Healthcare management course creates bond

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
BULBOACA, Moldova --  The Defense Institute for Medical Operations presented their Leadership Course in Regional Disaster Response and Trauma Systems Management in the Republic of Moldova, July 28 to Aug. 5. during a multinational exercise focused on central and eastern Europe. 

As part of the ongoing Partnership for Peace Initiative, Medical Central Europe (MEDCEUR) 2007 brought together medical members from 14 countries. 

Lead by 48th Expeditional Medical Support, Royal Air Force Lakenheath Air Base, England, more than 400 participants braved somewhat austere living conditions in a former Soviet Army training facility near Bulboaca to share their experiences. 

The 10-member DIMO team was comprised of an energetic combination of senior U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard, and Reserve professionals, as well as an Army Public Health Officer. 

More than 55 participants from across the region completed the six-day offering, a combination of lectures, hands-on small group exercises, and two animal labs designed in a train-the-trainer format. 

This course builds on the students' expertise in individual patient care to assist in the formation of trauma systems more fully able to respond to regional disasters.
Medics from Serbia and Croatia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as several former Soviet Republics, worked side-by-side with the DIMO team, despite significant language barriers. 

U.S. Air Force Reservist Col. (Dr.) Rafik Muawwad, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron commander and orthopedic surgeon from Washington said, "This has been a very good course and a rewarding experience. I enjoyed the training, the students, the camaraderie, and the new friends I made." 

Medical professionals from around the world found the training useful. 

"(This exercise will) help increase every participant country's preparedness in case of disasters, and aid international cooperation in such cases," said 1st Lt. Levon Galstyan from Armenia. 

DIMO currently seeks new instructors, subject matter experts, and course developers. Courses typically involve 10-14 days of travel. 

For additional details, visit http://www.brooks.af.mil/web/DIMO/dimo-index.htm or send a request via e-mail to brooks.dimo@brooks.af.mil for instructor information.