1st SOMDG to expand hours, services Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Capt. Nikki Lagendyk 1st Special Operations Medical Group HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- In response to mission and patients' needs, the 1st Special Operations Medical Group is implementing changes to ensure patients receive better treatment and services. Beginning Nov. 1, the clinic's hours of operation will be 6:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Providers' schedules are being adjusted to create more appointment times, which will allow patients more convenient access to care. The pharmacy recently opened a walk-in over-the-counter medication clinic, which is open 7 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. The over-the-counter clinic accommodates patients with minor aches, allergies, sore throats, and nasal or chest congestion, without visiting their primary care manager. Patients can discuss their symptoms with the pharmacist, who will recommend treatment for them, and provide medication, if needed. Capt. Karl Bituin, 1st SOMDG pharmacy flight commander, said he had two goals for the over-the-counter program. "The first goal was to improve access to care for active-duty members," he said. "My second goal was to shift workload from our providers and maximize PCM visit time with their patients." "We are the most deployed wing in the Air Force and our Airmen deserve immediate, no-hassle care," Bituin said.