The 65th Medical Brigade Hosts 38th Annual Alternative Healthcare Training Symposium
By: PFC. Miguel D’Cruz

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The 65th Medical Brigade hosted the 71st 38th Annual United States Army Garrison Alternative Health Care Training Symposium, South Korea, October 25-29, 2021.

Medical professionals gathered from across the South Korean Peninsula to share knowledge in behavioral, dental, medical and veterinary health between the US military and the Republic of Korea. Participants were able to recertify and complete continuing education credits.

“As we host the 38th Parallel Healthcare Training Symposium this year, we honor the purpose and intent of its founding members,” said Col. Dave Zimmerman, commander of the 65th Medical Brigade. “This 71st iteration offers educational avenues for behavioral, dental, medical, veterinary, administrative and enlisted, civilian and contract health service members across the peninsula.”

The 38th Parallel Healthcare Training Symposium helps ensure that all medical bodies. are well trained and informed of all practices and procedures. There are seven different fields of study that the symposium focuses on. Each with keynote speakers, lecture-focused courses as well as training-focused continuing education credits.

“Our partners from the Republic of Korea are posted and integrated into the classroom with our local soldiers, undergoing the same training,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin Owen, senior coordinator of the training symposium. “Some of our courses are also presented by our partners in the Republic of Korea. It is a two-way street. We present what we do, as they present to us what they do well for us. alliance, find ground commonalities and make everyone a little more comfortable working together. “

The alliance between the US military and the Republic of Korea made the symposium the major success it has become. The combined experience of these instructors is something that has helped build the strength of the medical profession here on the peninsula.

“It is the privilege of the 65th Medical Brigade to welcome subject matter experts from across the United States, as well as healthcare teams from the armed forces of the Republic of Korea, as we continue to build on the legacy of this strategically important event, ”added Zimmerman.

Symposium participants gained new knowledge, honed their skills and gained confidence in their abilities.

“Part of being efficient is being up to date,” Owen said. “The training is state of the art, it’s the latest technology, the way of doing things. The purpose of the symposium is for us to master it, the same or better than our civilian counterparts.”