Deepening Interoperability: US-Ukraine Surgical Partnership

Photo By Thomas B. Hamilton III | Maj. Joy Sarkar participates in critical care transport of Ukrainian casualties.  

KIEV, UKRAINE

01.17.2019

Story by Thomas B. Hamilton III  

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

KIEV, Ukraine -- For several years, U.S. Army Europe’s surgeons and nurses have participate in health services exchanges with Ukraine Armed Forces.

Recently, a team consisting of three medical specialists – Lt. Col. Jeremy Benavidez, orthopedic surgeon; Maj. Joy Sarkar, general surgeon; and Maj. Johnnie Robbins, critical care nurse - participated in a surgical partnership at the Kiev Military Hospital in Ukraine.

The U.S. team exchanged case studies and lessons learned to deepen interoperability.

During day one of the three-day exchange, the team observed surgery and clinical rounds with their Ukrainian partners. Robbins observed and supported a critical care transport of eight wounded which provided an inside look at how UAF healthcare professional integrated both civilian and military MEDEVAC systems.

Day two consisted of multi-disciplinary rounds with updates of the injuries from the day before. Benavidez was invited to assist with an orthopedic surgery and Sarkar observed a washout of a complex poly-trauma. These exchanges allowed the U.S. medical professionals to observe and share surgical practices from leading orthopedic and abdominal surgeons.

The final day consisted of Ukrainian and U.S. physicians and nurses sharing presentations on pre-hospital care, en-route care, damage control resuscitation and recent clinical innovations.

At the end of the exchange, the UAF senior surgeon and Benavides expressed their shared opinion that the three days provided professional development, strengthen their relationships and paved the way for future partnerships.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2019
• Date Posted: 01.18.2019 03:54
• Story ID: 307467
• Location: KIEV, UA