CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines -- A group of Navy doctors and corpsmen conducted the first ever Professional Nursing Symposium with medical personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Manila Oct. 14-16.
The symposium was an opportunity for military medical personnel from both the Philippines and United States to exchange medical procedures and techniques.
“Training is the key to preparedness and when we are prepared half the battle is won,” said Brig. Gen. Nelia B. Buenaflor, the Chief Nurse of AFP. “One of the strategic goals of the Nurse Corps is training enhancement for the development of both nurse trainees and trainers.”
Six United States Navy corpsmen and doctors conducted classes over the course of three days.
Classes covered a multitude of topics, ranging from the H1N1 Virus to organizing a proper command structure.
Armed Forces Philippines nurses requested a majority of the classes provided; additional classes where administered per current events, i.e., mass casualties in floods.
“Before we arrived, the nurses were asked what sort of topics they would like training in; we tried to cater to there request in addition to adding some subjects we thought were appropriate or useful,” said Buenaflor.
Nearly 50 Armed Forces Philippines nurses attended the three-day symposium.
“It’s important to understand that all of these nurses were officers, ranging in every rank from lieutenant and captain to major and commander,” said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel J. Hohman, a surgeon with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
At the end of the symposium, the Filipinos hosted a series of meals and events to show their appreciation and gratitude toward the United States service members.
“They were so thankful and appreciative. We learned a lot, they learned a lot, and we all had a great time doing it,” said Hohman.
At the closing ceremonies, U.S. service members were presented plaques and gifts, along with a challenge to partake in the local delicacy balut.
Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearlydeveloped embryo. Much to the nurses’ delight, all the service members partook in the crunchy, gooey cuisine.
When the symposium came to a close, both parties appeared to be pleased with the outcome of the event.
They discussed what went well and what more could be done next year over lunch and dinner.
“It went very well,” said Hohman. “We plan conducting the symposium again in the future. Hopefully, next year we can expand the scope of topics and begin a deeper interaction and dialogue with Filipinos.”