Today, the delegation divided into two teams. Half of the members went to the local hospital to document use of the medical supplies delivered in October. The remainder of the delegation gathered at 9 a.m. in a Cahul municipal building for a discussion with local physicians about family practice in the United States. Two dozen Moldovans, wrapped in coats and fur hats, settled in for the two-hour question and answer session.
Wednesday, February 20
Medical symposium in Cahul
No chairs remain, so this Moldovan physician stands during the entire two-hour question and answer session.
Daniel Ostergaard, M.D., AAFP vice president for international and interprofessional activities, reminded the participants, "As you continue to develop family practice here in Moldova, remember that the principles of the specialty are universal, but the application of those principles has to be tailored to your economy and culture."
Team member Mary Lynass, M.D., of Scottsdale, Ariz., explained what drew her to family practice. "I became an FP because I wanted to take care of the whole family, and the whole body. I enjoy taking care of both the young and the old."
"Over the years, our patients become our friends," said Past President Bruce Bagley, M.D., of Albany, N.Y.
Elizabeth Burns, M.D., of Oak Park, Ill., talked about women's health issues. "I don't just focus on the anatomy," said Burns. In family medicine, "I work with the patient to try to uncover the significance of past issues such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and grief over pregnancy loss and the loss of a child," she said.
The audience was particularly interested in how FPs handle infant and well-child care, how much American physicians earn, and the complex issue of American health insurance. AAFP Foundation Vice President David Massanari, M.D., of Shapleigh, Maine, drew a laugh when he invited suggestions from the audience. "Our economic system is not necessarily the best implementation tool for family practice," he said.
In the afternoon, the entire delegation gathered at the "Virginia" Women's Wellness Center in Cahul for lunch and a tour of the facility. The facility represents a partnership between the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va., and the Moldova State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The goal of the EVMS partnership is to improve the health of the population of Moldova through the expansion of the community-based primary care and family medicine training programs.
Team member Mary Lynass, M.D., of Scottsdale, Ariz., explained what drew her to family practice. "I became an FP because I wanted to take care of the whole family, and the whole body. I enjoy taking care of both the young and the old."
"Over the years, our patients become our friends," said Past President Bruce Bagley, M.D., of Albany, N.Y.
Elizabeth Burns, M.D., of Oak Park, Ill., talked about women's health issues. "I don't just focus on the anatomy," said Burns. In family medicine, "I work with the patient to try to uncover the significance of past issues such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and grief over pregnancy loss and the loss of a child," she said.
The audience was particularly interested in how FPs handle infant and well-child care, how much American physicians earn, and the complex issue of American health insurance. AAFP Foundation Vice President David Massanari, M.D., of Shapleigh, Maine, drew a laugh when he invited suggestions from the audience. "Our economic system is not necessarily the best implementation tool for family practice," he said.
In the afternoon, the entire delegation gathered at the "Virginia" Women's Wellness Center in Cahul for lunch and a tour of the facility. The facility represents a partnership between the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va., and the Moldova State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The goal of the EVMS partnership is to improve the health of the population of Moldova through the expansion of the community-based primary care and family medicine training programs.
Medical symposium participants listen and take careful notes.
FP Elena Dolgonos, M.D., of Fort Wayne, Ind., talks with a physician at the "Virginia" Women's Wellness Center in Cahul.
