The 2011 Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Symposium highlighted a common culture Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Nursing Services WASHINGTON -- In early August, we had a wonderful opportunity to co-host the Asia Pacific Military Nursing Symposium (APMNS) with our colleagues from Thailand. The event took place in the magnificent city of Bangkok known as the "City of Angels." My counterpart, Maj. Gen. Somjai Supyapoung, Director of the Royal Thai Army Nursing College, and I were thrilled to have 12 countries represented. This year's theme, "Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Preparedness in Global Change," reflected our continued desire to reinforce nursing practice through collaboration, and foster partnerships to enhance global response to pandemics, humanitarian crises, and to advance evidence-based nursing practice through many venues. We accomplished this by hearing more than 20 different speakers and reviewing over 30 research-based poster presentations over the five day symposium. The information exchange was incredible but even more enduring was the exchange and appreciation of our cultural diversities. In was clearly apparent that no matter what culture we came from, or what country we represented, our focus always returned to the patient and the improvement of their care. We indeed share a common culture of military nursing. Our shared goals and the partnerships we forged will help improve overall healthcare delivery and global health outcomes. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary hospitality and applaud the Thai Armed Forces Nursing Colleges and Headquarters, and the 13th Air Force International Health Specialist Team for their hard work and dedication to making this event a success.