MCB Camp Pendleton

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Women's clinic reopens under reservists charge

15 May 2003 | Lance Cpl. Jennifer Valliere Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A military women's health clinic here that closed down amid a war-induced personnel crunch is open again - thanks to a reserve call-up that, by chance, pegged a woman ideally qualified to reopen it.

"It was the luck of the draw," said Navy Capt. Iffath A. Hoskins, who reopened the Well Women's Health Clinic at the 13 Area Group Aid Station on April 24, and serves as its executive director.

Before moving to her current home in Atlanta, she served as chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at New York University, where she ran a residency program and published articles, she said.
The clinic closed in January when the head doctor was deployed to Iraq. But demand for the clinic's services never subsided, Hoskins said.

"When I spoke with the 1st (Force Service Support Group) and the 1st Medical Battalion, they told me that there was a great need for the Well Women's Clinic, but it wasn't being provided. They were very glad I was here," Hoskins said.

The clinic specializes in treating women's special needs, including screenings, pap smears, mammograms, physical examinations, vaginal problems and other female health issues.

Chief Petty Officer Blanka L. Mendez, the leading CPO at the 22 Area Group Aid Station, says a clinic reserved especially for women encourages them not to ignore their medical needs.

"As a minority in our military, (females) often have concerns and are very apprehensive to discuss them if our male peers are near," Mendez said.

Hoskins said the clinic is another healthcare option for women in light of their increasing role closer to the front lines.

"In this particular conflict, 10 percent of our forward-deployed have been women," she said. "Given that those numbers are sustaining, (females) are becoming an increased chunk of the fighting force. We have to expand the possibilities for our female soldiers, sailors and Marines. These issues need to be acknowledged, identified and served."

Hoskins said she and her staff are flexible about scheduling.

"If someone can only come in at 7:30 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., then we will accommodate them," Hoskins said.

The patient load has been moderate since the Well Women's Clinic reopened, she said.
But as news of the reopening spreads, more and more patients are showing up every day, she said.

Mendez says the clinic is a resource not only for medical care but knowledge.

"With female medicine changing every day, it is important ... to keep abreast of new medical issues pertaining to our female/military environment," Mendez said.

One customer said she's glad to see the clinic back in business.

"They were really nice and when I had a question they gave me good information," said Lance Cpl. Michelle C. Ford, 9th Communications Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Women's clinic reopens under reservists charge

15 May 2003 | Lance Cpl. Jennifer Valliere Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A military women's health clinic here that closed down amid a war-induced personnel crunch is open again - thanks to a reserve call-up that, by chance, pegged a woman ideally qualified to reopen it.

"It was the luck of the draw," said Navy Capt. Iffath A. Hoskins, who reopened the Well Women's Health Clinic at the 13 Area Group Aid Station on April 24, and serves as its executive director.

Before moving to her current home in Atlanta, she served as chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at New York University, where she ran a residency program and published articles, she said.
The clinic closed in January when the head doctor was deployed to Iraq. But demand for the clinic's services never subsided, Hoskins said.

"When I spoke with the 1st (Force Service Support Group) and the 1st Medical Battalion, they told me that there was a great need for the Well Women's Clinic, but it wasn't being provided. They were very glad I was here," Hoskins said.

The clinic specializes in treating women's special needs, including screenings, pap smears, mammograms, physical examinations, vaginal problems and other female health issues.

Chief Petty Officer Blanka L. Mendez, the leading CPO at the 22 Area Group Aid Station, says a clinic reserved especially for women encourages them not to ignore their medical needs.

"As a minority in our military, (females) often have concerns and are very apprehensive to discuss them if our male peers are near," Mendez said.

Hoskins said the clinic is another healthcare option for women in light of their increasing role closer to the front lines.

"In this particular conflict, 10 percent of our forward-deployed have been women," she said. "Given that those numbers are sustaining, (females) are becoming an increased chunk of the fighting force. We have to expand the possibilities for our female soldiers, sailors and Marines. These issues need to be acknowledged, identified and served."

Hoskins said she and her staff are flexible about scheduling.

"If someone can only come in at 7:30 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., then we will accommodate them," Hoskins said.

The patient load has been moderate since the Well Women's Clinic reopened, she said.
But as news of the reopening spreads, more and more patients are showing up every day, she said.

Mendez says the clinic is a resource not only for medical care but knowledge.

"With female medicine changing every day, it is important ... to keep abreast of new medical issues pertaining to our female/military environment," Mendez said.

One customer said she's glad to see the clinic back in business.

"They were really nice and when I had a question they gave me good information," said Lance Cpl. Michelle C. Ford, 9th Communications Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force.