A reign of excellence

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Campanile
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When Dyess’ 7th Medical Group medical services flight commander sets her mind to do something, she gets it done -- and with never-before-seen results.

Major Christine Taylor received the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Practice Award March 24 during the organization’s annual conference, which was held in Atlanta, this year.

She was the only Air Force person to receive the national recognition for that category this year, which also earned her a prestigious call from Maj. Gen. Melissa Rank, Chief Nurse of the Air Force.

“It was such a surprise,” Major Taylor said. “It’s such an honor to get selected out of all the various services and civilians. And to be an Air Force member and get selected was quite an honor.”

“I have been amazed at how fast she can get things accomplished in our squadron,” said Lt. Col. Alan Reid, 7th Medical Operations Squadron commander. “She can take an idea that is on the ‘drawing board’ and put it into practice faster than anyone else I have been associated with.”

Major Taylor started by redesigning the wing’s medical right start program, in which she decreased the five-day process to a one-day stop. Her streamlining of the program translated into saving people the need of having to return to the clinic for follow-ups by 70 percent and 1,000 man-hours each month.

Two of Major Taylor’s most distinguishing accomplishments, which earned her the name “Population Health Pioneer,” of whom Lt. Col. Nancy Opheim, former 7th MDG chief nurse, dubbed her, were for her roles in the development of diabetic group appointments for 400 diabetics and Dyess’ first “Combat Asthma Camp.”

The establishment of the diabetic group appointments ensured preventive healthcare and education to the high-risk group. Because of this, Dyess was recognized as one of the top five most improved bases at higher headquarters in disease management care.

Under Major Taylor’s lead, Dyess’ pediatric clinic partnered with Hendricks Medical Center’s respiratory care team to offer a one-day forum for approximately 30 children to teach and advocate combating and controlling their asthma.

“For me, it means the world to me to know I’m making a difference, that I’m taking care of people,” Major Taylor said.

Colonel Reid asserts the award “fits with her stellar track record: “It was just a couple of years ago that she was given the distinction as the Company Grade Nurse of the Air Force. She is a real Air Force asset, and (her) getting this award for outstanding clinical nursing is a nice affirmation of that fact,” he said.

“She’s one of those rare individuals who possesses the confidence to get things done, lead others to see and accomplish important tasks and still remains teachable and supportive to other leaders,” Colonel Reid said. “She is truly one of a kind, and we are very fortunate to have her here at Dyess.”

Colonel Opheim, whom Major Taylor filled in for as acting chief nurse during the colonel’s absence, agrees, “Throughout her career, Major Taylor’s reign of excellence has simply set her apart from her rest, which led her to her selection to Air Combat and Staff College’s in-residence program.”

“What an extraordinary accomplishment for an extraordinary nurse leader,” Colonel Opheim said.

Major Taylor credits her success to her team of 85 -- “I certainly have to thank all the people in my flight” -- and her love of education, which she strongly believes and advocates is the true key to success.

“When you get up in the morning, stay focused on how you can make a difference,” Major Taylor said. “Education is the key so that when the opportunity comes along, you can improve yourself and take on new challenges.”

The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing, which Major Taylor is an active member of and serves as its Tri-Service Military Special Interest Group Webmaster, is the association of professional nurses and associates who identify ambulatory care practice as essential to the continuum of high quality, cost-effective healthcare, according to the association’s Web site.