Surgeon General
SG Message – One Team One Fight
Esteemed Colleagues,
The stress and anxiety over COVID-19 remains significant throughout our country. Aside from the unknowns surrounding this contagion, the pandemic has introduced limitations to daily social life, forced individuals into lengthy periods of isolation, and spurred concerns over financial matters. For those who are beginning a ROM status, this state of stress can feel intensified.
As we continue to confront the challenges we face from COVID-19, we must all have the confidence that regardless of the setting, we never work alone, nor should we feel that we have to suffer in silence. No one is alone in this fight – our One Navy Medicine team must remain vigilant and help those most in need. This pandemic has touched each of us in one way or another. Many of us know someone directly affected by this virus, and emotions are difficult to process when you are restricted from being with them. Sadly, many have been laid to rest without their loved ones present –and this tragedy in itself is on a greater level for our Sailors and Marines.
We are all leaders no matter where we sit in the organization, and I expect each of you to reach out to your colleagues and shipmates to see how they are doing. In addition to our formal mechanisms of PDHA and PDHRA, I ask that we continue to engage and stay close to these individuals and provide them all the time and support needed as they transition back to their regular duties.
Throughout this fight against COVID-19, our mental health providers have taken on the onus of responsibility, and although their roles are often unsung, the work they do each day has been commendable. Whether at the MTF setting or with embedded mental health teams, our psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers, behavioral health technicians, and Navy Chaplains continue to leverage principles of high velocity learning to be resourceful and innovative while enhancing mission readiness. Below are a few examples I would like to share with you:
- Special Psychiatric Readiness Intervention Team (SPRINT). In early April, we mobilized a SPRINT to Guam to provide needed assistance to the TR Sailors in quarantine at the time. In collaboration with the 3rd Medical Battalion, Naval Hospital Guam and the Guam Chaplain Corps, this SPRINT used innovative methods to deliver remote Psychological First Aid. These very methods continue to be impactful and have been used at other commands since.
- Virtual Peer Support. Through its Caregiver Occupational Stress Control program, Naval Hospital Jacksonville pioneered a website enabling virtual peer support for those dealing with stress at the hospital. In addition, providers with Naval Medical Center San Diego developed a web tool to help personnel manage everyday stress.
- Telehealth. Throughout this fight, many of our providers have also begun to embrace telehealth and this has been especially true for mental health specialists. Telehealth continues to serve as a significant tool allowing for that provider-patient connection when there are movement restrictions. This capability is destined to grow more robust in this new normal.
In closing, please remember that there are many avenues to getting healthcare and counseling and there is NO WRONG WAY to access it! I can assure you that regardless of where you serve or what you do, NO ONE IS ALONE IN THIS FIGHT – you will always have the full force of Navy Medicine’s power with you. Together, our talent, knowledge, toughness, creativity, and teamwork will get us through all the challenges we face from COVID-19 and will emerge a stronger and even more capable organization.
In a time when the Fleet and Marine Corps have never needed us more, you are making a positive difference for them every day. Thank you!
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG Sends
V/R,
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, AOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’s Message – The Flame That Cannot Be Extinguished
Dear Esteemed Navy Medicine Colleagues,
More than a hundred years ago, Florence Nightingale offered us the following words of wisdom: “Nursing is an art, and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion, as hard a preparation, as any painter’s or sculptor’s work.” The devotion to the “art of nursing” is on full display for the world to see as Navy nurses continue to answer our Nation’s call and serve on the frontlines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we recognize National Nurses Week and the Nurse Corps Birthday on 13 May, we celebrate the care and evidence-based practice and innovation these medical professionals bring every day to help our Sailors, Marines, and fellow Americans get well and stay healthy.
A critical component to improve the wellness and readiness of our force as we battle COVID-19 is to increase our arsenal of knowledge about the virus. In previous weeks, I discussed the dynamic efforts of the Navy Medical Research and Development (NMR&D) Enterprise in adapting to the challenges caused by this pandemic. In addition to operating within sea, air, land, space, cyberspace, and logistical frameworks, we must now fight against emerging pathogens and infectious diseases to protect America and our national security interests. To this end, our teams of scientists and researchers have been spearheading innovative countermeasures that will successfully supply us with vital data needed to operate in what Adm. James Foggo calls the “seventh domain” of warfighting – the biosphere.
Recognizing the importance of collecting medical data to help our country defend against COVID-19, Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) recently initiated the first-ever comprehensive research study to examine the serologic, clinical, and epidemiological aspects of the virus among young, healthy populations. The aim is to support the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island’s medical mission to achieve maximum recruit health and meet graduation requirements and standards during the pandemic.
On May 4, NMRC commenced the COVID-19 Health Action Response for Marines (CHARM) study at Parris Island and the Citadel. All study findings will be provided in real-time, in an effort to inform operational leaders with actionable information to help protect our Force and preserve war-fighting capabilities and readiness. This study will help inform future decisions regarding isolation and quarantine, identify personnel infected with mild or no symptoms, and help determine when recruits can safely return to training. Additionally, we hope to grasp a better understanding of how our bodies fight the virus by obtaining blood, saliva, and nasal samples that we can use to develop or improve tests, vaccines, drugs, and other countermeasures.
The road ahead will not be without challenges, but with the expertise of our NMR&D scientists, our public health teams, and Navy medical professionals on duty around the world, we will come out of this stronger and more mission ready. Every day our scientists, nurses, corpsmen, doctors, and medical support staff actively continue to leverage the principles of rapid-cycle feedback to share lessons learned and inform future decision which help Navy and Marine Corps leaders mitigate the long-term impact of COVID-19. Through it all, the spirit and light of Florence Nightingale’s raised “little lamp” is kept alive and burning brightly because of the skill and dedication our One Navy Medicine Team brings to the fight every day.
With my continued respect and admiration, SG
V/R,
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, AOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’s Message – Of These Things Miracles Are Made
Dear Esteemed Navy Medicine Colleagues,
Naval superiority means fighting and winning against enemies on the sea, on land, and as is the case with COVID-19, even in the Biosphere. This is where we truly see the real Power of Navy Medicine in action and the impact our incredible high-performing teams are having in combating this invisible adversary. Because of YOUR significant, selfless and incredible efforts, we are having dramatic effects on mitigating the spread of this disease, protecting our Navy and Marine Corps team, and maintaining mission readiness. Together, WE have deployed the largest force of medical personnel since Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM, nearly 30 years ago. WE have deployed almost 4,000 Sailors on our hospital ships and in civilian medical facilities around the country, working shoulder-to-shoulder with local health care providers during this crisis, and we remain committed to sustaining this effort for as long as our nation requires. WE are flat out making a difference!
Last week the Chief of Naval Operations commended our speed and professionalism when a Sailor suffering respiratory issues was medically evacuated off the USS KIDD (DDG 100). Within hours of the Sailor’s test coming back positive for COVID-19, NMRTC Jacksonville deployed a special seven person medical team to conduct contact tracing, do onsite testing aboard the ship and to support the Independent Duty Corpsman in caring for his patients. Although the medical team didn’t expect to find themselves on a DDG in the Eastern Pacific when they went to work that morning, their rapid response provided critical support to the ship and demonstrates why we all need to maintain a high state of personal and unit readiness.
USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) rendezvoused with KIDD to establish a COVID-19 afloat medical response. MAKIN ISLAND embarked a fleet surgical team to provide intensive care unit capability, ventilators, and additional testing. Together, providers from the KIDD and MAKIN ISLAND worked tirelessly to test and care for patients who tested positive. The KIDD is now in San Diego where NEPMU-5, NHRC, and NMRTC San Diego are fully supporting her return with pier side testing and follow on health surveillance screening services for Sailors placed in quarantine or isolation. Fortunately, none of the sailors are currently hospitalized.
The coronavirus is a new pathogen and we are rapidly implementing lessons learned through operationalized mitigation and prevention efforts. Sailors and Marines aboard the DDG and LHD have directly benefited from the logistical and medical experiences we have gained in our support of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). From our research scientists and public health experts, to our medical professionals deployed forward and serving at home, we are collecting, analyzing, and leveraging data to prepare our warfighters to operate in this new warfighting domain.
Our staff at U.S. Naval Hospital Guam has been doing much of the “heavy lifting” in providing twice daily health surveillance screenings, administering nasal swab testing, and delivering daily medical support and care to those in need. Importantly, they continue to collaborate with other medical assets on Guam (3rd Medical Battalion, USAF’s 36th Medical Group, a SPRINT from NMRTC San Diego, and TR’s medical department) to ensure the TR is ready to execute its mission. Similarly, I know commands across Navy Medicine are working hard each day to provide nasal swab testing and health surveillance support to units across enterprise, including Carrier Strike Groups and Marine Corps Recruit Depots.
Although we are far from defeating this virus, the Navy is aggressively applying COVID-19 lessons learned. As a prudent measure, every Sailor deploying in our next Carrier Strike Group aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) was placed in a pre-underway restriction of movement and to further ensure they deploy COVID-free, testing of more than 7,000-plus Sailors is presently underway. Similar plans are being conducted for future deploying ships and subs; including SSBNs. The coordination performed by Navy Medicine assets in both fleet and medical treatment facilities to make this happen reflects the continued value and importance of operating as a ONE NAVY MEDICINE team.
Finally, as DoD shifts into a “stabilization” phase in the COVID-19 fight, we will soon welcome back the COMFORT to Norfolk. The hospital ship served as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience during this crisis. The men and women of the COMFORT did a commendable job bravely going into harm’s way to serve at the epicenter of the virus, treating severely ill New Yorkers. They shall return to “Ready 5” status and remain ready for future tasking.
Thank you for your continued collaboration, coordination, communication and most importantly, the care you bring to your work and to the well-being of your families, co-workers and yourself. We are in the early stages of this marathon. A steady, sustained pace, recharging ourselves physically and mentally along the way, will continue to be a key factor in our ability to project the full force of our Navy Medical Power.
It has been said that an individual can make a difference, but that only a team can make a miracle. Whether you are contributing by holding the fort at your MTF; teleworking from your kitchen table while grading your child’s homework or caring for your family members; deploying to one of our nation’s community hospitals to link arms with and relieve exhausted civilian medical staff or underway on the vanguard of freedom YOU are a critically important part of the Navy Medicine team. We are a team that is remaining steadfast in its resolve to protect and defend our shipmates and our fellow citizens. Of such sustained dedication and commitment miracles are made.
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Message from the SG – When Can Navy Medicine Get There?
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
As you know, our One Navy Medicine Team is on the front lines of this fight combating COVID-19 on multiple platforms and working across many disciplines. Last week I shared with you several examples of how our clinicians are stepping out of their traditional roles to provide “boots on the ground” health care support in this national emergency. Our clinicians remain a vital part of this effort, and they are not alone in the fight.
This past Monday, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center professionals partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct an outbreak investigation in Guam with volunteers from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The purpose of this investigation is to gather data which will help inform future testing strategies, operational planning, and COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the readiness of Navy ships and our Force.
Since the coronavirus outbreak was first recognized, our scientists from Navy Medicine’s Research & Development enterprise immediately began to harness the power of our global network of laboratories to help develop vaccines and therapeutics against SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Our research experts are looking at operational needs and working to develop countermeasure products that will make their way down to the deckplate. Our Navy Medicine Researchers are focusing on four priorities:
- Producing purified human anti-SARSCoV-2 polyclonal antibodies. Naval Medical Research Center has partnered with Sanford Applied Biosciences to produce human neutralizing antibodies from humanized cows (Tc Bovines) that can potentially be used to treat COVID-19 infected patients. When administered to at-risk individuals exposed to COVID-19 infected patients, these Tc Bovine-derived human antibodies may prevent infection or significantly reduce illness associated with a secondary COVID-19 infection.
- Psoralen-inactivated SARSCoV-2 vaccine. Developing an inactivated whole virus COVID-19 vaccine using a flexible vaccine development platform that is based on the use of a psoralen compound, which interrupts virus replication by inactivating viral genes, while leaving the outer virus proteins largely intact. These intact outer virus proteins in psoralen-inactivated vaccines promote a better immune response compared to standard formalin-inactivated vaccines where the outer virus proteins may be distorted or destroyed by the formalin inactivation method leading to a less robust immune response.
- Phage-based COVID-19 vaccine. Designing a multi-subunit phage-based vaccine that will be ready for testing within weeks. They have secured funding for purification, manufacturing, and large-scale throughput to prepare numerous Current Good Manufacturing Practice vaccines, identifying optimal polyvalent vaccines prepared for phase I clinical trials.
- Spearheading a robust and field-deployable rapid diagnostic test suited to meet shipboard demands. Navy researchers are working with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on gene editors that could operate as rapid detectors of pathogenic threats. The development initiative is called “Detect it with Gene Editing Technologies” to enable biosurveillance detection of any threat, anytime, anywhere.
We are eager to see these projects contribute to our fight against COVID-19 and Navy Medicine continues to make meaningful progress by leveraging high-velocity learning to be resourceful and innovative. I would like to note, that the contributions from our doctors and scientists are not always conducted bedside or from a lab bench. In Lima, Peru, team members from Naval Medical Research Unit Six were recently recognized by the State department for stepping up to support the repatriation efforts of over 7,000 U.S. citizens stranded in Peru and transport them back to America. When there is a challenge before us and people are in need, the men and women of our One Navy Medicine Team are there to provide help and support.
Whatever your role, I want each of you to know that your contributions continue to make a difference. It is a well known fact that our Navy is the 911 force for our Nation and often the first words uttered by our leadership in the time of crisis is “When can the Carriers get there?” Because of the Power that you bring to this fight and the immediate game-changing impact you are having, the first thing I’m hearing is “When can Navy Medicine get there?” Thank you for your responsiveness, dedication, and professionalism to our Sailors, Marines, families, and our fellow citizens. You are the game changers in this fight!
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG Sends
Message from the SG – The Power of Navy Medicine
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
I have never been more proud of our organization and the amazing work you do in support of our Nation and the U.S. Navy. The power of Navy Medicine is one of the most important weapons in our country’s arsenal and we are making a difference by bringing it to bear against this invisible adversary all across the globe. In his update to all Navy Flag Officers and Senior Executive Service personnel the Vice Chief of Naval Operations wrote yesterday: “Our Surgeon General, and the entire Navy Medicine team have been working 24/7 since this pandemic began, and even with Navy providing over 70% of DoD’s deployed medical forces, they are leading DoD research efforts on COVID prevention, testing and immunization solutions.” You are doing an incredible job during these challenging times and your effort and impact in this fight are recognized daily throughout the Navy and Marine Corps.
We are a solution-focused organization which leverages high-velocity learning to be resourceful and innovative, especially in the face of our current national emergency. As our One Navy Medicine team continues to learn more about the coronavirus, the scientific and medical counsel we provide to our Sailors, Marines, and their families will evolve as well. We will also improve our processes for how we marshal and deploy our forces; maintain, transport and deliver vital supplies; improve communications up and down our chain-of-command; and how we can take better care of our people.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, I recently challenged our Clinical Communities to take a hard look at how we can provide additional support by employing all qualified providers directly in COVID-19 care, irrespective of their specific specialties. Not surprising, they responded. We are seeing great examples of our clinicians stepping out of their traditional roles to fulfill boots on the ground support and standing watch to help meet the growing demand for COVID-19 health care support. Below are a few concrete examples. In the coming weeks I will share and highlight more with you:
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton: Dental officers stand ready to care for any urgent dental needs AND have integrated with their medical colleagues to serve a vital role in the hospital’s COVID-19 response plan. They are now serving on the “front line” in the flu tents and providing essential screening and triage to patients.
- Naval Hospital Bremerton. Expanded partnerships with the state’s Northwest Healthcare Response Network and the Washington State Hospital Association to develop a crisis standard of care flow path, which improves closer coordination in triage and send patients to available beds.
The imperative to move out of our comfort zones is not new. This is what we do, and I am confident you feel the same way. During my career, particularly in operational settings, I leaned heavily on my experience as a GMO and undersea and diving medical officer to care for patients, long after I became an orthopedic surgeon. Although we have many subspecialized doctors, nurses, corpsmen and ancillary support personnel we are all care-givers at heart. I appreciate your ability to reconnect to those fundamental skills that initially attracted you to a medical career, especially your caring and compassion as we work to defeat this adversary. I am greatly encouraged by the use of virtual health, particularly in psychological health, to ensure continuity of care for patients. All of us are under tremendous stress, and the availability of support services is reassuring — particularly during this crisis.
I encourage you to visit https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2020/03/15/u-s-navy-covid-19-updates/ and familiarize yourself with the U. S. Navy COVID-19 Mitigation Framework and the U. S. Navy COVID-19 Prevention Framework. Both documents provide our operational leaders with actionable information, help protect the Force, and preserve warfighting readiness. Importantly, they reflect the critical support that our Navy Medicine public health, research and development, and emergency preparedness experts, along with many others, have and continue to provide. Now more than ever, our leaders are relying on us for sound force health protection advice and recommendations.
In closing, I want you to know that while we are operating far from our comfort zone, our strength as a team of dedicated expeditionary medical professionals will see us through this crisis and we will emerge even stronger and more mission ready. My heartfelt best wishes to you, your loved ones and the American people fortunate to have you in their corner.
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG Sends
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, AOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Message from the SG: What the Women and Men of Navy Medicine Do
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
Navy Medicine continues to serve on the front-lines of our Nation’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are medical professionals working together as high-performance teams to bring the full power of Navy Medicine to our mission and to our country. We were built for this mission and the work you are doing reflects our One Navy Medicine strategy. We are all fully engaged in support of this national emergency – Fleet and Fleet Marine Force medical personnel and MTF providers and staff, as well as our public health, research and development, emergency preparedness, and logistics experts.
This week our hospital ships, USNS Comfort in New York and USNS Mercy in Los Angeles, arrived on scene and immediately established relationships with local and state health officials bringing our skills and expertise to those hardest hit. As we speak, our teams are providing care to those most in need and are beginning to ramp up the number of patients they are treating. Our hospital ships may be our most visible symbols of Medical Power but they are part of the wider MHS support network.
The Navy, along with the Army and Air Force, have deployed Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMFs) to provide urgent care to areas impacted by COVID-19. Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s EMF – Mike split into two teams. One will be working in New Orleans caring for COVID-19 patients under investigation who are awaiting their test results but unable to return to private residence for self- quarantine. The other team is in Dallas awaiting final assignment.
Volunteer Navy Medicine reservists have immeasurably strengthened our One Navy Medicine team. After assessing that their absence would not negatively impact the health care response of their own communities, these dedicated professionals stepped up to augment our support to our country. They are deployed on board USNS MERCY, USNS COMFORT, serving at our medical treatment facilities and also staffing Expeditionary Medical Facility Navy Reserve-Bethesda that has been activated to support New York City. Regardless of the mission, they, like all of you, are at the epicenter of protecting the health of Sailors, Marines, families, and our fellow citizens.
Make no mistake; there is demanding work ahead. We are in this together and leveraging the talents of our civilian, contractor, active duty and reserve communities, we will prevail. One of our greatest strengths as an organization is that we thrive on rapid cycle feedback to improve the quality and the safety of the care we provide. We are never content or complacent. We thrive on providing and receiving rapid cycle feedback, widely sharing not only our successes but, more importantly, what we have learned from our failures. Just as we refined our approach to combat casualty care to achieve unprecedented survival rates, we will continue to apply best available clinical and research evidence to adjust fire and defeat this adversary. That is what high velocity learning organizations do.
The members of a strong, resilient organization understand the value of clear, bi-directional communication. Keep in regular communication with your team and actively reach out if you feel you are “out of the loop.” Stay at home orders and long solo hours of tele-work also risk creating a sense of social isolation. Remember, social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement. The same technology that allows you to tele-work also allows you to connect with family and friends. Taking care of yourselves and families should be a top priority and is essential for mission readiness. Don’t be afraid to walk away from your computers and take a break. Get some fresh air and exercise. And if you need to talk to someone please do so. Communication is a sign of strength not weakness. There are numerous resources within Navy Medicine and throughout the Navy to provide support if you need it.
We have much to be proud of. All of us are enduring changes in our work routines, lifestyle and our way of life but this has not changed our focus on the important work ahead. Many of you are putting yourselves in harm’s way on behalf of our shipmates. Now we also have the privilege to bring our expeditionary medical expertise to bear on behalf of our families, friends, and neighbors. As we confront this challenge, have confidence that regardless of the setting, we never work alone. As the Surgeon General, I can assure you that the full force of Navy Medicine’s power is with you. Together, our talent, knowledge, toughness, creativity and teamwork will get us through this and we will be a stronger organization as a result. Communicate clearly, strive to improve every day and keep yourself and those entrusted to your care safe. That is what the women and men of Navy Medicine have always done and that is what we will always do.
With my respect and admiration, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Message from the Navy Surgeon General
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
As front-line protectors of our Sailors, Marines and their families against the coronavirus, I want to provide you with an update of our efforts, highlight the great work Navy Medicine is doing to support our country and share my intent for the way forward as we meet this unprecedented challenge with the full force of our Navy Medical Power.
PEOPLE: First, I want to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment to our nation in this time of great challenge as we face this global pandemic. We are taking all necessary measures to protect our active-duty, reserve, and civilian work force. Protecting our people is our top priority. To that end, all DoD installations are operating at HPCON level Charlie and starting March 31, all medical and dental treatment facilities will postpone most elective surgeries, invasive procedures, and dental procedures for 60 days. These actions will enhance medical staff safety, prolong the supply of personal protective equipment, and allow us to refocus our skills and expertise directly to the front lines of the COVID-19 response.
PLATFORMS: As I write this, USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is pulling into the pier in Los Angeles. Tomorrow, the crew, which includes almost 100 volunteer reservists, will begin seeing patients. The goal is to unburden the Los Angeles Health Care System of non-COVID-19 patients so that its providers can focus on the care of those afflicted with the virus. USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), also supplemented with reserve volunteers, will sail from Hampton Roads this weekend and be on station, ready to see patients in New York City by the beginning of the week. Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) – Mike assigned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville has been activated, and an additional EMF is on standby awaiting notification. Combined with our existing deployments around the world, almost 4,000 Navy Medical personnel are out forward, protecting our nation. This will be the largest deployment since Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Those who remain at our medical treatment facilities are also on the front lines in this fight given the ubiquitous nature of this virus.
PERFORMANCE: As we collectively face this challenge head on, teamwork, and an even greater vigilance to ensure continued safe, high quality care will be critical. We also need to be willing to rethink our usual hierarchies of care. Those not directly involved in treating COVID-19 patients should seek out opportunities to support those who are. As our primary care clinics and emergency rooms get busier with COVID patients, I would ask our specialists to lean forward and treat conditions within their specialty areas without the requirement for a consultation where feasible. The unprecedented nature of this situation means that we must adapt quickly at the local level. As an organization that values high velocity learning as the means by which we continuously improve the quality of our performance, please practice rapid cycle feedback within your work teams and share the lessons you learn widely so that our entire organization can benefit.
POWER: You and the critical work that you are doing is the source of Navy Medicine’s power. Whether you are on the front lines treating patients; in the laboratory processing diagnostic tests, doing the science necessary to defeat this pathogen, or providing the support that keeps our system running, YOU need to stay healthy. This campaign will be a marathon, not a sprint. Find a sustainable battle rhythm and monitor your energy level. Know when to take a knee and recharge your batteries, both physically AND mentally. Practice all of the recommended preventative measures to protect yourself and your family. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement. Stay in close touch with those who matter to you and reach out virtually to those who would benefit from your moral support. We are the medical experts our Sailors, Marines and their families rely upon for their health and readiness. Preserve your health so that we can preserve theirs. Thank you for YOUR compassion, professionalism, and selfless dedication to duty.
The mission may be non-traditional, but you have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to fight and win. This challenge will be no different. To the people of the world, just the sight of Navy Medicine on the horizon fills them with a sense of hope. Now we get to instill that same sense of hope to our own Nation.
Stay strong America….We are on our way!
With respect and admiration, SG
SG Message – Standing Strong When Our Nation Most Needs Us
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
Since December 2019, when the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
was first reported, Navy Medicine has been on the forefront actively engaged
in and supporting government and international efforts to help protect
Sailors, Marines, Department of Navy civilians, and our fellow citizens from
COVID-19. This pandemic demands the leadership, creativity and commitment
of our entire One Navy Medicine enterprise.
In addressing this pandemic, the Secretary of Defense has clearly
articulated his priorities: (1) Protecting our people; (2) Maintaining
mission readiness; and (3) Supporting the whole-of-government effort. To
this end, we must be ready to execute whatever mission is directed to us.
We have received an order from the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff to
prepare our hospital ships – USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH-20)
to deploy in order to supplement civilian healthcare systems. We will
provide non-COVID care so that they can focus their efforts on those
afflicted by the virus. The critical core staff reported aboard yesterday to
begin the necessary work to bring the ship’s hospitals to life and to
receive the remainder of the crew. MERCY will depart San Diego next week and
COMFORT will follow the following week. I will keep you updated, but this
represents an unprecedented opportunity to project medical power
domestically and to help our country during a national emergency . This is
not our typical mission of providing combat casualty care; however, it
demonstrates our agility and responsiveness to do what the country asks –
wherever and whenever we’re needed. We will keep you updated as this
evolves.
In conjunction with the Department of Defense and interagency partners, our
public health professionals, scientists, researchers, emergency preparedness
experts, and many others are working together to confront COVID-19. Our
Navy Medicine team is actively monitoring the disease and providing direct
support to ensure Navy and Marine Corps commanders have the latest
information to ensure mission readiness and effectiveness. In addition, our
physicians, nurses, corpsmen, clinical scientists, and laboratory
professionals are prepared to identify, diagnose and care for those who may
contract the virus. You’ve heard me talk about my commitment to ensure Navy
Medicine is a High Reliability Organization that uses high velocity learning
and rapid cycle feedback. We are seeing full application of these
principles throughout Navy Medicine and it is making us even more effective
and resilient as we continue to meet this challenge head on.
Below are a few highlights of the actions and contributions Navy Medicine
has made to confront COVID-19:
- Initiated the BUMED Surgeon General’s COVID-19 Watch. This Crisis
Action Team is manned 24/7 and can be reached at (703) 681-1087 or 1125. - BUMED is coordinating directly with Fleet Surgeons and the Medical
Officer of the Marine Corps to disseminate information and actively support
the operational commanders. - BUMED established an on-line communication pipeline to allow
commanders and their supporting fleet surgeons to input questions directly
to our Public Health, Research, and Emergency Management professionals. - Navy Medical Research Center (NMRC) and Naval Health Research
Center (NHRC) are actively involved in the fight against COVID-19 as the
Navy representatives among the 14 DoD laboratories prepared to conduct
COVID-19 diagnostic testing. - Active engagement and collaboration between our Navy Expeditionary
Preventive Medical Units (NEPMUs) and operational commanders continues in
order to proactively respond to needs of Fleet regarding advisement on port
visits to different countries. - A Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Unit (FDPMU), consisting
of four highly trained specialists, is available to deploy with 48 hours
lead time to provide decision-makers with information on outbreak response
and to assist afloat surgeons in Public Health Emergency Response Afloat. - Developed a Health Protection Condition (HPCON) determination
matrix to aid commander’s decision making to ensure the continued health and
safety of our force, civilians and families. - Created an algorithm for determining status of individuals related
to COVID-19 outbreak. - BUMED has validated our stockpile of personal protective equipment
(PPE) to ensure continued operations should the virus penetrate the force. - We have shipped PPE to our OCONUS MTFs to ensure they have what
they need to respond to this crisis. - Developed interim guidance for cleaning and disinfection of public
facilities for COVID-19 - Developed flowchart to individuals who are ill and think they may
have COVID-19 - Developed guidance for housing suspected COVID-19 patients
- Supporting fleet operations with Pandemic Influenza and Infectious
Disease plans - Navy Medicine is advising and coordinating on a Concept of Operations for medical screening at Air Mobility Command terminals
You are delivering NAVAL MEDICAL POWER to our Sailors, Marines and their
families in person, over the phone and via the internet. The force health
protection of our warfighters is paramount and directly enables naval
operations. I want to emphasize that we must provide clear and objective
guidance to those we care for. As subject matter experts, they are relying
on us.
In order for us to continue to project medical power and protect our
shipmates, we, too, must to healthy and ready. Please ensure you are
protecting yourself and your families so you can continue to provide
outstanding care to those who need us. All commands in the Navy are being
encouraged to help limit Sailor, Marine and family member exposure to the
virus. This includes using flexible work hours, alternating work schedules,
and telework. We need the Navy Medicine workforce to remain strong during
these challenging times. Our Sailors and Marines depend on us.
In closing, please keep an eye on your fellow Navy Medicine teammates and
continue to follow health guidelines, which includes washing your hands more
often, avoiding public gatherings, and staying away from others if you’re
sick. Crushing COVID-19 will be a marathon and not a sprint. The hallmark
of a high reliability organization is not perfection, but resilience. We
will get through this together and we will be a stronger organization as a
result.
Thank you for all the superb work you are doing during this national
emergency, you are STANDING STRONG, not only for our military beneficiaries,
but the country as a whole and you make me incredibly proud to be a part of
the Navy Medicine team.
BZ
V/r, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, AOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’s Op Order – Medical Power for Integrated Naval Superiority
Navy Medicine Shipmates,
In early November, I issued my SG’s Day One guidance and outlined how Navy Medicine will optimize to project medical power in support of Naval Superiority. I also promised that I would provide more detailed guidance on each of my priorities and the steps that we will take to build the Navy Medicine that our Nation needs to ensure that we prevail in any future fight. Attached you will find my operational order that describes the ideal end state for each of Navy Medicine’s priorities and charts the course that we will take to achieve these outcomes. I have also included a graphic version of these priorities for your reference and to help you carry the conversation to your work center. As a member of the One Navy Medicine team I am counting on your leadership, influence and personal commitment to help breathe life into these initiatives and bring them to full operating capability.
Thank you for your tireless efforts, professionalism and dedication to our Navy and Marine Corps team. I look forward to getting your feedback and seeing you on the deck plate.
-SG Sends
(Here is a link to a PAO summary of the OPORD as well.)
SG’s Talking Points from Specialty Leader Business Meeting
Here are the SG’s talking points from last week’s Specialty Leader Business Meeting in one slide:
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 