USU - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 13:08

International Conference for Military Medical Schools Emphasizes Global Health Security and Collaboration

The conference brought together 62 delegates from 20 countries across all six Geographic Combatant Commands, underscoring a commitment to global health security and cross-border collaboration in military medicine.

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Leaders and delegates from 20 countries across all six Geographic Combatant Commands
gather at the 4th ICMMS, united in advancing military medicine and global health
collaboration. (Photo courtesy of CGHE)

October 31, 2024 by USU's Center for Global Health Engagement

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) recently hosted the 4th International Conference for Military Medical Schools (ICMMS), in partnership with its Center for Global Health Engagement (CGHE), at its Bethesda campus. The conference brought together 62 delegates from 20 countries across all six U.S. military geographic combatant commands, underscoring a commitment to global health security and cross-border collaboration in military medicine. The event was led by USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson on behalf of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez.

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The ICMMS Planning Team,
joined by CGHE leadership
and Dr. Glendon Diehl,
gathers for a group photo
in celebration of the successful
coordination of the 4th ICMMS.
(Photo courtesy of CGHE)
In his opening remarks, Woodson set the tone for the event by underscoring the evolving role of military medicine in national security. "In today's complex global environment, military medicine must be agile, innovative, and deeply integrated with our broader security efforts," he stated. International cooperation was a central theme of the conference, with delegates exploring shared goals in military medical education, training, and research.

Dr. David Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight, highlighted the urgency of collective action in response to global health threats, particularly pandemics. "Through these collaborations, we will find solutions," Smith noted, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in tackling transboundary challenges.

In her remarks, Dr. Leigh Nolan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Partnerships, emphasized the importance of "cooperation to properly plan for and mitigate challenges across boundaries," citing the U.S. Department of Defense's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program and the ASEAN Center for Military Medicine as prime examples of global and regional collaboration.

Dr. Matt Hepburn from the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy emphasized the need for global collaboration to prevent future pandemics. "The only way we are going to get through it is if this room and everybody else gets together and says that we are going to collectively make sure that pandemics never happen again." He also highlighted the unpredictable nature of future health threats and urged adaptive leadership during crises.

Military-civilian collaboration emerged as another focal point, with Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, Immediate Past-President of the American Medical Association, emphasizing how military medical advancements in trauma care and infectious diseases have contributed to civilian healthcare.

The event was an opportunity to introduce military medical schools from around the world, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to share commonalities and engage in discussions on the challenges facing their diverse, yet interconnected, communities.

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Representatives from Mexico and
Kyrgyzstan explore cutting-edge research
and advancements at the 4th ICMMS
Scientific Exhibition, featuring the
USU Val G. Hemming Simulation Center.
(Photo courtesy of CGHE)
"Participating in the 4th ICMMS in general, and introducing colleagues to battlefield acupuncture in
particular, was a genuinely rewarding experience," said Dr. Arnyce Pock, associate dean for Curriculum in USU's School of Medicine. "For despite any differences in geopolitical affiliations, we all have a common interest in treating pain and alleviating human suffering."

The conference also spotlighted innovation, with discussions on advancing military medicine through research and development, particularly in trauma care and emerging health threats. Education remained a focal point, with leaders emphasizing the role of USU and similar institutions in training future military medical professionals for both military and civilian health roles.

"Organizing this event in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs was incredibly rewarding for our team," said Jane Greulich, CGHE chief of staff. "With extensive experience supporting combatant commands internationally, bringing over 50 foreign partners to the USU campus was especially beneficial in building new bridges between USU students, faculty, and the broader global health engagement enterprise."

As the conference concluded, participants reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and preparedness to meet evolving global health security challenges. The event underscored the commitment of military medical institutions worldwide to improve health outcomes through shared knowledge and partnerships.

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Delegates from Argentina, Ghana, Israel, Thailand, and Ukraine share insights and experiences
in military medical education during the panel discussion, "Experience Sharing by
Medical School Faculty," moderated by Dr. Eric Elster, Dean of the USU School of
Medicine at the 4th ICMMS. (Photo courtesy of CGHE)