for actual patient care and treatment.
“Each year, the week has a patient-centered theme that embodies the core values of our force and highlights the objectives of the Air Force Medical Service,” Hill said.
This year, 2nd Lt. Madison Kaye, a MSC, and Staff Sgt. Victor Severino, a 4A0, planned and organized daily events to honor and recognize 120 4As and MSCs at Team Tinker.
“This year’s theme was ‘Disruptive Innovation.’ Disruptive innovation is … Driving Trusted Care for Today and Tomorrow,” Severino said.
“This theme promotes the Defense Health Agency and Air Force Medical Service values and highlights the Warrior Medics’ contributions in enabling medically fit forces, providing expeditionary medics and improving the health and wellness of Team Tinker.”
Although the 4As and the MSCs Appreciation Week is only one week out of the year, Hill said they constantly strive to uphold the Air Force’s core values, while enabling quality care and improving patient access and satisfaction.
“Next time you’re in the clinic, be sure to recognize and thank a 4A/MSC for all that they do!” Hill said.