UTMC: Training Program Renewed

Toledo, Ohio -- In April of 2015, the 180th Fighter Wing received word from the National Guard Bureau that the training affiliation agreement between the University of Toledo Medical Center and the wing was renewed for another five years. This training agreement has been instrumental in helping the 180th Medical Clinic personnel streamline their training tasks and has provided a chance for nursing personnel to treat patients at the university hospital.

Chief Master Sgt. Victor Walker, 180th Nursing Superintendent, said the NGB calls the 180th's affiliation a benchmark program. It is the longest running successful program in the Guard.

Good stewardship of taxpayer dollars is a huge part of the Guard culture. By streamlining skills verification and training, the UTMC affiliation saves up to $20,000 dollars per member. Now that the contract has been renewed for another five years, those savings will continue.

In the next five years, Walker envisions 180th personnel spending more time in the multi-million dollar simulation lab. Medical personnel can train using ultra life-like medical mannequins. Certifications and training can take place even if a human patient isn't present. A training program could be developed to envelop readiness skills verification, tasks that must be completed every 24 months, in to a much shorter time.

Walker said this would give 180th medical personnel the chance to spend their annual training time doing more community outreach and involvement, and humanitarian missions like "Hope of Martin," a two-week health fair in Martin, TN and surrounding communities. The 180th sent 30 members in support of the mission. With training being accomplished much more efficiently, the 180th would be even more capable to support missions.

The next five years is sounding great for the 180th medical personnel and UTMC!