army
I visited Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington state last week, to attend the retirement of a good friend of mine, another Army psychiatrist who has served for many years.
I have blogged before about my dismay at the allegations swirling around the post’s Madigan Army Medical Center. But this was my first time back to Madigan in about three years.
Madigan is still a wonderful bright hospital, with swans in the water between the wings. White cherry trees bloom around the grounds. The morning I got there the sun came out for the first time in a month. The glowing snow-capped Mount Rainier reminded me why Army physicians vied to be stationed there.
Three years ago, Madigan was lauded as leading Army Behavioral Health efforts in numerous ways: enhanced post-deployment screening, telehealth, virtual-reality therapy, sophisticated PTSD treatment, as well as cutting-edge research.
Now the staff is dispirited by the constant barrage of criticism and investigations. But, they are holding their heads up, working as hard — or harder — than ever, taking care of wounded and ill Soldiers and other service members. Getting the job done.
Before heading back home, I stopped by the hospital gift shop, and bought a Madigan T-shirt: Care with compassion, it says. I wear it proudly.