Medical experts share knowledge at Legazpi City symposium

Photo By Cpl. Kevin Crist | Harieth Mae M. Mujar, right, receives her certificate from U.S. Army Col. Steven Spencer for participating in a Balikatan 2014 Medical Symposium in Legazpi City, Albay province, Philippines, May 5. Speakers at the symposium spoke on topics such as common sicknesses in the region to raise the level of awareness, understanding, and methods for mitigation and prevention of the new and emerging threats. The symposium was part of Exercise Balikatan, an annual bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement between members of the Philippine and U.S. armed forces that focuses on strenghtening the bond between the long standing allies. Mujar is a nurse at the Ziga Memorial District Hospital, and Spencer is a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. (Photo by U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Crist)  

LEGAZPI, PHILIPPINES

05.05.2014

Courtesy Story

Exercise Balikatan       

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Medical and veterinary professionals from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Australian Defense Force and the U.S. armed forces shared their expertise May 5 during the Balikatan 2014 Medical Symposium in Legazpi City, Albay province, Philippines.

During the one-day event, each military’s presenters led seminars on health topics impacting the Philippines, including respiratory concerns, medical issues, and a comparison of Dengue and Chikunguya fevers, among others.

“The symposium has been very informative,” said Eric Raborar, a surgeon at the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital, Legazpi City. “The speakers brought their experience and localized it to our situations.”

The day’s classes increased the awareness and understanding of new and emerging disease threats, and provided an opportunity to strengthen the ties between professionals who might never have worked together without this opportunity, according to U.S. Navy Cmdr. Roberts Barthel.

“The symposium is all about building relationships,” said Barthel, an infectious disease physician at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. “It allows us to connect face-to-face and share information.”

The veterinary portion gave participants the chance to share knowledge on surgery techniques, rabies and other animal diseases, explained Australian Army Capt. Kendall Crocker, a veterinarian with the Explosive Detection Dog Unit and School of Military Engineers.

This symposium was held in conjunction with humanitarian civic assistance projects taking place in the Albay province as a part of Balikatan, an annual training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement between members of the Philippine and U.S. armed forces. This year’s projects include first responder medical training and construction of a medical clinic in a nearby town.

The three nations’ medical experts gained insights from each other’s unique perspectives according to U.S. Army Col. Steven Spencer, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Hospital, Bethesda, Md.

“This event will make us better soldiers, better physicians and better people,” said Spencer.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2014
• Date Posted: 05.13.2014 07:46
• Story ID: 129601
• Location: LEGAZPI, PH
• Hometown: LEGAZPI, ALB, PH
• Hometown: BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US
• Hometown: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US