27th Special Operations Medical Group pharmacy aims to innovate and improve their services

Story by Senior Airman Drew Cyburt

27th Special Operations Wing

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – The pharmacy team at the 27th Special Operations Medical Group has made strides in improving patient care and efficiency over the last year, aiming to address staffing shortages and modernize processes to better serve the base community.

Leadership at the 27th Special Operations Health Care Operations Squadron recently shared updates on recent improvements, including the addition of one contract pharmacist and two contract technician positions. This hiring action has helped the pharmacy overcome challenges with manning, responding to high demand and reducing wait times.

“We have two active duty pharmacists,” said Lt. Col. Michael Oetjens, 27th SOHCOS commander. “We have been able to prioritize our request for a contract pharmacist to come to the pharmacy. This has helped reduce wait times and fill more prescriptions and has been very successful.”

The addition of contract technicians has allowed the pharmacy staff to focus their attention on mission-essential requests, deployment taskers and additional duties, according to Lt. Col. Sang Ngo, 27th SOHCOS diagnostic and therapeutics flight commander.

Another change to improve efficiency has been the implementation of an electronic prescription pickup system, replacing the old manual process. The pharmacy has also expanded phone lines for prescription inquiries and activated a new refill system through the Genesis Patient Portal, helping patients save time.

“We’ve been able to offer longer hours, stay open during lunch, and work closely with local pharmacies to help with prescription transfers,” said Master Sgt. Robert Thomas, the 27th SOHCOS diagnostics and therapeutics flight chief. “It’s all about making the process as efficient as possible for our Airmen and families.”

In addition to improving efficiency with their own patients, the pharmacy has also assisted the rest of the 27th SOMDG, including implementing a Cough, Cold, and Allergy clinic.

“The new clinic helps a lot,” said Capt. Modesta Ugochukwu, 27th SOHCOS chief of pharmacy operations. “Especially during the cold season, you don’t want Airmen to have to take a slot for sick call or have to utilize their PCM for something simple. So, it helps having pharmacists come in to take care of those simple ailments.”

For those looking to provide feedback, the pharmacy has a QR code available in the lobby for suggestions and comments.

“Scan the QR code and explain what’s going on,” said Thomas. “We can call back and have a conversation and know you’re taken care of.”

These improvements have been key in supporting the mission at The Steadfast Line, and the pharmacy team is committed to continuing to enhance services for not only service members but their families as well.

For new prescriptions or prescription refills: call 575-784-4912, Option 2 & 4.

If you have any thoughts or ideas on how to help improve the 27th SOMDG pharmacy, please visit the pharmacy clinic, fill out the feedback survey, or attend the next Patient and Family Partnership Council scheduled for March.