Inspection outbrief

During a Jan. 21 outbrief for members of the 72nd Medical Group, personnel learn they did very well in many areas of a week-long Health Services Inspection. “I’ve known all along we have a great team,” praised their commander, Col. Robert Marks. “This just validates it.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

72nd MDG earns ‘outstanding’ rating

Published Jan. 28, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The base theater was packed. The crowd was excited and the morning of Jan. 21 was a rewarding time for members of the 72nd Medical Group. They received "outstanding" news.

The Air Force Inspection Agency graded the medical group as an overall outstanding unit - the highest rating - during the Jan. 17-21 Health Services Inspection.

"It didn't take this HSI to prove that the medical practitioners we have in the 72nd Medical Group are passionate in their daily efforts to provide 'outstanding' health care to our military and civilian work forces and to our families. I just knew it by walking in as a customer and experiencing their commitment firsthand," said Col. Bob LaBrutta, 72nd ABW commander. "However, what the HSI result did confirm is that Col. Rob Marks, 72nd MDG commander, and his medic warriors are a high-performing team and they are clearly providing us one of the best medical experiences in the Air Force."

The inspection happens once every three years. During the week-long examination, a nine-member military team from the Air Force Inspector General's office comes to the base. They are met by a three-member civilian team from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare to investigate the various aspects of healthcare delivery at the medical group.

"We've all done a number of surveys for the Air Force and I want to congratulate you because you're at the very top of the top," said Dr. Heath Norsted, Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care team chief.

Col. Roger Hesselbrock, AFIA director of Medical Operations, agreed.

"At your last inspection you got a high excellent, so you had a pretty good foundation to build on, but it is hard to maintain that because Air Force instructions change and people change as well. You turn over a third of your personnel each year," he said. "Colonel Marks is a great leader, but he can't do the job himself. The other people in the medical group are key members and you really are a great team."

Colonel Marks was quick to praise the 72nd MDG team.

"I knew we had a great team and great folks," said Colonel Marks. "I knew that all along; this out-brief just validates that."