SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE —
The O’Fallon Family Medicine Clinic attached to the 375th Medical Group has made significant progress in providing comprehensive healthcare services to service members who support the global reach mission.
Among their accomplishments, the OFMC operates an acupuncture clinic, serving approximately 720 patients. According to Maj. Christopher Weisgarber, a physician with the family medicine faculty, the clinic currently holds 25 acupuncture appointments each week.
The clinic is staffed with 17 acupuncturists within the OFMC, as well as a team of 21 doctors specializing in osteopathic medicine, which offers similar benefits to acupuncture.
The OFMC osteopathic manipulation therapy clinic caters to 550 patients and treats around eight patients per week. Osteopathic medicine focuses on soft tissue, muscle, and joint therapies to enhance 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 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, showcasing various techniques used in the acupuncture and OMT clinics. Poole and Andrews both experienced “battlefield” acupuncture, which involves inserting five needles into specific ear points to alleviate general pain in the body.
Hughes explained the integration of integrative medicine therapies and how they effectively manage pain, enhance mental clarity, and improve posture without the use of medications or surgery. She also pointed out that integrative medicine results in quicker recovery times, reducing the need for physical fitness restrictions and enabling warfighters to return to duty promptly.
As the MDG expands its integrative medicine capabilities, more service members will have access to top-notch medical care, ensuring more Airmen are prepared to support the global reach mission.
