Latvian doctors will be required to take a course in military medicine

Taking into account the geopolitical situation, specialists from the Ministry of Health met with educational institutions to discuss experience in the field of military medical training, since such a course was also introduced at the Riga University. P. Stradins (RUS) and at the Riga Medical College of the University of Latvia (LU).

Together with the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces, last year the RUS launched the course “Fundamentals of Military Medicine” under the “Medicine” curriculum. Unlike everyday circumstances, in crisis situations the specifics of injuries received, working conditions, and action algorithms differ. The new course provides theoretical and practical basic knowledge of military medicine (“MilMed”), standards of care, principles of evacuation, and introduces students to the tasks of “MilMed” in conditions of war, crisis, peace and others. Students are introduced to the criteria for physical and mental examination and health assessment of conscripts and already serving military personnel, as well as the principles of outpatient treatment in MilMed institutions.

Several hundred students have already completed the course. Practical classes take place in a simulated environment. To improve the training base, students of the Faculty of Medicine in the future can undergo training in a field environment, the Ministry of Health reports.

Last year, the Riga Medical College also launched a course on “Fundamentals of Military Medicine” for medical assistants, and also equipped military medical laboratories. The program was compiled in collaboration with foreign partners, Ukrainian specialists, as well as NBC. The practical part of the course is organized in cooperation with NWS.

Medical practitioners must also take a military medicine course in accordance with NATO guidelines. Negotiations on military medicine with the parties involved will continue to improve the course and opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills in military medicine in the form of distance learning.