JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has
expanded dermatology services to the JBSA-Randolph Medical Clinic.
Maj. (Dr.) Thomas Beachkofsky, 59th Medical Specialty
Squadron dermatologist, started seeing patients May 17 at the 359th Medical
Group facility on Third Street West.
“It’s a full-spectrum medical dermatology clinic,” he said.
“We focus on skin cancer, acne, eczema, rosacea, rashes and psoriasis.”
Located in the family health clinic, the dermatology clinic
is open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday.
Eight patients ranging in ages from nine to 60 came to the
dermatology clinic on the first day of operation seeking a variety of services,
including a skin cancer screening and consultations for eczema and
pre-cancerous lesions, Beachkofsky said.
“Everybody was very happy with the services we’re
providing,” he said. “They were surprised that this clinic was created and are
glad to have close access.”
The clinic does not offer cosmetic dermatology services, but
that may change in the future if there’s enough interest, Beachkofsky said.
“For now, those services are available at the Wilford Hall
Ambulatory Surgical Center Dermatology Clinic on a space-available basis,” he
said.
Biopsies are performed by Beachkofsky, but sent to San
Antonio Military Medical Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston for analysis.
“Results are available within 10 days,” he said.
The clinic comprises two examination rooms and one
procedures room. Support comes from family health technicians.
Beachkofsky, who also serves as 59th MDW Operational
Medicine Department Pilot Unit Research chief, said the dermatology clinic
meets a need for beneficiaries who are patients at the JBSA-Randolph Medical
Clinic since they normally have to travel to Wilford Hall for dermatology
services.
“At Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, we have 13 staff dermatologists and 22
residents, but we cover the entire San Antonio area, so there’s a lot of need,”
he said. “This clinic will help locally and give people more access to the
system.”
Patients will require a referral from their primary care
manager to see Beachkofsky.
“Patients at JBSA-Randolph will have the first opportunity
for booking here,” he said.
As for the clinic’s future, Beachkofsky said much will
depend on demand for services.
“We’ll see how things go,” he said. “If we’re busy and
demand increases, we’ll accommodate growth as much as possible.”