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Iraqi physical therapists train at Walter Reed Written by Samantha Reho (OCPA)

Thursday, February 10, 2011 12:39

Three Iraqi military physical therapists assess the exercise technique of Marine Cpl. Brandon Rumaugh at the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Feb. 2.


WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 4, 2011) - Three Iraqi military physical therapists are wrapping up a six-week rotation Feb. 14, with Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The training consisted of classroom lecture, observation and practical application and is the first of its kind for Walter Reed, according to Lt. Col. Shannon Lynch, assistant chief of physical therapy at Walter Reed.

"They are professional, eager and motivated to bring this new knowledge and skills back to their country," Lynch said.

To help with communication, an Iraqi interpreter accompanied the servicemembers to make sure all conversations were not lost in translation.

Iraqi Army 2nd Lt. Ali Nsaif said he has benefited from the expertise of the hospital's physical therapists and has learned new exercise techniques he plans to use with his patients in the Iraqi Army.

"They [Walter Reed] are focused on the patient and are there through the whole process of recovery," Nsaif said.

Iraqi Army 2nd Lt. Thamer Jebur added that he was impressed by the focus on not only the patient's physical well-being, but psychological well-being - a method he is integrating in his own practice in Iraq.

At the end of the rotation, the Iraqi therapists will be assessed on what new skills they've developed and their interaction with each patient. ..

More here.