title: Enhancing the effectiveness of the U.S. Army's participation in medical diplomacy: implications from a case study in Trinidad.
abstract: Medical diplomacy is a complex, yet increasingly important strategy of the U.S. government. In this article, we present a unique program that was jointly developed by the U.S. Army Reserves 807 th Medical Deployment Support Command and the Trinidad Ministry of Health to address the large backlog of untreated cataracts in Trinidad and Tobago. This partnership evolved over time, but began with a commitment to help address a critical public health issue as determined by the host country, with investment in both local capacity and attention towards sustainability. The 807 th Medical Deployment Support Command utilized its connection to the military and civilian worlds, bringing in outside expertise and a long-term university partner allowing for sustainability without protracted U.S. government support. This program resulted in multiple positive outcomes, including building a strong partnership with a key U.S. interest; enhancing the legitimacy of the Trinidadian government through the development of a sustainable cataract program; and providing a platform for the United States to be seen by the Trinidadian public in a very positive light. This new model for medical diplomacy may have significant benefit for both the host country and U.S. government, and deserves further evaluation in other contexts.
authors.affiliation: Rand Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
authors.forename: Marla C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Haims
authors.affiliation: Rand Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
authors.forename: Herbert C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Duber
authors.affiliation: United States Army Reserves, 807th Medical Command, 106 Soldier's Circle, Fort Douglas, UT 84113.
authors.forename: Lie-Ping
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000193:education*; D006077:Government Agencies; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008889:Military Personnel; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014300:Trinidad and Tobago; D014481:United States