Doctors receive skills upgrade

They are some of the busiest professionals in the country, but this week staff of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and other public institutions are taking time out to attend a series of refresher seminars. The continuing medical education sessions are being conducted by visiting physician Dr. Pierre d’Hemecourt who works with the international organisation known as OmniMed. Dr. d’Hemecourt told News 5 that the seminars are helping medical students, resident internists, doctors and nurses to improve on basic aspects of muscular and skeletal medicine with emphasis on spinal care.

Dr. Pierre d?Hemecourt, OmniMed Consultant
?I think all of us sort of as we get into practice forgets some basic things and it?s always good to go back and remind yourself, go back to the basics of medical school plus there is always a turn over of new information, so that you can see the new information that comes out.?

?I?m talking a lot about spine care. So it?s a lot about diagnostic issues and spine care, such as herniated discs, stress fractures in the back and particularly on how to rehabilitate them. Diagnose and rehabilitate them with a lot of stabilization type programmes, when to use surgery, not to use surgery, those sorts of issues.?

Patrick Jones
?After the sessions are over, what do you hope that these professionals will leave with??

Dr. Pierre d?Hemecourt
?I think a better fundamental understanding of the diagnosis and management of some of these spinal problems, and in management of some of the extremity problems as well.?

The series of medical education seminars will continue on Wednesday in Belmopan. Sessions are scheduled for Thursday in San Ignacio and on Friday Dr. d’Hemecourt will bring the refresher course to medical practitioners in Dangriga.