CAMP DENALI, Alaska - An Alaska Air National Guardsmen traveled to Vietnam with a group of 83 medical professionals, from around the world, to provide training and clinical support this spring.
Maj. Linda Dunegan, a medical administrative officer from the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard, traveled to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi in late March and the Wue Medical College and Pharmacy in early April to work with international physicians in helping the people of Vietnam.
Dunegan, a licensed massage therapist and skin care practitioner, volunteered on her own time to work with other physicians to train Vietnamese medical students and staff in global medicine.
"I went to Vietnam because I wanted to train the Vietnamese medical staff and work with patients," said Dunegan. "I really want to help these people because I have a lot of compassion for them and this was a good opportunity for me to use my skills to help those in need."
The training, Dunegan and others provided, consisted of lectures each morning followed by clinicals in the afternoon. Each day they had the chance to work with patients and train medical staff.
Between training events in Hanoi and Wue, Dunegan traveled across the country visiting historical sites and going to various clinics, if they were open, to lend a hand.
"My goal is to move there someday to share my knowledge and help everyone in need,' said Dunegan. "Think about all the lives you can save by teaching them skills. I want to help make a difference and so I'll do whatever it takes to help others."
Dunegan plans to visit Vietnam again soon and has an invitation to return this November to teach nursing staff in stretching techniques.