21st MDG receives highest inspection score in the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erica Picariello
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Less than 10 days after the 21st Force Support Squadron and the Peterson/Thule Chapel was named best in the Air Force, members of the 21st Medical Group cheered with excitement March 19 as the Air Force Inspection Agency medical team chief announced they had received the highest inspection score in more than 150 Air Force medical group inspections spanning six years.

The 21st MDG scored an amazing 95 on their health services inspection, catapulting them into the "Outstanding" category and proving these medical Airmen live up to their vision, "America's premier medical group: Leaders, medics, warriors - anywhere, anytime."

Six months ago, Col. John C. Sell, 21st MDG commander, sent a request to the Air Force Inspection Agency asking to move the group's inspection date forward from August to March, giving the 21st MDG just a few months to get ready for the inspectors.

"The 500-plus members of the 21st Medical Group put in thousands of hours into preparing for this inspection," said Colonel Sell. "However, we pride ourselves on being inspection ready at all times. I've always known that we have an outstanding medical group, it's extremely gratifying that it's been validated by the Air Force Medical Inspector General."

The nine-member inspection team awarded the 21st MDG a perfect score in five out of 16 inspectable areas and the scores didn't drop below 83 out of 100 in the remaining 11. Each of the three main scoring categories, Expeditionary Medical Operations, In-Garrison Medical Operations, and Leadership were all scored "Outstanding."

The AFIA completes 25 health services inspections a year and has seen every medical group in the United States Air Force around the world, and this is the highest score they've seen since 2004 when they started keeping track of the scores, said Col. James Hougas, AFIA team chief from Kirtland AFB, N.M.

"Remember to continue what you're doing," said Colonel Hougas. "The processes are in place that got the 21st Medical Group here and will continue to keep you at this standard of excellence."

At the same time, the 21st MDG also received another three-year accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The three-member AAAHC survey team evaluated the 21st MDG's compliance with civilian AAAHC standards for ambulatory health care to determine if accreditation should be retained. The three-year accreditation is the highest result possible.

Receiving the highest Air Force inspection score in six years, the men and women of the 21st MDG shone through as America's premier Air Force medical group, striking pride into the hearts of everyone attending the energy-filled and standing room only out-brief in the clinic's lobby.

"Without question, this is the finest moment in my 25-year Air Force career," Colonel Sell said as he addressed 21st MDG members. "And it's all because of you."

 

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