Training Afghan medics
Master Sgt. David Boggs, diagnostic imaging program director for the Allied Health Profession Institute at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, instructs a class in radiobiology. Sergeant Boggs, who’s been deployed from the 81st Medical Operations Squadron since December 2007, just completed two blocks of instruction on radiology and is halfway through the third block. According to Maj. Franklin Espinal, AHPI administrator, “One thing is very apparent — the future of Afghanistan is bright. All the stereotypes that we’ve heard about Afghans being uneducated were quickly washed away as the students confidently cruised through basic atomic theory, radiobiology, radiation protection, anatomy and physiology and radiologic exposure and positioning while maintaining a 93 percent class average. The students are motivated and eager to make an impact on their country.” The 13-member class is a mixture of Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. They completed Phase 1 of their training Jan. 8. Phase 2, which is the meat of the course, starts March 1. It consists of positioning with a phantom and clinicals at the National Military Hospital and Poly Clinic radiology department. The class is scheduled to be completed by October. Sergeant Boggs is expected to return to Keesler next month. (Courtesy photo)