U.S. Army medical providers lecture for Kosovo physicians, nurses

Photo By Sgt. Miguel Ruiz | 115th Field Hospital Maj. James Winstead, a registered nurse, doctor of philosophy in epidemiology and a master of physician assistant studies, lectures local-Kosovo medical professionals at a U.S. Army-led professional exchange Oct. 10, 2020, in Vitina/Viti, Kosovo. More than one dozen local physicians and nurses from across Kosovo attended the day-long series of lectures where topics like orthopedic injuries, concussions and fractures were discussed. The lectures were led by the Kosovo Force Regional-Command East’s Winstead, Capt. Christine Tun, an aeromedical and surgical physician assistant from the Colorado Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation Regiment, and Maj. Joshua Kessler, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine from the U.S. Army’s 115th Field Hospital. “This is professional development for us [KFOR medical providers] as well and we stay keen to our professions by collaborating with our international medical colleagues.” KFOR is a NATO-led peacekeeping mission charged with ensuring the safety and security and freedom of movement for the people of Kosovo in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Miguel Ruiz)  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

10.19.2020

Courtesy Story

100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – U.S. Army medical providers with the NATO-led Kosovo Force Regional-Command East participated in continuing-education lectures Oct. 10, 2020, in Vitina/Viti, Kosovo.

More than one dozen local physicians and nurses from across Kosovo attended the day-long series of lectures where topics like orthopedic injuries, concussions and fractures were discussed.

The lectures were led by RC-E’s Capt. Christine Tun, an aeromedical and surgical physician assistant from the Colorado Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation Regiment, and Maj. Joshua Kessler, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine from the U.S. Army’s 115th Field Hospital.

Also leading the lectures was the 115th Field Hospital’s Maj. James Winstead, a registered nurse, doctor of philosophy in epidemiology and a master of physician assistant studies.

“We are building collegial and professional networks and sharing medical knowledge,” said Winstead. “This is professional development for us [KFOR medical providers] as well and we stay keen to our professions by collaborating with our international medical colleagues.”

The theory of topics discussed is seemingly common knowledge among all medical providers who were in attendance however treatments and procedures for similar injuries can differ between U.S. and Kosovo-trained professionals.

“Our goal was to learn of the differences between our common efforts in medicine and today’s lectures will serve as part of our physician and nurse’s required continuing-education efforts,” said Dr. Vjollca Kadolli-Halili, director of the Qendra Kryesore E Mjekesise Familjare (Main Center of Family Medicine) in Vitina/Viti. “KFOR has hosted similar lectures for the past four years and we are happy to continue this positive professional relationship.”

KFOR’s liaison monitoring team “Kilo 20” helped organize the lectures and routinely work alongside community leaders in government, education and non-government organizations in efforts to ensure positive community relationships with KFOR.

“We built a rapport throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with medical clinics and staff in Vitina/Viti as we monitored their response in the community,” said 2nd Lt. Phillip Milam, Kilo 20’s officer in charge. “This exchange was a great opportunity for KFOR and Kosovo professionals to find common ground and share ideas among each other.”

• Date Taken: 10.19.2020
• Date Posted: 10.20.2020 04:41
• Story ID: 381184
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ