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354th Medical Group participates in 2023 Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange

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  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  

U.S. Air Force members from the 354th Medical Group at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, participated in the 2023 Indo-Pacific Health Exchange in Kuala Lumpar to gain valuable training and insight on joint operations, Sept. 26-29, 2023.

The IPMHE is a multilateral military event focused on global health joint operations that allows Allies and partners to discuss shared issues and concerns to enhance regional interoperability.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chelsea Payne, Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, receives a certificate after her presentation on Lifestyle and Performance Medicine in Aviation during the 2023 Indo-Pacific Health Exchange in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chelsea Payne, Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, receives a certificate after her presentation on Lifestyle and Performance Medicine in Aviation during the 2023 Indo-Pacific Health Exchange in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia September 26-29, 2023. The 2023 Indo-Pacific Military Health exchange is a multilateral military event focused on global health interoperability. This year, 580 healthcare professionals from 24 nations gathered to discuss best practices in military medicine. (courtesy photo)
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“Part of being a multi-capable Airman at Eielson is understanding how to work with partner nations in PACAF,” says U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chelsea Payne, the 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander. “This includes what capabilities they bring to the fight and how we can align our resources to strategically care for patients to enable the best possible health outcomes.

More than 500 healthcare professionals from 24 nations attended the conference to discuss best practices in military medicine through the theme “achieving health solutions through diversity and inclusivity.” Lt. Col. Payne was selected to present on “Lifestyle & Performance Medicine in Aviation” during this year’s IPMHE.

“This exchange was an excellent opportunity to collaborate with partners, discuss force readiness and medical interoperability,” said Lt. Col. Payne.

The IPMHE provides one component of a broad portfolio of global health engagement between the U.S. and Ally and partner nation counterparts in the Indo-Pacific Region. Relationship building is one of the most important impacts of this exchange creating invaluable connections.

“Our partnerships are deep and enduring,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Susan Moran, Pacific Air Forces Command Surgeon. “IPMHE fostered continuous improvement in military medicine as we shared knowledge, lessons learned and best practices. With the diversity of attendees, this conference allowed us to think strategically and tackle complex issues. IPMHE, along with our regular exercises, make us stronger together.”

International military heath exchanges provide advance training that promotes ways for military medical professionals to work together and share best practices. This year’s IPMHE included education briefings, on-hand training, bilateral meetings, workshops, and a site visit to a Malaysian field hospital.

“As we learn from and with partner nations, Eielson’s ICE Medics are better prepared to support joint all-domain operations,” Lt. Col. Payne says.