Keesler doctor travels to Central America for medical exercise Published July 31, 2008 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- A member of the 81st Medical Group staff recently participated in a medical readiness exercise in the Central American nation of Belize. Col. (Dr.) Kathleen Elmer, 81st Medical Operations Squadron commander, joined a team of 14 medics, primarily from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., June 21-July 5 as a staff dermatologist. "The exercise was based out of the Cayo district in western Belize, which includes the nation's capitol, Belmopan," Colonel Elmer said. "We visited four different villages and treated more than 2,000 patients. The team evaluated and cared for a variety of patients including those with cutaneous Leishmaniasis, a scarring infectious disease caused by the bite of a sandfly; fungal infections and many children and adults with parasitic intestinal disorders and general malnutrition." The team included pediatric, family practice, internal medicine, dental, optometry, women's health and dermatologic specialists. In addition, pharmacy services dispensed many medications including anti-parasitics and multivitamins. "The team greatly appreciated the country's beauty -- very lush during the rainy season -- and the gratitude and friendliness of the Belizean people, who are comprised of a multicultural mix of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Mayan, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and East Indian descents," Colonel Elmer remarked. "This mission fosters the strong ties between our two countries and culminated in a closing ceremony including a visit by the U.S. ambassador to Belize." The exercises are conducted under the auspices of Air Force Southern Command, headquartered at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. The readiness training exercises are designed to bring humanitarian assistance and free medical care to the people of the host country, stressing the concept of helping others while practicing important military skills in partnership with the host nation.