MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- After a 15-month gap, the 341st Medical Group at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. now has a women’s health nurse practitioner.
Lt. Col. Melissa Legowski, 341 MDG nurse practitioner, brings with her a wealth of experience in women's health. With her knowledge and specialties, she will be able to establish and expand services for all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries, including active-duty personnel, dependents and retirees.
"My mother passed away from a form of cancer in the women’s health field," she shared.
This loss, combined with a desire to ensure others receive the care her mother did not, became the driving force behind her career.
“It’s my passion to make sure people get established care and follow-up care because, for my mother, it could have made a difference,” she said.
Her military background also played a role in her career path. Growing up as a military "brat," Legowski followed in her father’s footsteps, committing herself to service and now using her personal experiences to connect with her patients on a deeper level.
Since arriving at Malmstrom, Legowski has already begun implementing services that were previously unavailable, including colposcopies, endometrial biopsies and in-house consultations on contraception.
“Previously, patients would have to go off base and wait for a referral. Now, they can come directly to me, which is more convenient and helps build that trusting relationship,” she explained.
This continuity of care is especially important in women’s health, where patients often prefer a consistent provider for sensitive needs.
Legowski has also started a walk-in contraception clinic, providing a dedicated resource for women who might otherwise face uncertainty in this field.
During the 15-month gap, Legowski’s technician, Senior Airman Madeline Reisig, played a critical role in maintaining the clinic’s operations. Reisig managed a range of tasks, from ensuring supplies were in stock to tracking preventive health measures for patients.
Reisig, who has served as the sole technician for women’s health for over two years, stepped into a position typically held by a staff sergeant.
“At the time, I was an Airman First Class, but I had many providers vouch for me, and I’ve loved every second of it since,” Reisig said.
Reisig managed messaging pools, supported dysplasia patients with abnormal Papanicolaou results, maintained supplies and handled essential clinic documents. Despite challenges, including a canceled provider assignment that lowered morale, Reisig remained focused on her responsibilities.
“The biggest thing was reminding myself that I would eventually get a provider,” she shared. “I kept everything organized and prepared, knowing that one day my work life would stabilize again.”
When Legowski arrived, Reisig’s meticulous organization and teamwork ensured a seamless transition.
“I assisted Lt. Col. Legowski by outlining my roles and responsibilities, prepping schedules, and making sure she was informed about everything,” Reisig said. “We meshed very well because of that.”
Legowski praised Reisig’s efforts, saying, “She’s been here on her own, handling a lot. When I arrived, she had everything in place, which really made my transition seamless.”
This teamwork exemplifies the commitment of Malmstrom’s medical team to supporting both airmen and their families.
“By taking care of women’s health needs here on base, we’re not just supporting airmen, but also giving them peace of mind that their families are looked after,” Legowski emphasized.
Legowski’s primary goal is to improve access to women’s health services and enhance preventive care within Malmstrom.
“Preventive health is essential. Many conditions are treatable if detected early, and I want to ensure our patients have the resources and support they need right here,” she said.
She also hopes to foster an environment where women feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics, especially when they may not feel as at ease with a primary care provider.
With Legowski now at the helm, the women’s health clinic at Malmstrom is positioned to deliver more comprehensive care and support to the base community.