U.S., Philippines Host Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Symposium
By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson13th Air Force public affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - The United States and the Republic of the Philippines co-hosted the 4th annual Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Symposium for more than 200 nurses from 13 countries in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, Aug. 29 through Sep. 4.
The seven-day conference, hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Office of the Chief Nurse, in collaboration with U.S. Pacific Command and 13th Air Force, focused on nursing education, career development, global pandemic preparedness and disaster management. The symposium was designed to help nurses in senior leadership positions share ideas and practices in order to build relations between Asia-Pacific countries.
"Through this unique symposium, we have all learned a tremendous amount about each other's health care systems, infection control practices and nursing services," said Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi, the assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Medical Force Development, and assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Nursing Services, Office of the Surgeon General. "We are more alike than we are different. We share challenges: nursing shortages, the lack of standardized training and combating the effects and spread of infectious diseases and we share a rich history and unique mission as military nurses: to serve and to care for those who serve beside us. "
The general added, "In order to provide quality care to the most people around the world, we must continue the spirit of collaboration ignited by this symposium."
During the symposium, which was centered around the theme "Strengthening Military Nursing Cooperation through Inquiry, Research, and Action," the nurses were familiarized with the history of military nursing, and discussed various approaches to aeromedical evacuation, and pandemic infectious diseases common to the Asia-Pacific region, among other topics.
"Everything was perfect during this year's nursing conference," said Col. Narbada Thapa, the head delegate from the Nepalese Armed Forces. "I acquired a great deal of knowledge on nursing from many armed forces from around the world, and had an opportunity to build relationships. It was really a memorable event for me."
This article was originally published at: http://www.pacaf.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123221094
(Posted Sep. 9, 2010)