Cmdr. Anne M. Brown relieved Cmdr. Gabriel T. Brown as officer in charge (OIC) of the Adm. Joel T. Boone Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Triad May 8, during a ceremony presided over by Capt. Darin K. Via, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth commanding officer.

The triad consists of BHC Boone at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, BHC Northwest in Chesapeake and the TRICARE Prime Chesapeake Clinic.

Since Brown's became OIC in May 2012, the triad has been busy: It's had 800,000 patient encounters, filled more than 1.8 million prescriptions, processed more than 1.4 million lab results, developed more than 190,000 digital films, received 2,800 calls from the Nurse Advice Line, enrolled more than 20,000 patients to RelayHealth, and have had more than 88,000 Relay Health transactions. They have supported service members from 160 commands at two geographically separated bases.

"This has been an amazing journey for me, a journey that I have truly enjoyed every day," Cmdr. Gabriel Brown said. "I'm truly grateful that I have had the opportunity to lead one of Navy Medicine's and one of the 'First and Finest's' busiest branch health clinics. Today is a celebration of the safe, quality care we provide, and all of the success we have shared over the past three years."

During the ceremony, Via commended both Browns for their leadership and responsibilities. Via recounted Cmdr. Gabriel Brown's accomplishments, starting with his role as associate director for Administration at NMCP, which included managing the impact of inclement weather on NMCP's patients and staff, as well as extensive upgrades to the medical center's power system.

"Once I became commanding officer, I got to see Gabe leading at an even higher level," Via said. "I've had several opportunities to come out to the clinics within the triad. The triad is composed of over 400 personnel - active duty, government civilians and contractors. They take care of over 43,000 patients. Walk in to any of the clinics within this triad and it's easy to see that they are set on the mission, taking care of the warfighter and the warfighters' families. The focus of the staff and the patient-centered care is what defines them."

Under Brown's leadership, the Primary Care Clinic, Pediatrics Clinic and two other Boone clinics received the National Committee for Quality Assurance Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition, the highest certification offered. Clinics at BHC Northwest and TRICARE Prime Chesapeake have also received this recognition. Additionally, the Boone Triad clinics continually surpassed access to care standards.

The Boone Triad added more than 10,000 beneficiaries, decreasing redundant network health care costs. They expanded physical therapy services by bringing them closer to the patient. These improvements are estimated to reduce costs $722,000 each year.

The Joint Commission's survey in February also had zero hits for the Boone Triad, and the commission commended the triad for their best practices.

"I'm impressed with (the staff's) dedication to the mission of providing the best care to each of our beneficiaries," Via said. "Cmdr. Brown, you should be justifiably proud of the accomplishments mentioned. The impact you've had produced benefits for years to come for Navy Medicine. We could not have asked for a better OIC to lead the way, or for better practices. You've done an amazing job enhancing the framework for delivery of health care for the busiest triad within NMCP."

Via concluded by welcoming Cmdr. Anne Brown as OIC.

"With all of your accomplishments, we look forward to seeing the leadership and innovations that Cmdr. Anne Brown will bring as she takes over," Via said." Anne, I am confident that you are the right person to continue to lead this great branch health clinch into the future in Readiness, Value and Jointness. I know that you will embrace the challenges of the command, and will lead the Boone Triad to unprecedented success. I have witness firsthand your diligence, follow-through and reliability as senior nurse executive here and for several of our branch health clinics throughout the region."

"With our dedication and passion to provide the best health care," Cmdr. Anne Brown said, "we will rise to the challenges and be an even stronger team because of the efforts we achieve together. I pledge to you that I will give my all to continue the excellent path that Cmdr. Brown and his predecessors have set for me."

Cmdr. Gabe Brown was presented a Meritorious Service Medal for the commitment to improving the quality and standard of care for the triad's patients. His next assignment will be as one of Navy Medicine's project officers developing the new electronic health care record, which will be linked to Veterans Administration health records and battlefield health records. He will also help further develop the health care record for patients (RelayHealth and TRICARE Online).

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.