Vance pharmacy named tops in Air Force Published Feb. 9, 2007 By Frank McIntyre 71st Flying Training Wing public affairs VANCE AFB, Okla. -- The 71st Medical Group's pharmacy was named the first-ever Air Force recipient of the Military Health System Pharmacy Award during last week's MHS conference in Washington, D.C. The Vance pharmacy, along with the best Army and Navy pharmacies, was selected for the Department of Defense-level recognition based on the highest beneficiary satisfaction rating determined by the annual DOD Customer Satisfaction Survey. "The award recognizes the hard work of my current pharmacy staff, as well as those who were here before us," said pharmacist Capt. Leah Cross, who is also diagnostics and therapeutics flight commander for the 71st MDG. "Vance is a wonderful place to work because we are small enough to get to know our patients and have great support from the leadership." The award citation said the selection of the Vance pharmacy "as one of the first recipients of the new Military Health System Pharmacy Award clearly demonstrates your command's commitment to quality customer service and patient-centered care. Our most valued asset in the military culture is the individual. A critical element of pharmacy care is patient-centered communication. The 71st Medical Group pharmacy's dedication to duty and care is a great reflection on the Military Health System and you should be commended for a job well done." The pharmacy wasn't alone in receiving recognition for Vance during the conference. For the second time in three year, the 71st Medical Group was named the Air Force's top performing medical treatment facility in the continental United States small clinics category. The annual military health system conference is a forum for Defense Department health care professionals and their inter-agency and civilian partners to discuss issues affecting the entire military health system and the health care of uniformed services members, retirees and their families. The 2007 conference highlighted health affairs, TRICARE management activity and the services' surgeons general priorities to transform strategy into action and partner in excellence.