Medical Symposium: Bioterrorism��Medical Issues And Response - Brief Article

Reserve medical officers had the opportunity to attend a medical seminar during the Mid-Winter Conference. This symposium, "Bioterrorism...Medical Issues and Response," focused on various biological warfare tactics, treatment, and the preparation necessary in the event of a threatening terrorist situation.

The all-day Sunday seminar attracted many military health professionals who had a chance to meet noted specialists in the field while gaining medical knowledge on a topic that is currently of great interest.

Medical personnel earned continuing education credits by attending the seminar. Nurses received 7.2 continued education units (CEUs) and doctors received 6 continued medical education units (CMEs).

After he made some brief administrative announcements, ROA National Surgeon and seminar coordinator Lt Col Ronald D. Harris, MC-USAFR, introduced ROA National President RADM Stephen C. Yusem, USNR (Ret.). Admiral Tusem began by noting and congratulating the Nurse Corps, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Admiral Yusem discussed a variety of different topics reflecting medical benefits and the military medical profession.

"ROA considers its medical and dental communities a priceless asset. We work hard to support their initiatives, as evidenced by the National Defense Authorization Act provisions to extend retirement age to 67 for medical service corps and biomedical science officers, and to eliminate the manning allowance 'cap' for Army and Air Force medical and dental officers," Admiral Yusem said.

Guest speakers for the program were COL Ted J. Cieslak, MC-USA, chief Operational Medicine Department, and LTC Mark G. Kortepeter, MC-USA, chief, Clinical Studies Branch of the Medical Operations Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Md.

Colonel Cieslak introduced the topic, "Biowarfare and Terrorism." He defined biological warfare as the intentional use of microorganisms or toxins derived from living organisms to produce death or disease in humans, animals or plants. He gave a quick history of the topic and showed slides of actual situations where biological agents were used. Colonel Cieslak also spoke on "Medical Management of Biological Casualties."

Colonel Kortepeter then gave an in-depth session on "Anthrax and the Anthrax Vaccine." Anthrax is defined as a disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis and is inhaled when used as a biological weapon. Colonel Kortepeter's discussion was accented with graphic slides displaying the effects of the anthrax disease on the brain and the respiratory system. He then educated the group on the anthrax vaccine and stressed its importance. Kortepeter also gave a talk on smallpox.

In organizing this symposium, Lt Col Ron Harris had four goals in mind. He hoped to:

* Increase the level of awareness of bioterrorism and medical situations in the military/civilian community.

* Help medical professionals become more knowledgeable about these diseases and learn how to treat patients appropriately.

Motivate people to get involved and stimulate others to get training in how to face a biological threat.

* Get people involved in the ROA.

COL Walter C. Seiler, AUS (Ret.), ROA HQ Health Services Liaison, was recognized for his hard work in coordinating the seminar.

This year's medical symposium was a "first ever" at a Mid-Winter Conference. There are plans to make it an annual event at future Mid-Winters. Colonel Harris announced that next year's program is tentatively entitled, "Medical Aspects for Chemical Warfare."

COPYRIGHT 2001 Reserve Officers Association of the United States
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group