By Lisa Johnson, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Public Affairs
DULUTH, Minn. (NNS) -- Navy Medicine leadership met with
Minnesota's top medical professionals, public safety officials, and academic
leaders to discuss the Navy's importance to global economics, Navy Medicine's
capabilities and commitment to patient care during Duluth Navy Week 18-22 Aug.
Rear Adm. Kenneth Iverson, deputy chief, Medical Operations,
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery was the top medical officer representing Navy
Medicine during the week.
"I grew up in Minnesota, so it was truly my distinct
honor and privilege to serve as the lead for Navy Medicine during Duluth Navy
Week," said Iverson. "Minnesota has a rich history of supporting our
military service members. Duluth Navy Week is a great opportunity to give back
while also highlighting our Navy's capabilities for those who desire to be a
part of our team."
During a visit to St. Luke's Hospital, the admiral met with
hospital leaders and physicians involved in care for traumatic brain injury
patients, followed by a presentation to the hospital staff.
"Visits such as Rear Adm. Iverson's are extremely
important to St. Luke's as they are informative and used to educate physicians
and staff on critical health care topics," said Linda Basara, St. Luke's
director of education. "In addition, this visit supported our mission of
'the patient above all else' by showing us Navy Medicine's focus to serve those
entrusted to its care."
During his presentation, the admiral informed the staff how
Navy Medicine fits into the Navy's commitment to worldwide readiness and
stability.
"We learned how expansive and crucial Navy Medicine is
for its beneficiaries," said Basara. "The aspects of expeditionary
care provided in the air, on and below the sea, and on land, were fascinating.
The garrison health care, wounded warrior care and the humanitarian
assistance/disaster response demonstrate the 'Global Force For Good' in real
action."
During his two days of outreach, Iverson met with the
Essentia Health chief operating officer and leadership team, visited the Duluth
Vet Center, took a tour of the VA Clinic in Superior, Wisconsin and met with
firemen, police officers and first responders in the Duluth metropolitan area.
"I graduated from the University of Minnesota at
Minneapolis," said Iverson. "I've visited Duluth many times in my
younger days and I was thrilled with the opportunity of returning to this city
for an opportunity to share the Navy and Navy Medicine missions."
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 ships,
in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.
Duluth Navy Week is one of six Navy weeks across the country
this year. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make
in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant
Navy presence.
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