New medical clinic to open Sept. 10 Published Sept. 7, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house took place here Sept. 7 for the new 52nd Medical Group clinic. More than 250 people attended the ceremony to include leadership from U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Spangdahlem and the local community. "I'm glad you're here to witness the grand opening of the finest-made and most environmentally friendly medical clinic in all of USAFE," said Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "It's truly a world-class clinic." The $30.1 million clinic officially opens Sept. 10 and boasts a larger parking lot, 75,000 square feet, 23 exam rooms, 218 medical professionals, and new medical equipment and furniture. Col. Robert Bowersox, 52nd Medical Group commander, said the Saber nation will no longer have to shuttle themselves between two bases -- Spangdahlem AB and Bitburg Annex -- for medical care. Furthermore, the new clinic's layout enables the medical professionals to deliver services where the patients need it most. Now, the clinic's 50,000 patients a year do not have to visit multiple buildings to get the care they deserve. "The move is a great opportunity for us," said Senior Airman Marchelle Macken, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron Family Health medical technician. "The new clinic is a lot more convenient for patients. Everything is centralized, so there's no confusion. "Plus, we have better capabilities now," she continued. "There's more space and amenities for our customers, and with them happy, it makes our job easier." The two-floor clinic includes nearly 20 different sections ranging from family health to physical therapy. "It's very impressive" said retired Col. (Dr.) Irving Freedman, the former 52nd Medical Commander and first 52nd Medical Group commander from 1991-1995. "It's a wonderful concept to have everything under one roof -- it eliminates the need for running back and forth from Spangdahlem to Bitburg. "And Colonel Bowersox seems to be a competent, capable and friendly individual," he added. "I'd say the 52nd Medical Group is in good hands." The medical teams' phone numbers remain the same: For nurse advice or appointments, call DSN 452-8333 or 06565-61-8333. For on base emergencies, dial 117, and for off base emergencies, dial 112. The poison control number is 06371-86-7070.