The 359th MDG is an outpatient-only medical treatment facility, providing medical care, physiological training, health promotion, and public health support to the local military community. Its premier outpatient clinic provides comprehensive health services for nearly 25,000 eligible beneficiaries in the San Antonio area. The group consists of 367 personnel in 8 buildings. With a $17.7M annual budget, the group averages 8,320 outpatient visits, 38,750 prescriptions, 5,064 lab procedures, and 2,000 radiology films per month.
The medical facility at RAFB.
The 359th MDG group’s more than 360 staff members serve within four squadrons:
- 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
- 359th Dental Squadron
- 359th Medical Operations Squadron
- 359th Medical Support Squadron
Together, these squadrons provide disaster response, comprehensive medical and dental care, health promotion, aerospace physiology training, and occupational/public health services to nearly 30 associate units at Randolph AFB, including:
- 12th Flying Training Wing
- Headquarters Air Education and Training Command
- 19th Air Force
- Air Force Personnel Center
- Air Force Recruiting Service
The 359th MDG serves the local beneficiary population of 48,000, plus an additional 7,000 students annually, providing 100,000 clinic appointments each year. Additionally, the staff deploys worldwide in support of the Expeditionary Air Force.
History of the 359th MDG
The 359th MDG has its roots in the 12th MSG, a unit with a long history of service. The 12th Field Hospital was officially activated on 25 July 1942 at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Texas. It provided medical care and support services during every major military conflict.
In 2009, 12th MDG members saw 42 of the group's Airmen deploy; supported five humanitarian missions; and spearheaded ground zero with the first H1N1 cases, preventing the spread of the virus to 3,800 people. The 12th MDG also earned the Air Education Training Command's designation as "2009 Public Health Flight of the Year."
For 2009, the 12th MDG's clinic won a combination of 11 Individual and Team AETC level Air Force Medical Service Awards. The clinic was also listed as number one in the AETC's diabetic care service, physiology training utilization and for bringing patients back into its network.
In 2010, the 12th MDG, MSG was inactivated, reactivated, re-designated when the Air Force enacted the 2005 Federal Base Realignment and Closure legislation. The 12th Medical Group joined the 59th Medical Wing to form the 359th MDG. The re-designation included a $10 million renovation project.
Focus of the 359th MDG
The focus of the 359th MDG is not only on the health of active duty members and their families, but also on retirees of the surrounding communities and the health and well-being of members deploying in harm's way. The hardworking and dedicated members of the unit consistently provide preventive medical care. For example, although the month of August is a time to place added emphasis on the importance of immunizations, the 359th MDG makes it a year-round mission. A unit that is a vital part of Randolph Air Force Base and the San Antonio area, the 359th MDG continues to provide quality service to those in need.
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