This August, CRNA Mike Hamilton spent 14 days in Western Virginia where he and his fellow Navy Reservists provided medical care to local underserved civilian populations as part of a joint service Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) event.
Soldiers, sailors and airmen from the Air Force, Army and Navy gathered to provide medical, dental, ophthalmologic and veterinary care at the Wise County Fairgrounds. The team transformed recreational buildings and tents into facilities to provide clinical care. IRTs serve as practice for building a fully-functioning clinic while deployed overseas.
“I enjoy these missions because you get to help the medically underserved local population,” Hamilton said. “We work with local community health partners, and our units really benefit from the training.”
Hamilton’s role in the IRT was the clinic/Naval officer in charge, ensuring all members in their respective roles and specialties were able to complete their mission. At the end of the mission care was provided to over 1500 human patients, rendering more than $550 thousand in fair market value of services. IRTs also provide excellent opportunity for cross training, so Hamilton facilitated the training of the service members while ensuring high quality care was provided throughout the mission.
The IRT clinic site was limited in the care it could provide, but broke down financial barriers for patients in the region. Many sought medical consultation and basic care for issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. The most requested dental care was extractions. Vision screenings were also popular, and a few civilians benefitted from a new pair of frames and lenses from the on-site service members who build glasses. Since animals are utilized in overseas deployments, the team also provided veterinary care including spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations.
“You come away feeling like you accomplished something,” Hamilton said.
Of the 14-day mission, services were provided for nine. The remaining time was used for facility setup and teardown. Dental services were provided in a mobile semi-trailer that has four dental chairs within. Veterinarian services were administered in a fairgrounds barn. Soldiers even made use of a gazebo which was transformed into a dental triage area.
Hamilton, who joined the Navy Reserve at age 40, has served for six years. He joined Nebraska Medicine as a CRNA in 2010.
Hamilton utilizes medical expertise for military Innovative Readiness Training
