Air Force surgeon general visits Aviano

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Air Force Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, visited Aviano Air Base Jan. 12 to meet with 31st Medical Group Airmen and discuss his new Family Health Initiative.

Aviano was the first base in the medical leader's U.S. Air Forces in Europe tour, which aims to educate military health care providers on his new initiative that will be implemented in June.

The surgeon general said the initiative's purpose is to reduce the number of patients assigned to each Air Force provider. Patients often see different doctors every time they have an appointment, which can be frustrating to the patient as well as the doctor.

"This is, like every other endeavor, an attempt to make a difference," said General Green. "We're attempting to change our practices from reactive to proactive. By becoming proactive, you're taking care of your patient and building a relationship with them in a way they never expected. What develops is trust."

The initiative is being implemented in response to the 2008 Caring for People survey in which people voiced concerns about difficulty getting appointments, limited access to medical care in some areas and trouble accessing medical records.

The program is a medical home concept that focuses on the personal relationship between patient and provider, General Green said.

According to Air Force Medical Operations Agency officials, every beneficiary is entitled to a personal primary care provider. The PCM is part of a dynamic military healthcare team that places the mission of patient care at its center. Every team has a leader who accepts responsibility for delivering that patient-centered care. Military beneficiaries expect and deserve comprehensive, whole person care for themselves and their family members.


In keeping with the "Caring for People" theme of the visit, General Green presented coins to several Airmen in appreciation for their exemplary patient care and other achievements.

General Green will also visit Ramstein, Spangdahlem and Geilenkirchen Air Bases in Germany during his USAFE tour.