Chinese and U.S. medical personnel share experiences

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Renee Lee
  • PACAF Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Medical officials from the People's Liberation Army from China recently met here for the first time to share their experiences and knowledge with Pacific Air Forces. 

The six-member delegation's visit to PACAF was part of an overall trip headed by Pacific Command July 9-13. 

The team was comprised of five military members and a civilian, including the director of Diseases Prevention and Control Center, the director of the 1st Department of Infectious Diseases, and the deputy director of the science and technology department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences. 

The Chinese were introduced to PACAF's medical personnel, who provided explanations of their respective duties and operations. The members met with Col. Daniel Wyman, PACAF command surgeon, and members of his staff including those from aerospace medicine and international health affairs. 

In turn, PACAF learned about in depth about the PLA's medical team and how they approach crisis situations. 

"The PLA delegates shared their infectious disease experience with us, particularly the SARS epidemic in 2003," said Col. John Cinco, chief of PACAF international health affairs. "The PRC has vast experience in handling epidemics such as SARS and the successful application of traditional Chinese medicine to the military setting." 

This historic visit was another example of a military-to-military engagement that helps strengthen ties between nations and also resulting in both of the countries learning more about each other. 

"It is very apparent that each nation and their respective militaries share many common issues such as responding to natural disasters and emerging infectious diseases," said Colonel Wyman. "I look forward to many future engagements. We certainly have a lot to learn from each other's expertise and experiences." 

At PACOM, the Chinese delegation provided an overview of their medical system and discussed their infectious disease surveillance capabilities, the PLA Center for Disease Control, and the PLA's view and capability in supporting humanitarian operations. 

In addition to meeting with PACOM, the delegation met with other military medical personnel and organizations including the Center of Excellence and the Pacific Regional Medical Command.