Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

Following the workshop which I had the honor to hold last September, this fall I was fortunate enough to return to Mongolia to share my medical expertise with aspiring local doctors at Mongolian Emergency Service 103. Focusing on emergency medicine, this year’s lecture was designed to allow participants to gain more hands-on experience in an intimate setting. Unlike last year’s event in which over 100 people attended, I exclusively chose 10 emergency physicians as my trainees. The techniques I demonstrated ranged from intraosseous infusion, cricothyroidotomy to the treatment of cardiac tamponade, all of which were yet to be practiced in Mongolia.

While an ordinary Japanese ambulance carries only paramedics, a Mongolian ambulance is usually deployed with a doctor riding in it. To that extent, it is fair to say that an ambulance in Mongolia is almost similar to a “doctor car” in Japan, a vehicle that carries a doctor with necessary medical devices. It is for this reason that uplifting the “onsite” medical skills of such doctors, I believe, would definitely help curb fatalities, not to mention enhancing their already-efficient ambulance system.
  This year’s lecture was not all about the so-called “classroom lecture” as contrasted to practical training. For intraosseous infusion, we replicated the technique by utilizing chicken bones to let each doctor experience the actual procedures. In addition, the trainees also used simulators to learn cricothyroidotomy, pericardiocentesis and pericardial window.

After the lecture, I was convinced by the look in their eyes that they were already confident and comfortable with the new skills they had just attained. “Baksh (teacher), you must hold the lecture outside Ulaanbaatar next year. We strongly feel your expertise needs to be shared with our fellow emergency doctors in other regions as well. It shouldn’t be just us. We, who live in the capital, must not be over-privileged,” they claimed. Hearing this remark, I could not thank enough for such a wonderful opportunity I was given.

  In recognition of AMDA’s many years of contribution to Mongolian medical-health sector,  I was also invited to speak at the 80th Anniversary Symposium of Ulaanbaatar Health Bureau.

Based on my experience both at home and abroad, in front of 200 people I gave a talk on countermeasures against infectious outbreaks during emergencies. It made it truly worthwhile as I was able to exchange ideas with the government officials specialized in crisis management and disaster medicine. It reminded me once again the importance of nurturing a strong relationship with every concerned party.

The symposium was featured in a local newspaper the next day.

 

My activities in Mongolia mainly have two purposes: 1) to train emergency doctors at 103, and 2) to provide endoscopy instructions at MNUMS. Over time, I have made so many friends in Mongolia and met enthusiastic and wonderfully talented doctors who could lead the nation’s future medical scene. Nothing makes me happier than being able to pass on the skills and knowledge I acquired in Japan to save countless lives abroad.

AMDA is also keen to invite foreign doctors to Japan to undergo various kinds of medical training. Dr. Batrav, who took part in my lecture in Mongolia, visited Japan in August through September to learn endoscopy. It was part of Okayama Prefectural Government’s International Contribution Project for Local-to-Local Technical Transfer, an international program aimed at propagating Japanese professional skills and expertise to the overseas. It is my ardent wish that a small exchange as such would bridge Ulaanbaatar and Okayama in the years to come.

Being most hopeful of AMDA’s continued work in Mongolia, I am more than confident that Mongolian doctors will deepen ties with Japanese doctors who are passionate about transferring their techniques to fellow doctors around the globe.