MedNews #04-39
October 8, 2004
Article MN043903

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Yokosuka Medical Conference Highlights Combat Lessons

By: Bill Doughty, Naval Hospital Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Nearly one hundred American and Japanese physicians and nurses attended a three-day Multi-National Military Medicine conference Sept. 20-22 in Yokosuka to discuss combat medicine and learn strategies that help save lives on the battlefield.

“For those of us who wear the uniform of our nations as healers, this is a very important time,” said Capt. Charles Taylor, commanding officer of Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan. “In the United States, we are seeing a transformation of our military and an increased emphasis on efficiency and forward deployment of our resources. We become more powerful and provide better quality care when we work closely with our allies and friends.”

Keynote presenter Rear Adm. Michael Baker, Force Medical Officer for Commander Naval Forces Korea, talked about the realities of working close to the combat zone, including the challenges of performing triage. Key to success, said Baker, is effective communication.

“It requires leadership skills, innovation, and flexibility,” Baker said. “In the field we must have good communication and a good system of identification.”

Throughout the conference, Japanese and American surgeons and other health care providers gave advice on managing combat casualties including various types of trauma. Japanese civilian surgeons shared insights on some of the latest innovations in surgical techniques.

Similar conferences have been held for many years by Naval Hospital Yokosuka, cementing the bonds of friendship and professional development with colleagues in Japan.