Guard unit feels pinch of doctor shortage

[unhappycamper]

Bryan Delage, left, is the lone flight surgeon for the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, which is supposed to have four doctors but is having trouble filling the other three slots.


Guard unit feels pinch of doctor shortage
By Dave Kolpack - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 25, 2007 13:02:32 EST

FARGO, N.D. — Bryan Delage is a marathon runner and former world class biathlete, but military recruiters for the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing believe they’re pushing his stamina to the limit.

Delage is the lone flight surgeon for a unit that should have four doctors taking care of its pilots and support staff. He’s picking up the slack despite working up to 80 hours a week as a family physician in Ortonville, Minn.

“I’m afraid we’re going to wear him out,” said Master Sgt. Glena Edwardson, the recruiting supervisor for the 119th Wing.

Recruiting medical personnel has become a first-class headache for Guard units throughout the country — more so in remote areas like eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. Even Delage lives more than 100 miles away from the Fargo base.

The 119th Wing’s recent change from flying jet fighters to unmanned aerial vehicles and transport planes has increased the unit’s size — and the demand for medical care. The number of patients has nearly doubled, from about 35 to 70, said base spokeswoman Capt. Penny Ripperger.

“And that number continues to rise,” Ripperger said.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/ap_guardunit_071125/