Courtesy Photo | Iraqi veterinarians gather following Dr. Bruce Williams' lecture on current pathology...... read more read more
By Multi-National Division - Center
BAGHDAD – Earlier this month, a select group of Iraqi veterinarians attended a seminar on cutting-edge veterinary practices led by Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, chairman of the Department of Telemedicine and Distance Learning, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
The veterinarians from South Baghdad attended the one-day seminar at the Camp Victory Chapel, at the invitation of Dr. Salah al-Abassi, DVM, Multi-National Corps – Iraqi bilingual bicultural adviser.
Aside from an opportunity to improve their skills, the gathering symbolized the rising hope of Iraqi veterinarians, reflecting a nascent environment that allows them to finally practice medicine without fear or repercussions.
Until recently, the security landscape was too dangerous for veterinarians to visit farms and treat animals out in the open. Local farmers suffered, lacking access to the medicine and treatment that healthy livestock and poultry require.
However, thanks to the current stability, the profession is undergoing a revitalization. Veterinarians are now able to provide proper medical care to the animals, on which the region's economy depends.
Dr. Saad Sahib, one of the participants, said, "Now that the province is secure, we are traveling out to farms regularly again. Soon we can apply our learning from Dr. Williams."
Williams traveled 6,000 miles, from Washington, D.C., to meet with his Iraqi counterparts and coach the 86th Combat Surgical Hospital on telemedicine.
After his initial presentation on current pathology issues relevant to Iraqi veterinarians, his students requested that he stay and deliver additional lectures. Williams went on to speak to them about the pathology of dogs, goats and sheep, as well as diagnostic cytology.
Williams, an experienced world traveler and respected name in his field, has lectured in more than 18 countries on veterinary medicine and pathology.
This was Williams' first visit to Iraq, who was invited by a former student, Dr. Deidre Stoffregen, DVM, DACVP, veterinarian and agricultural adviser, G9 section, 3rd Infantry Division.
"Doctor Stoffregen promised I would meet a group of highly-skilled, enthusiastic veterinary professionals. She was right," Williams said. "These men and women are the equal of my students in Washington. I am glad I could help update their skills."
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.24.2008 09:39 |
| Story ID: | 18729 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 22 |
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