Wilford Hall team trains with Chilean air force medics Published April 29, 2009 By Senior Airman Josie Kemp 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- An 11-man team of Air Force medics from the 59th Medical Wing participated in a Medical Readiness Training Exercise, or MEDRETE, with 31 Chilean air force medics in March 2009. "This was clearly different from a routine 'humanitarian mission' as surgical subspecialty care was provided to a pre-screened population of indigenous residents," said Col. (Dr.) Leon Kundrotas, 59th Medical Operations Squadron commander, who lead the team to Chile. Based on the needs of the pre-screened Chilean patients, the Wilford Hall Medical Center team was handpicked and composed of dentists, specialty physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists and dermatologists. The combined team performed more than 800 procedures in Chile Chico, Chile. The exercise was held in a remote location to provide local nationals with specialty care that they would otherwise have to travel more than 100 miles to receive. "There was a huge exchange of information and training. We learned from them, they learned from us, which benefits patient care on both ends," said Dr. Kundrotas. "The team was enthusiastic and motivated; they treated rare conditions, learned to improvise, and just had a great experience with the Chileans."