Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Written by Erin Wilson, Autoinflammatory Alliance Board Member
United States military families with Tricare and with autoinflammatory/periodic fever syndrome symptoms can be seen in the Pediatric Rheumatology Department at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) near the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesday, Maryland. Dr. Oclay Jones is the pediatric rheumatologist who cares for autoinflammatory diseases/periodic fever syndromes patients. She also collaborates with experts across the street at the NIH.
While stationed in Northern Virginia, we discovered their one of a kind medical care for military personal and their families. At the time, our daughter was two years old and undiagnosed. She was passed around from doctor to doctor. A gastroenterologist took interest in our child, and our daughter was eventually diagnosed with HIDS. We had an answer but no treatment. During this time period, the military did not have their own Pediatric Rheumatology department. Months later, Dr. Olcay Jones became Walter Reed’s pediatric rheumatologist. From the first appointment we had with her, we knew she had our daughter’s best interest at heart. She was someone who believed in us and was determined to treat her illness. Today our daughter is a bright, fun, and energetic teenager.
There are many benefits available to active duty and retired military personnel. That being said, no matter where you are located, Walter Reed Military Medical Center is at your disposal. At any time, Dr. Jones is available for consultation, but you must obtain a referral to schedule an appointment. After you consult with Dr. Jones, she will regularly engage with your primary care manager to ensure the collaboration of information results in continuity of care.
Walter Reed has outstanding doctors and staff with a dedicated floor devoted to pediatric primary care and specialty care doctors. Walter Reed has the availability of multidisciplinary care as well as the ability to submit genetic testing. WRNMMC also has the means to expedite approval of necessary medications like Kineret and other autoinflammatory treatments. The doctors collaborate with the NIH and can schedule referrals for consultations with the NIH doctors.
Dr. Jones’ contact information is: Clinic: (301) 295-4959, email: olcay.y.jones.civ@mail.mil
Case Manager (Rhonda Broberg): (301) 400-1716, email: Rhonda.e.broberg.civ@mail.mil.
What to Expect:
- You will meet with Dr. Jones on the fourth floor of the America Building. You will go over your symptoms log, pictures, a physical screening, including joints.
- She will decide on X-rays, labs, ultrasounds, hearing screening, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and genetic testing. After you have seen the necessary specialists, you will reconvene with Dr. Jones and develop a medical treatment plan.
- It can be an overwhelming experience for your child. Please talk to your child to reduce fears or anxiety. Also, please bring something to occupy your time in case there are delays.
File:US Navy 030820-N-9593R-114 The entrance to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.jpg
More Info:
Walter Reed Campus Dining Establishments
Erin Wilson, Autoinflammatory Alliance Board Member and our Military Family Advocate, pictured with her daughter and Dr. Oclay Jones at WRNMMC. Erin also spoke at the 2016 Autoinflammation and Immune-dysregulation Symposium. The symposium was supported by the Autoinflammatory Alliance and held at WRNMMC in collaboration with the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland.
