Maxwell Air Force Base reopens pediatric clinic to offer kids full primary care services

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE - The 42d Medical Group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand re-opening of Maxwell’s Pediatric Clinic Aug. 1, 2024.

The clinic, located on the first floor of the medical treatment facility right inside the front door, will offer full primary care pediatrics for children from birth to age 18. Services will include wellness visits, school and sports physicals, as well as sick appointments for any urgent care needs.

"This is the first time in two years that our pediatric clinic has been able to support the entire pediatric population on base," said Maj. Jennifer Shoemake, one of the pediatric providers and flight commander for the fleet. "There are about 2,500 children who will now be enrolled here, who previously had to be seen off base or within other parts of our clinic… this is the first time they'll all be able to be seen in pediatrics again."

The closure in February was primarily due to a lack of pediatric providers. The clinic will now have two full-time pediatric allowing the med group to reopen and serve the Maxwell community.

One of the biggest challenges faced in reopening the clinic has been spreading the word within the community.

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"Helping our community understand that we're open again has been crucial, said Shoemake. “We've been working hard to inform families through various channels."

Shoemake says the enthusiasm and positive reception from the base's families have been very encouraging for the pediatric team.

"Hearing the kids through the halls is really cool,” said Col. Clayton Rabens, the commander and medical treatment director of the 42d medical group. “As you walk into this large atrium, that energy and excitement is palpable. It's also about getting to see our families and being able to take care of all their medical needs without having to rely on our civilian partners."

The reopening of the Pediatric Clinic signifies not only the restoration of essential healthcare services but also a renewed commitment to the well-being of the youngest members of the Maxwell AFB community.

"As a mom, this reopening is incredibly significant,” said Lt. Col. Deandra Price-Newby, commander of the healthcare operations squadron. “We live about 60 miles east of the base, and previously, we had to drive an additional five to ten miles to get my son the care he needed. Now, with the clinic reopening, I can take him on base where he goes to the youth center.”

This milestone shows that Maxwell AFB is continuing to make strides towards becoming the location of choice for military families, providing comprehensive, convenient and high-quality pediatric care right on base.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Maxwell Air Force Base reopens pediatric clinic to offer kids full primary care services