Day 2: Nothing says spring like fresh flowers.

*This is the second in a series, the first can be seen here.*

While visiting Lithuania the Wounded Warrior team and the two physicians from Project Hope drove out to Vilnius University Emergency Hospital (VUEH) located 15 minutes west of the capital, Vilnius. The day’s mission was to deliver medical lectures about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the staff at a local hospital there.

This Soviet-style hospital with 2000 beds was built in 1986 -- just 5 years before the collapse of the Soviet Union. There were sharp contrasts from this hospital versus the Kaunas Hospital we visited yesterday. It was clear there was less focus on the mindset of the patient and their families, unlike the Kaunas hospital with sunlight and warm pools for therapy. I believe Americans take for granted the way our hospitals in the states greet us as we walk in, either as a guest or a patient; perhaps it’s what we have learned about welcoming our patients and their families. VUEH felt cold. It was a colder atmosphere and the hallways were dark and sterile.

What the Vilnius University Emergency Hospital had going for it was the way the hospital was nestled into the tall pine forest on the outskirts of town. When we were on the 9th floor we were able to see the foothills of Vilnius and the city skyline. American architects and construction crews can learn a lot from the Europeans about leaving the natural trees and surroundings near the intended building.

Our first meeting was with Dr. Saulius Rocka, one of Vilnius’ neurosurgeons. He brought our team to the surgeons’ morning meetings. As introductions were made, the Director for the Surgery Department handed out long stem roses to the women in the audience as part of “International Women’s Day.” Pam McClelland from Department of Defense Family Support was a pleased recipient. This was a practice since the Soviet times and persisted through the years.

Our meeting with the surgeons described the previous night’s activities. Our physician team members were able to follow along due to the medical terms sounding very familiar with a Lithuanian ending. One of the morning cases involved a patient with Neurocysticercosis – a parasitic infection of the central nervous system that results from ingestion of eggs from the adult tapeworm, often from undercooked pork. This is very rare in the US, but still makes a great case in educating newer physicians.

Dr. Polo gives his presentation.

Dr. James Ecklund, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and Dr. James Polo, our psychology consultant, were both supported by Project HOPE and gave presentations describing lessons learned dealing with head wounds and the psychology of the patients. We were very pleased to have several members from the Lithuanian Military Medical Services, as well as the Ministry of Defense attend these lectures. The team felt there were plenty of new ideas and enthusiasm with the group of 3rd year medical students from the local area. These future physicians hold the torch for the care and well being of Lithuania.

At the end of the day, the US Embassy Public Affairs team asked us a very profound question: “I have many friends who served in Afghanistan in the 1980’s with the Soviets. They cannot sleep at night and are having trouble with drugs and alcohol. What is Lithuania doing with these patients?” The Baltics need to address this issue. These people are Lithuania’s, sons, brothers, uncles, fathers and grandfathers. These men did their job and now it’s time to help relieve the suffering. We had similar issues in the United States and we learned from our mistakes. We are hoping we can share these lessons with the Baltic countries. We view this as an excellent area for future cooperation.

The team is now prepared to address these issues in Latvia and Estonia.

So as the flower brings joy and shows a sign of new life, the hope for this team is to bring new life to a medical system needing support for their patients.

Stephen Timmons, Lt Col
Bilateral Affairs Officer
US Embassy Lithuania