Afghan medical technicians learn lab techniques

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera team
KABUL, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  Air Force mentors are developing Afghan hematology knowledge and practices every day at the Kabul national military hospital.

"The (medical embed training team) mission strengthens the (Afghan national army's) healthcare system's ability to improve medical care with trained and experienced medical staff," said Army Capt. Kenneth Chapman, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan METT administrative oversight.

"Our goal is to bring Afghanistan a higher standard of medical care," he said.

This increased training will enhance capabilities the Afghan national army is able to provide their soldiers. The current class of 20 medical laboratory technicians is a year-long course. Students will learn the essentials in phlebotomy, hematology, chemistry, microbial and parasitology.

"During the course of this training, I have seen the light click in their eyes as they begin to piece together what we teach with what they see and touch," said Staff Sgt. Cole Mason, a CSTC-A METT mentor.

When the laboratory training program first began, there were challenges such as language barriers, cultural acceptance and a curriculum to overcome.

"Once we learned to incorporate their culture into our approach to medical care, we were able to accomplish a lot more," Sergeant Mason said. "Interpreters, who also happen to be doctors, have been a huge help in bridging the language barrier."

"Being told something is completely different from seeing it with your own eyes," the sergeant said. "Once the students saw the blood under the microscope, there was this brand new world for them to discover."

When the mentors first arrived at the medical hospital, the buildings were stripped of reliable equipment, and a reliable supply system was nonexistent.

"When I first got here, there was nothing," Sergeant Mason said. "Now, there's a place where the technicians do all their didactic training (lecturing), a laboratory and a full stock of supplies with semifrequent resupply available."

During the months of training, the mentors see the growth of the Afghan laboratory technicians and are convinced that the success of the program is a sure thing.

"Even with all the barriers they have, they are determined to overcome them and provide the best care possible," Sergeant Mason said. "I am impressed by the enthusiasm they come to class with ... and convinced they will be successful in this career field."

The success of the training program is due in large part to the dedication of the mentors. Not instructors by trade, they have relied solely on their own knowledge base.

"(The instructors) came in behind the 8-ball, but they have bridged that gap and found a way to pass on their knowledge," Captain Chapman said. "They find a creative way to teach the students the curriculum, which is very in-depth. As a result, (the Afghans are) learning."