News

Biomedical Science Corps Appreciation Week

  • Published
  • By Maj. Funmilayo Aranmolate
  • 436th Medical Group
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Biomedical Science Corps (BSC) celebrated its 51st anniversary during BSC Appreciation Week Jan. 25-29, 2016, at Dover AFB, Delaware. The BSC is one of the most diverse commissioned officer corps containing 18 different Air Force specialty codes.

The BSC enhances the effectiveness of a broad range of capabilities including clinical service, environmental management, research and public health as well as occupational health. The BSC was created by the Air Force on Jan. 28, 1965, as one of eight officer corps with 350 officers.

It has grown to 2,300 officers. The BSC is supported by 5,800 enlisted. Civilians increase the success of the mission with the total force approach. Brig. Gen. James E. McClain, Biomedical Science Corps chief, stated the BSC has expertise, assets and global reach in all installations and deployed locations around the world. Chief Master Sgt. Jason Pace, Medical Enlisted Corps chief, describes the BSC as an integrated team of service leaders committed to excellence.

Any patient at the 436th Medical Group has at least one aspect of their medical care or deployment readiness performed by a BSC including Bioenvironmental Engineering, Medical Lab, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Assistant, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Psychology and Social Work. There are 19 BSC officers representing nine AFSCs across three squadrons in the 436th MDG.

Bioenvironmental Engineering is best known for the gas mask fit test. However, they are first responders for aircraft mishaps and hazardous spills. In addition, they safeguard the flight line by inspecting transported cargo for hazardous materials and weapons. The medical laboratory performs over 50,000 tests every year to aid providers in diagnosis and treatment of blood, bodily fluids and tissue. Some in house bacteria test results are reported in as little as 30 minutes.

Optometry delivers excellence by using advance equipment to perform more than 200 exams every month to evaluate and treat for eye diseases. Ballistic eyewear, 1,200 eyeglasses, and Gas Mask Insert orders are processed every month to ensure every Airman has their best vision. Dover AFB Optometry's mantra is 'the more you can see, the more you can achieve.'

Pharmacy processes approximately 14,000 prescriptions every month. They use the latest technology to scan both medications and prescriptions to make sure the right medication gets to the right person.

The outstanding health care delivered by Physician Assistants (PA) is vital to 2,192 monthly appointments in the Family Health Clinic. Aerospace Medicine trained PAs oversea the health and wellness of 700 flyers and air traffic controllers. Physical Therapy (PT) uses a full spectrum of skills and treatments to return our active members to duty without limitations. 

Any facility where you eat or drink on base has been inspected by Public Health. Public Health also guides standards and processes for infectious disease control like Ebola. Psychology and Social Work collaborate to form Mental Health. They are available to assist members with readiness and life coping mechanism. Their Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program was identified as a best practice by Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. Mental Health presented former NFL player Hershel Walker to speak at the Wing Resiliency Day October 2015.

BSC Appreciation Week was celebrated with a display table in the 436th MDG lobby with information about our BSCs, potluck breakfast, family social, and photo journal. A community service project, Artic Blast, will be sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3238. The Arctic Blast challenges you to take a dunk in the bay at Bowers Beach, Delaware, to increase support of mental health awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain Injury on Jan. 30, 2016, at 12 p.m. 

As a member of the BSC, I take pride in the diversity and knowledge of the 18 AFSCs. It is one of the few corps whose mission reaches across to all active duty, retirees, spouses and dependents. Although BSC Appreciation Week is only once a year, BSCs are here every day to help you maintain and sharpen your human weapon system.