U.S., Philippines host Asia-Pacific military nursing symposium

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
  • 13th Air Force public affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) --  Officials from the U.S. 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 conference, hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Office of the Chief Nurse, in collaboration with U.S. Pacific Command and the 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 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 A. Siniscalchi, the assistant Air Force Surgeon General of Medical Force Development and Nursing Services, at the 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."

"In order to provide quality care to the most people around the world, we must continue the spirit of collaboration ignited by this symposium," the general added.

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 they 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."