2005 Programs and Events

Ambassador Hosts Reception for Health Frontiers Graduates (May 7, 2005)

Ambassador Patricia M. Haslach hosted a reception in honor of the 12 physicians who completed a post-graduate medical training course

On May 7, Ambassador Patricia M. Haslach hosted a reception in honor of the 12 physicians who completed a post-graduate medical training course at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Laos, organized by Health Frontiers, an American Non Governmental Organization (NGO).

The reception was attended by Dr. Ponemek Dalaloy, Minister of Health; Dr. Bounsai Thovisouk, Dr. Sing Menolath, Dean and Vice Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Laos; Dr. Somkot and representatives from the National University of Laos; pediatric and internal medicine teachers; and residents and members of the Lao medical community.

Three people from Health Frontiers also attended: Karen Olness, Hakon Torjesen, and Kristine Torgesen.

Remarks by Ambassador Haslach at the Reception explained the importance of this training and this graduation reception:

"The American Embassy is pleased to host this reception in honor of 12 outstanding physicians who have successfully completed their post-graduate medical training.

"Health Frontiers has worked with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the National University of Laos since 1991, aiming to strengthen training of physicians in Laos, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of the Lao people.

"Together they initiated the pediatric residency program in 1997, which was the first post-graduate medical training program to be offered in Lao. After this program was established plans began for an internal medicine residency program which enrolled its first class in 2002.

"This particular graduation reception is significant in that it is the first class of internal medicine residents to graduate. For pediatrics, this is the fifth class to graduate, bringing the total number of graduates in the country to 27.

"The graduates of these programs represent an important contribution to health care in the Lao PDR. Some will return to work in their home provinces with enhanced skills and knowledge that will lead to improved patient care, while others may have the opportunity to contribute to the education of future residents.

"All of them have completed three years of rigorous clinical training and are to be recognized for their efforts."