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Acupuncture and osteopathic medicine: Scott AFB enhances care

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE --  

The O'Fallon Family Medicine Clinic attached to the 375th Medical Group has made significant progress in offering comprehensive healthcare services to service members who support the global reach mission. 

Among their achievements, the OFMC operates an acupuncture clinic, caring for approximately 720 patients. According to Maj. Christopher Weisgarber, a physician with the family medicine faculty, the clinic currently offers 25 acupuncture appointments each week.

Person laying down receives medical treatment.

U.S. Airmen showcase their capabilities within acupuncture and osteopathic medicine to Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, during an outreach event, Nov. 18, 2024, at the O'fallon Family Medical Clinic. Thier clinic consists of 17 acupuncturists within the OFMC alongside a team of 21 doctors who specialize in osteopathic medicine.
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The clinic consists of 17 acupuncturists within the OFMC alongside a team of 21 doctors who specialize in osteopathic medicine, similar to acupuncture in its benefits.

The OFMC osteopathic manipulation therapy clinic serves 550 patients and treats about eight patients per week. Osteopathic medicine specializes in soft tissue, muscle, and joint therapies to optimize the body's healing capabilities.

On Nov. 14, 2024, Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Andrews, 375th AMW command chief, visited the installation's clinic in O'Fallon as part of an outreach event.

Lt. Col. Pamela Hughes, doctor and military program director of the clinic, led the immersive experience, demonstrating various techniques used in the acupuncture and OMT clinics. Both Poole and Andrews experienced "battlefield" acupuncture, which involves inserting five needles into specific ear points to alleviate general pain throughout the body.

Hughes explained the implementation of integrative medicine therapies and how they effectively address pain management, improve mental clarity, and enhance posture without using medications or surgery. During the visit, she also highlighted that integrative medicine has faster recovery times which reduces the need for physical fitness restrictions, allowing warfighters to return to duty promptly.

As the MDG expands their integrative medicine capabilities, more service members will have access to high-quality medical care, keeping more Airmen ready to support the global reach mission.