Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) recently announced the winners of its annual Captain Cheryl R. Ringer Memorial Award, which recognizes excellence in Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) projects across Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTCs) in the region. The awards were revealed during regional meetings at NMFP headquarters held from July 3 to July 16.
This year’s competition saw increased participation with 48 entries from 16 organizations, up from 33 entries last year. Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, NMFP commander, commended the participants for their dedication and innovative spirit, noting their contributions to enhancing Navy Medicine’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Christian Crifasi, director of Improvement Science, emphasized the competition’s role in promoting awareness of CPI activities and supporting the principles of High Reliability Organizations (HROs). These organizations operate in complex, high-risk environments with extended periods of accident-free operation.
Projects were recognized in four categories: Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC), Define-Measure-Analyze-Design-Verify (DMADV), Rapid Improvement Event (RIE), and Other Process Improvement Initiatives. Winners showcased initiatives that directly impacted Fleet and Fleet Marine Force readiness.
Cmdr. Katharine Mangan’s team from USNMRTC Yokosuka won in the DMAIC category for reducing Vitamin D deficiency diagnosis delays among fracture patients. Their efforts decreased diagnosis times significantly, benefiting orthopedic and general providers alike.
NMRTC Bremerton’s suicide prevention project, led by Letesa Espina and Patrick Graves, received the DMADV award. Their Next Step program notably improved resilience scores and attendance rates among transitioning service members.
Lt. Mark Boyd of NMRTC Twentynine Palms was recognized in the RIE category for streamlining the surgical suite process, resulting in higher compliance and improved patient care standards.
Additionally, NMRTC Yokosuka, under Lt. Jonathan Wilson’s leadership, enhanced the U.S. 7th Fleet Ship Repair Facility’s Hearing Conservation Program (HCP), significantly increasing compliance rates.
Rear Adm. Valdes praised the winners for their commitment to excellence and their impact on military healthcare. The Captain Cheryl R. Ringer Memorial Award honors the legacy of Capt. Ringer by encouraging innovation and continuous improvement in Navy Medicine.
NMFP’s CPI projects also align with the Chief of Naval Operation’s Get Real Get Better (GRGB) Initiative, which promotes leadership and problem-solving practices to achieve breakthrough performance. NMFP oversees 11 NMRTCs and eight research laboratories globally, supporting medical readiness and warfighter health.
