Navy Medicine Presents Global Health at World Affairs Seminar

By Capt. Dora Lockwood, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WAUKESHA, Wis. (NNS) -- The Navy Medicine deputy surgeon general delivered a keynote presentation during the World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University, June 25.

Rear Adm. Forrest Faison, deputy surgeon general and deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery spoke to more than 300 high school students about Navy Medicine's role in global health and how that engagement contributes to security around the world.

"Navy Medicine is committed to global health," said Faison. "Whether we are conducting research at one of our labs around the world, providing medical care through humanitarian assistance efforts or partnering with host nations, non-governmental organizations or local ministries of health, we are committed to making the world a safer and stronger place for all."

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a weeklong interactive educational program for students interested in global issues. This year's theme is world health.

According to Thomas Plantenberg, WAS executive director, the seminar includes a diverse set of speakers who share insights of issues surrounding world health. Plantenberg recognized Navy Medicine's contribution to global health and invited the Navy's deputy surgeon general to be a keynote speaker.

"We attract young people from around the world to study complex topics. This year we have students representing 21 countries and five continents," said Plantenberg. "Our purpose is to instill a sense of interaction among young people so that when they inherit this world, they will solve problems and make the world a better place."

The students think at a college level and are very excited to learn, according to Plantenberg.

"I've been to camps before, but I've never done anything quite like this," said Peter Lovejoy of Massachusetts. "I've been pleasantly surprised by this seminar. It has been very informative. I've learned a lot about different cultures by talking to other participants and hearing the perspectives of the speakers has helped me understand global health."

Participating students gained a better appreciation of the importance of world health.

"Attending this seminar has helped me learn more about health care issues around the world," said Lindsay Anderson from Minnesota. "I'm interested in going into the nursing field, and I was really curious about hearing what the speakers had to say. They really motivated and inspired me."

Faison also gained something from his engagement with the students.

"Being able to engage with these insightful students has been a great opportunity," said Faison. "It is an honor for me to share with them what Navy Medicine does to support health around the world."

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.