NEWS

Transcription

NEWS

NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
July 2009 – page 1 / 1
APRIL 2011 – Volume 10 – N° 2
International Maritime Health Association
NEWS
Contributions
for
the
next
newsletter would be welcomed by
the Editor before 01 July 2011
E-mail: [email protected]
CONTENT
■ FROM THE EDITOR
■ PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM
This is a newsletter of the
International
Maritime
Health
Association - IMHA. Opinions
expressed in this newsletter do not
necessarily reflect IMHA's point-ofview. All correspondence and address
changes should be sent to IMHA,
Italiëlei 51, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium,
e-mail: [email protected], while the
editor [email protected] should be
copied on comments on newsletter
contents.
IMHA Office
Italiëlei 51
B-2000 Antwerp - Belgium
Tel
+32 3 229 07 76
Fax
+32 3 225 20 38
E-mail [email protected]
Web
http://www.imha.net
IMHA is registered in Belgium as an
international association by Royal
Decree of 14/07/1998, identification
number: 22285/98
To become an IMHA member and
part of the network of Maritime
Health Professionals, simply send
an e-mail to the IMHA office :
[email protected]
One year membership:
Individual : 125 euro
Corporate : 475 euro
Student :
60 euro
● Bank transfer or Visa / MasterCard
Know it, Share it …
■ 11th ISMH – 6 – 10 September 2011
Sally Bell
Suresh Idnani
Anatoliy I. Gozhenko
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
■ Global
■
Partnership on HIV
Medine
Nebojša Nikolić
Nebojša Nikolić
CONTINUING EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
MARITIME HEALTH JOURNALS
MEMBERS’ SECTION
■ LETTERS TO THE MEMBERS & THE BOARD
■ FROM THE OFFICE
■ MARITIME MEDICINE AROUND THE WORLD
COLUMNS
■ THE CRUISE CONNECTION
Eilif Dahl
■ BOOKSHELF
■ VOICES FROM THE PAST
■ USEFUL WEBSITES
■ UPCOMING EVENTS
Ilona Denisenko
NEWSLETTER April 2011 – page 2 / 2
FROM THE EDITOR
by Sally Bell
I’m glad to say that the shortened version of the newsletter has resulted in very few
comments, so we’ll continue with this format. As promised in the last edition, we’ll
respond to any of your views if you’ll let us know what you think. The only suggestion
following the reduction of the newsletter length was that the feature “Voices from the
Past” be reinstated, so we have brought it back – but if there are any other views as to
whether other items should be added or deleted, please let me know. Would you like it
shorter still? Is there anything else you would like brought back?
The IMHA Board has been busy, and you will see a report of our recent board meeting as
well as information on the Quality Assurance project which is moving ahead well. For
future projects we need your advice and assistance, so please respond to our President’s
request for suggestions. This week’s history article is perhaps more topical than the
usual history section, dealing as it does with conflict in Libya, although in a different age.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the ISMH in Odessa, so don’t forget to register as soon as
possible for this important event when the next IMHA Board will be elected – and start to think about whether you
would like to contribute, either as a Board member or simply as a participant in specific projects. There is still some
time to send abstracts as well as the deadline has been extended, but don’t leave it too long!
As ever we will continue to include as much as we can in the newsletter on current maritime health practice, and for
this we continue to need your help and support, whether in the form of articles, pictures, case studies or information
about local changes in rules, regulations and practice. My thanks to those who have contributed to this edition, and
my encouragement to those who are thinking of sending something for the next.
Sally Bell, Editor
([email protected]).
PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM
by Suresh Idnani
Dear Members,
IMHA stands tall today, thanks to your support and efforts, not only among the stakeholders of the
International Industry, but also the regional and national shipping Industries. Your appointed board has
worked tirelessly and surely to take forward the aims and objectives of our association during the past
eighteen months. You will have read in our earlier newsletters details of the work done and we will
continue to keep you updated and involved.
We are exploring the possibility of new projects and are keen to involve you in this process.
Some of the projects coming your way for opinion, advice, and involvement are:
·
·
·
·
A research project on current health concerns affecting seafarers
Health & safety protection and accident prevention in seafarers - prevention of occupational accidents and injuries
Reporting network of infectious diseases
Network of health practitioners to address mental trauma and post traumatic stress disorders
We are requesting support from stakeholders of the international shipping industry and we hope that this will be achieved. We
are also considering the development of a better institutional and management setup so that we are able to take on these
projects in due course with good professional oversight and audit mechanisms in place.
On the matter of international relations we are involved in many areas and have actively raised our profile and our commitment
to maritime health. I have had the pleasure of meeting several of you at planned events in this regard.
ICSW: Seafarers welfare and health initiatives continue to integrate following a successful ICSW SA regional work programme
which was assessed independently, documented, and is being benchmarked for other regions as well. Several initiatives
concerning health, notably, the proposed QA in maritime health and the SHIP programme were supported by all countries in the
region. A Ship Welfare Visitors Course (SWVC) training programme for IMHA members is to be conducted this year. A new
project on health and safety using SHIP material as a follow on project is being considered under the ICSW IMHA cooperation
agreement. The ICSW Seafarers Welfare Seminar on the 14th of April in Copenhagen will address current issues and problems
facing the provision of welfare services to seafarers. These include welfare services for the families of seafarers affected by
piracy, better communication facilities at sea and in port for seafarers, and the use of the Maritime Labour Convention
provisions to enhance seafarers’ welfare. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) presents an important opportunity to the
ICSW, IMHA and other organizations concerned with seafarers’ welfare and health, to increase awareness within the maritime
industry and the wider public. The convention breaks new ground by being enforceable and applicable to all, even to those
states that have not yet ratified. It is important for both ICSW and IMHA to be ready and to be clear about the role in supporting
our respective constituencies and promoting and facilitating the welfare and health components of the MLC 2006. Piracy and its
effects on mental health and PTSD are being discussed nationally, regionally and internationally, several IMHA and ICSW
members are cooperating to address this issue.
ILO: It is expected that the MLC 2006 will come into force in the near future. IMHA has contributed not only in the development
and formative process but has also worked actively in the preparatory stage of the development of guidelines for flag and port
state inspections in the true spirit of tripartism. IMHA’s significant contributions and interventions at several meetings have been
recognized and acknowledged. In anticipation of the MLC coming into force, preparation for inspection and certification of ships
under the ILO MLC are already underway. Flag State Inspectors and Port State Control Officers are being trained in this regard.
To date two IMHA professionals have undergone extensive training as trainers and for maritime inspectors on the provisions of
the ILO MLC 2006. Several IMHA members are also contributing on the revision of medical standards and a second meeting in
this regard is planned in Geneva for September 2011. The ILO has also asked Dr Tim Carter to assist with the development of
medical standards for fishermen under their ILO Fishing Convention.
IMO: The Manila Convention 2010 will be endorsed at the Council meeting this year. IMHA and its members have contributed
towards this and will continue to do so when approached during planned safety committee meetings of the IMO. The revised
STCW will come into force in 2012.
WHO: The consultation process between the ILO, IMO and WHO on the future of the IMGS is under way and it is expected that
matters may move forward amicably. We are yet awaiting a response to our letter to the WHO which was forwarded by us on
the matter of the IMGS revision.
I take this opportunity to thank you for your support and efforts and request you for your valuable opinion, advice and
involvement in the projects being undertaken and those proposed for the future. You can always reach me at:
[email protected]
REGISTER NOW! DEADLINE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION 30th April !
11th ISMH - 2011
6 – 10 September 2011, Odessa, Ukraine
11th International Symposium on Maritime
Health
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Ukrainian Research Institute
for Medicine of Transport, it is my great honour
th
and pleasure to invite you to the 11
International Symposium on Maritime Health which will be held in
Odessa Ukraine on 6 – 10 September 2011. The theme for this
meeting is “Maritime Health – an International Challenge”
The scientific program of the symposium will cover important
problems in research, education and service in the field of maritime medicine. This will be presented in plenary sessions and
debated in workshops. We hope that the event will encourage scientific research in maritime health, promote the development
of quality international medical service and systems in the maritime sector, and assist with the international coordination of
maritime health initiatives.
Odessa welcomes all physicians, scientists, legislators, educators and other health personnel involved in maritime health. We
look forward to meeting you and hearing your knowledge and ideas in Odessa, the city on the Black Sea, one of the biggest
industrial and cultural centres of Ukraine. We will take you to the famous memorials, architectural ensembles and avenues, the
port and research institutes, our resorts, parks, museums and everything that will be of interest to you. We shall introduce you
to the lively and sociable Odessites and hope that among them you will find many new friends.
Professor Anatoliy I. Gozhenko
th
Chairman 11 ISMH
DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS HAS BEEN EXTENDED. SEE www.ISMH11.ORG
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
Global Partnership on HIV and Mobile Workers in the Maritime Sector
By Nebojša Nikolić
In 2010 with the completion of project budgets and programme budget, the overall Global Partnership
Programme Proposal was approved for distribution to potential donors, while from a fundraising perspective, the
Secretariat focused 2010 on making strategic connections and developing advocacy and visibility tools
necessary for future fundraising efforts. The first funds arrived and the Global Partnership website was set up.
The domain name of the Global Partnership website will be www.AnchorHIV.org. The Secretariat is looking into
purchasing AnchorHIV.com and .net in addition to .org for the next five years in order to guarantee the branding of the Global
Partnership.
The Global Partnership was included in an IOM article successfully submitted to a special HIV focused edition of the Maritime
Health Journal. Several tele-conference meetings were held and the secretariat will develop a roadmap for 2011 laying out the
most important events and activities of the Global Partnership. In addition to raising awareness, this roadmap will allow the
Secretariat to prepare and support GP members for upcoming events with materials and strategically targeted information.
The next proposed Stakeholder Video Conference Update is to be held in Pretoria, South Africa. It is anticipated that the internal
video conference will take place in March. The suggested video conference for external partners would then take place
afterwards. It was suggested that the upcoming regional meeting, Regional Transport Sector Health Forum (28-30 March) in
South Africa, might be an excellent venue for the external video conference. This is because many of the GPMG members are
participating and relevant South African government partners will already be present at the conference.
Global Partnership on HIV and Mobile Workers in the Maritime Sector
Secretariat - International Organization for Migration
17 route des Morillons C.P. 71, CH 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Phone: +41.22.717 9234 Fax: +41.22.798 6150 E-mail: [email protected]
By Nebojša Nikolić
MEDINE 2 – Work Package 04: Tuning 1st cycle
degrees in medicine
MEDINE2 is approaching the end of its first 18 months of activity. At this stage, the Commission has requested that the project
submits a full progress report detailing what has been achieved so far. The project co-ordinator’s office is very busy preparing
these reports along with the help of work package leaders.
All the developmental work packages have now held their meetings for 2011. The meetings held were as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
WP1 and 2 had a joint meeting on the 28th and 29th of October in Berlin
WP3 met on the 11th and 12th of October in Krakow
WP4 met on 6th and 7th of December in Antwerp
WP 5 and WP6 met during the AMEE meeting in Glasgow (4-8th September)
WP7 met on 10th September in Madrid
Learning outcomes/competence frameworks promote harmonisation, transparency and consistency in educational programmes.
The Tuning Project (medicine) has developed learning outcomes for primary medical degrees, disseminated widely and
available freely at www.tuning-medicine.com. IMHA is a partner in WP4 where using Tuning methodology, group will generate
an agreed set of learning outcomes/competences for 1st cycle Bachelor degrees in medicine. These will link systematically with
Tuning outcomes for primary medical degrees (2nd cycle); they will specify an appropriate degree of vertical curriculum
integration and address issues of employability through a competence-based approach.
Initially, the working group worked on the set of first-cycle outcomes with these priorities. These will be refined and developed
through a series of European workshops. A web-based Tuning opinion survey will be conducted to rank the importance of each
outcome. Respondents will include academics, employers, graduates, and students. These results will be subjected to detailed
statistical analysis. The findings will inform the decisions of a consensus conference which will generate the final report
document. This will be disseminated via the Network website, a printed brochure, conferences and workshops, published
papers and presentations
The General Partners Meeting for 2011 will be held at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary from 19th of May to 21st of
May. The meeting will be an excellent opportunity for partners to hear how the various work packages are progressing and how
they can become further involved in the project activities.
CONTINUING EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
http://imha.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=20&Itemid=86
MARITIME HEALTH JOURNALS
For a list of Journals relevant to Maritime Health, please follow the link below:
MEMBERS’ SECTION
FROM THE BOARD
IMHA Board Meeting 15th March 2011
The IMHA Board met during March in London at the Foundation of St Katharine near the London docks. All board members
were present except for Dr Ilona Denisenko whose travel was sadly disrupted by visa problems. Minutes of the previous two
meetings were agreed, and the accounts for 2010 approved. Plans were put in place to finalise the budget and work
programme for the remainder of 2011.
A new Board Rule was adopted covering the detailed framework for project administration. The Board then discussed adoption
of a code of ethics, and it was agreed that IMHA would adopt the ethical code of the World Medical Association.
Membership continues to steadily increase, although all board members (and indeed all members) were urged to continue with
their efforts to introduce more members of the maritime health world to join us. It was reported that the work of IMHA in
maritime health has recently been featured on a Philippines TV programme which is accessible by internet on board ship. Our
focus will continue to expand to embrace new areas of the world.
Links with International Organisations (ILO, IMO, IOM, ICSW, WHO and the EU) were discussed, and remain strong.
Particularly important is the progress being made with the Global Aids project reported elsewhere. Topics for future workshops
were considered, and a number of workshops will be planned concurrently with ISMH in Odessa. The website will be reviewed,
with more current news, more frequent updating and also links to national standards will continue to be built upon. The official
Journal, IMH, continues to do very well and is well received.
New projects to be developed and the
possibility of raising further funding from
the ITF and from other bodies were
seriously considered, and a number of
ideas are now being developed.
Management of the Safe@sea project
has been handed from Andra Ergle to
Rob Verbist, but there will be no
significant input required from IMHA
until next year.
Arrangements for the ISMH in Odessa
continue to progress, and the IMHA
office will be working closely with the
organisers to facilitate communications.
Invitations have been sent out to many
national and international stakeholders,
and members will be encouraged to
register soon for this important event. Training for health professionals in seafarers’ welfare is to be arranged just before the
Symposium.
The meeting closed after four hours, to reconvene on the following day when a stimulating discussion on IMHA’s future ensued.
The results of this discussion will be presented at the General Meeting in Odessa. The next board meeting will take place in
July in London, in order to finalise arrangements for the GM.
Sally Bell, IMHA Secretary
SHIP’s Visitors Course, Odessa, SEP 2011
Dear IMHA Members,
ICSW and IMHA are planning to conduct an ICSW Ship Welfare Visitor Course (SWVC) on the 3rd and 4th of September 2011
in Odessa. This course is sponsored by the ICSW and is supported by IMHA.The SWVC will be available without charge to the
first 20 participants on a first come basis for those attending the ISMH11. IMHA members desirous of attending will need to
register with the certified trainer at [email protected]. A minimum number of 12 participants is necessary to run the
course. There will be a system of continuous assessment and an evaluation at the end; successful participants will be informed
of the result within three months.
The ICSW - Ship Welfare Visitor Course (SWVC) is a two day attendance course designed as an introduction to maritime
terminology, organisations, ship types, shipboard routines, protocols, seafarer’s issues, personal safety in port facilities and
onboard ship. With increasingly fast turnaround of ships, coinciding with smaller crews, seafarers often have little time to go
ashore and there is, consequently, an ever increasing need for ship visitors.
Course Aim
To equip ship visitors with a full appreciation of protocol, personal safety and security issues relating to port facilities and ships.
Course Objectives
1
To provide an overview of shipping organisations
2
To introduce Marine Industry custom and practice
3
To describe ship types, shipboard organisation, trades and specific hazards
4
To highlight the current security issues
5
To facilitate personal safety of people visiting port facilities and ships
The course was developed by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board UK and is accredited by the Nautical Institute (an international
professional association) as it was considered important to gain proper recognition for the course and to establish an
appropriate standard for the training. Successful participants will be issued a SWVC pass. The SWVC pass is not currently
required by all ports but, as time passes and the system becomes better known, this system of accreditation will become very
useful - especially if security in ports becomes stricter than it is already.
For enquiries contact Suresh Idnani at [email protected]
Dear IMHA Members,
The IMHA board is exploring the possibility of initiating research projects on ‘Current Health Concerns affecting Seafarers’, from
the point of view of medical professionals in the field.
Some topics already suggested for consideration are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cardiovascular problems, hypertension
Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine problems
STD & HIV
Obesity
Malaria and other infectious and communicable
diseases
Eye conditions
Dental problems
Emergencies needing surgical intervention
Pregnancies and complications
CNS & neurological disorders
Renal problems including nephrolithiasis
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hepatobiliary problems including gallstones
Gastrointestinal problems
Skin conditions
ENT problems
Respiratory illnesses
Psychiatric and psychological conditions, mental
stress
Back injuries, locomotor & physical disabilities
Lifestyle diseases
Use of medications
Drugs of abuse
Other occupational injuries/diseases
The board invites all IMHA members to be involved with these exciting IMHA projects, and requests your opinions, suggestions,
views and expertise so as to ensure a broad participation with identification of health concerns from across the globe. To take
this further, we would like to conduct a simple survey to identify the top ten most relevant medical conditions to explore, either
from among the ones above or any others that you have found evidence of presenting an important health concern for seafarers
in your geographical area of practice.
Please email your list of 10 most relevant conditions, along with any other input or suggestions at [email protected]
Suresh Idnani,
IMHA President
IMHA QA programme
From ALF MAGNE HORNELAND
The QA standards are now ready for pilot testing, and we plan a full roll-out of the QA project in 2012.
As you all know, a grant from TK Foundation has enabled IMHA to develop a set of standards for describing best
practice for medical examiners and their clinics, with regard to the pre-employment medical examinations of
seafarers.
In conjunction with the board meeting in London in March, an initial group of assessors were trained by CHKS, and we are
happy to announce that all assessors passed the exam and are now ready to do their part of the work!
The assessors
The initial training resulted in the following duly qualified assessors: Joseph Abesamis, Sally Bell, Luisa Canals, Tim Carter,
Andra Ergle, Alf Magne Horneland, Suresh Idnani, Nebojša Nikolic, Bas Rikken, and Rob Verbist. Ilona Denisenko should have
participated at the training, but unfortunately was hindered from coming to London.
Pilot
The standards are ready to be tested in a pilot. Thereafter revision
or amendment of the standards will take place. By the end of this
year the standards should be ready to use in practice, and the
programme will be rolled out.
IMHA QA Standards and ISO
Many clinics today meet the requirements of ISO accreditation.
This means that they have pretty good standards regarding bookkeeping, organisation, planning, working conditions and reporting
systems. What ISO does not include is a medical best practice
evaluation. IMHA QA standards describe a professional level
which ranks above ISO, and is a far better marker of medical
quality than ISO.
Assessor training, London March 2011. Trainees and trainers
Improvement or accreditation?
The IMHA QA programme is more about participation in quality improvement than accreditation. Of course accreditation will be
a part of the programme, but the paramount objective of the programme is to make participant continuously work with quality
improvement. Participation in the programme gives access to support regarding how to improve quality. The programme
includes both improvement and accreditation.
How will it work in practice?
On entering upon the programme a self-declaration must be completed, confirming that the clinic or doctor have met the
standards marked essential. If the clinic or doctor does not yet meet the essential standards, they will be advised to work
towards these standards, and will be included in the programme when essential standards are met.
Now starts the real work towards IMHA recommended quality. The clinic is allowed a certain period of time to work towards the
higher level. When the clinic through its self-evaluation thinks they are ready for an assessment, this will be arranged by the QA
Programme. One or two assessors will arrive for the practical conduct of the assessment. The assessment will include
documentation evaluation, interviews, a physical visit to the clinic, discussions etc, to assess whether the clinic meets the
standards of IMHA recommended quality.
A white list
Clinics participating in the programme and meeting the requirements of the essential standards will be listed as participants of
the programme on a white list published on the website.
Clinics meeting the IMHA recommended quality will be listed as IMHA accredited clinics.
The quality circle
When the clinic has met the requirements of IMHA recommended quality, the improvement process does not stop. Within the
period of valid accreditation the preparation for a next round will have to take place, and by the end of the accreditation period –
at latest – a new assessment will have to take place to ensure a place on the white list for the next period.
More than accreditation
Participation in the programme will give access to newsletter, guidance to better quality, participation in improvement
collaboratives in addition to being a highly reputed clinic or doctor.
Further development
Maritime medicine is far more than medical examinations. IMHA want to develop standards also for other types of service, such
as port health clinics, repatriation services, occupational health services and maritime telemedicine. This will widen the scope of
the accreditation system, and make it even more interesting to be a member of the system.
Management
The programme is supervised by President Suresh N Idnani, acting as Project supervisor in accordance with IMHA Board Rules
regarding project administration. The manager is Alf Magne Horneland, and an executive committee consisting of Professor Tim
Carter and Dr. Sally Bell in addition to the supervisor and the manager will ensure a smooth and effective management of the
programme.
LETTERS TO THE MEMBERS and THE BOARD
ORTHOKERATOLOGY AND FITNESS TO WORK AT SEA
From Tim Carter
A number of seafarers have recently come for medical fitness examinations who have been using orthokeratology. This is the
use of contact lenses that are worn overnight to correct their distant vision.
These lenses are rigid contact lenses that are worn during sleep. They are designed to reduce the curvature of the cornea by
applying differential pressure. They are an alternative to spectacles or daytime contact lenses in those needing moderate
correction (<4.5 dioptres sphere, <1.5 dioptre astigmatism). They exert their effect after use over several nights and the
correction lasts all waking hours if successful. If the lenses are not regularly worn vision slowly reverts to its former state over
the next 1-2 weeks.
In general they are prescribed for young people without presbyopia who do not want to wear other appliances. A high level of
supervision is needed for the first month of use, but about 75% of those who start use continue with these lenses. Complications
such as infection are rare but some people do not tolerate night wearing and tear quality is important for comfortable use. Any
such problems normally become apparent during the initial trial period and do not usually develop later. Regular six monthly
followups are normally required. OrthoK lenses (one of the main brands) are relatively costly: c. £100 for initial fitting and c. £40
per month. A small number of contact lens practitioners specialize in prescribing them.
Several features make these devices unsuitable as a means of vision correction for those who do safety critical navigational
lookout duties:
•
Compliance is dependent on the individual and it will not be possible to be sure of the degree of visual correction
present at any time.
•
A regular daily pattern of sleep is needed when the lenses must be worn. Watchkeeping schedules may pose problems
with compliance
•
If lenses are not used for a period and acuity changes it is not possible to use spectacles or conventional day-use
contact lenses to correct vision as the prescription changes day by day.
•
While there is no subjective evidence of problems with low light or low contrast acuity this has not been formally
investigated. As with corneal refractive surgery large pupil size at night may lead to light entering the eye from beyond the zone
of correction
•
Spectacles or contact lenses can always be used as a preferred, tried and tested means of improving acuity to meet
statutory standards.
Given the cost and time taken to gain the benefits from these lenses it is unlikely that they will be used solely to improve vision
for a seafarer fitness examination, when spectacles or conventional contact lenses will achieve compliance more simply.
Those who use these devices should normally be certified as unfit for lookout duties, except possibly in the case of those who
have a history of good compliance and return to home port for a regular pattern of sleep each night.
The above considerations are of less immediate relevance to engineering and other crewmembers, whose need for distant
vision is less safety critical. Decisions for these seafarers should be taken on a case-by-case basis. However a good record of
compliance with use, a stable level of correction and a pattern of leave that ensures access to the prescribing optometrist for
follow up checks is essential. Confirmation should be obtained from the optometrist that these criteria are met.
FROM THE OFFICE
In January the IMHA Office has sent your MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM by email in an
attachment as PDF format.
Those who haven’t paid up to now, please do before the end of May, otherwise your
membership will be cancelled.
Renewal fee for 2011 is still the same as last year : 125€
If you have any question on this, just let us know at [email protected]
“HAPPY EASTER !”
MARITIME MEDICINE AROUND THE WORLD
TRAINING IN MARITIME MEDICINE FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS – A STUDY AFTER 3 YEARS
EXPERIENCE
Assoc. Prof. Hristo Bozov, MD, PhD – Medical University – Varna
Department of General surgery, anesthesiology and intensive care at the Medical University – Varna
Although the Republic of Bulgaria is a coastal country, Maritime Medicine has not been
taught to students in medical universities and did not exist as a medical specialty until
2008. There were the beginnings of a study of individual directions of Maritime Medicine,
but rather fragmented and scattered. Systematic research, in this specific medical field,
has also not been accomplished. Training in the other parallel specific medical specialty,
Aviation Medicine, which has been available for a long time, shows that Maritime
Medicine lags far behind. Initiated by Assoc.Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozov, Chairman of the
‘Maritime Medicine’ Section and Vice-Chairman of the ‘Bulgarian Society of Aviation,
Space and Maritime Medicine’, a team of lecturers of the three higher medical and
maritime structures in Varna was formed: the Medical University (MU-Varna), the
Military Medical Academy (MMA-Varna) and the Naval Academy (NA-Varna). Besides
the academic society, a strong interest was shown by the shipping industry and maritime
business, the Naval Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria, and because of its present
interest by the local and national media. A successful step in terms of educational activity was the launching of a
study program of Maritime Medicine as a free elective course for students lasting 30 hours (24 lectures and 6
practical classes). Research and publications could be helpful for the infusion of Maritime Medicine into the
scientific specialties. The Maritime Medicine Training Program was adopted in 2008 by the Academic Council of
the Medical University-Varna.
MARITIME MEDICINE PROGRAMME
EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING ACTIVITY
Lectures (24 hours):
1. Maritime Physiology – 2 hours.
2. Diving Medicine – 4 hours.
3. Maritime Toxicology - 2 hours.
4. Emergency on board of ships – 2 hours.
5. Water – Rescue activities – 2 hours.
6. Maritime Psychology – 2 hours.
7. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – 2 hours.
8. Maritime expertise – 2 hours.
9. Telemedicine – 2 hours.
10. Sea treatment and Thalassotherapy – 2 hours.
11. Current aspects in the development of Maritime
Medicine – 2 hours.
Practical classes (6 hours):
Organization of Maritime Service and Maritime Expertise –
2 hour.
2. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine – 2 hours.
3. Maritime Toxicology – 2 hours.
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
1. Breathing modes for dives and conduction of hyperbaric oxygenation – research studies.
2. Maritime expertise of seafarers.
3. Psychological help for s undergone pirate captivity.
4. Research and summary of the results of collected database in providing emergency on board of ships
5. Telemedicine – opportunities for seafarers working on board of ships.
The management of the program is the first step and the ultimate goal is to create a working group of experts and
representatives of the relevant institutions to work in the following areas:
Development of a national strategy on Maritime Medicine.
Training of specialists/professionals of different levels.
Inclusion of Maritime Medicine in the subjects studied at the Medical University – Varna and a creation of “Maritime
Medicine” as a separate medical specialty.
The team of lecturers chose the coursework as a form of assessment. The topics are formulated in advance of the
speakers. Students decide by themselves the field of Maritime Medicine in which they will operate and produce
their coursework within a month. It turns out that the coursework is very relevant as it stimulates and enables
students to develop their creative potential in the field that most interests them.
Analysis shows that there is a majority of high scores. By itself it is a guarantee of a genuine and deep respect of
students towards the preparation of the coursework.
During the second semester of the course in Maritime Medicine it
was necessary to increase the numbers of participants due to
the big interest from students. Small changes were made in the
lecture course and practical exercises in order to be most
effective for students. As an additional speaker was included –
Assoc. Prof. Stamat Stamatov, with his lecture “Sea treatments
and Thalassotherapy”. For the third training course another
speaker was included from abroad – Dr. Ilona Denisenko from
Russia.
Each participant who has written and passed a coursework,
corresponding to the teachers’ requirements, has been
evaluated and received a certificate of a successful completion
of the course.
The top-performing students have been awarded from sponsors and from the MU-Varna. The prize after the first
course was a one-year scholarship.
Upon the successful student completion in both semesters, the lecturer team decided to organize additional sport
activities. Two rowing expeditions were held, together with the marina “Varna - S.T.” and the university “Ski and
Tourism” club. Participants assessed them as very useful and interesting, so it is expected for them to become a
tradition for the Maritime Medicine course and to be organized annually.
Results:
1. There is an exclusive interest of medical students and graduated doctors.
2. The “Maritime Medicine” course found its place in the curriculum of the Medical University-Varna and does not
cause problems such as overlapping themes, duplication of courses, etc.
3. Lecturers from various participating organizations are highly motivated and have an interest in the development
of the discipline.
4. A guarantee of the correctness of the decision to introduce the discipline into the curriculum is the increased
public interest in Varna.
5. The curriculum of only 30 hours is insufficient for the serious topics of the course.
6. Practical classes cause great interest and should be considered a form and way to increase them.
7. Additional activities in relation with the training include students from the program and others who are interested
in taking part. Therefore, these activities should be extended.
8. After clarification and implementation of the working part of the “Maritime Medicine” project, a research activity
will be started. To do so, the existing facilities of the participating institutions should be optimum used and MUVarna should develop such by itself.
9. As a result of the experience gained and setting up a team, it is necessary to look for opportunities to participate
in research projects funded at national and European level.
Conclusion:
For a short period of three years, a team of doctors and other
professionals succeeded in meeting the public need for the
creation and development of a new medical discipline
“Maritime Medicine”. Leaders and lecturers work towards its
continued development and expansion with the trend to
introduce the discipline as a separate specialty in the training
of Medical Students in the city of Varna. The ambition is to
expand the programme also by attracting more students and
teachers from abroad.
Address:
9000, Varna, Bulgaria
55 ‘Marin Drinov’ Str
Medical University – Varna
Department of General and Operative Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care
Assoc. prof. Hristo Bozov, MD, PhD, [email protected], tel.: 052/668 117, fax: 052/ 659 152
References/Literature:
1. Hr. Bozov. Decompression disease – tactics of treatment. Notices of the Union of scientists – Varna,
series ”Medicine and ecology” 2/97, 1/98, p. 22-24.
2. Bozov Hr., V. Aleksandrov, N. Petrov. Hyperbaric Medicine – history and development. Medical
Journal 2003, p. 3-7.
3. Bozov Hr., N. Petrov. Hyperbaric oxygenation – development and connection with the anaesthesiology
and reanimation. Anaesthesiology and Intensive Treatment 2003, p. 65-68.
4. Bozov Hr., A. Klisarova, B. Mednikarov and others. Maritime Medicine in Bulgaria - where and why?
Symposium records of VII Conference of the Bulgarian Association of Aviation, Maritime and Space
Medicine. 2008, p. 13-17.
5. Vajarov, Iv., Hr. Bozov. History of the MBAL – Varna to the Military Medical Academy: 60 years in
service of health, science and education. Historical and medical collection. Museum act and history of
medicine, Year 6, 2010, p. 59-62.
6. Zlateva Sn., M. Yovcheva, P. Marinov and others. Early aksonopatia of sensory nerves and late
tendinitis in patients after pricking of fish "Sea Dragon" / Trachinus Draco. Symposium records of VII
Conference of the Bulgarian Association of Aviation, Maritime and Space Medicine. p. 38-46.
7. Stavrev D., L. Silov./ Ставрев Д., Л. Силов. Водно-спасительная служба города Варны – Вiесник
Морскоï Медицины, 2007, 2-3 (36), p. 24-28.
8. T. Stoyanova, Beginning and Development of mud treatment in Bulgaria during the first half of the
twentieth century. Historical medical collection. Museum act and history of medicine, year 4-5, 20082009, p. 23-27.
A centre to call their own
Condensed from the Times Shipping Journal, India
The Seafarers' Health and Welfare programme in India got a boost on February 14, 2011 with the opening of a ‘Seafarers
Health & Welfare Centre' in Mumbai, which will try to fill the void that existed in the Health and Welfare programmes for
seafarers in the country
The Centre was inaugurated by Dr. S.B. Agnihotri IAS, Director General of Shipping, Government of India and S Hajara, CMD,
Shipping Corporation of India in the august presence of major stakeholders of the Indian shipping industry.
The centre is the result of the tireless efforts of Dr Suresh N Idnani, president of the International Maritime Health Association
(IMHA). A trustee of International Committee on Seafarers
Welfare (ICSW), Dr Idnani is also president of the Seafarers Welfare Association of India (SWAI).
South Asia and in particular India has taken a leading step in furthering the aims and objectives of the associations in the region
through concentrated efforts by international and national nongovernment organizations and stakeholders of the shipping
industry, and in that the role played by Dr Idnani cannot be ignored. At a recent ICSW awards nominations ceremony, there
were only two nominations from South Asia. While Kandla Seafarers Association was nominated in the category of ports, Dr
Idnani was credited for the category Welfare Personality of the year 2010.
Dr Idnani was nominated for "being at the heart
of the movement to put the welfare of seafarers
at the top of the agenda. He took up this
somewhat thankless task in South Asia at a
time when few people were aware of the
importance of the issue. As a result of his
continuous follow up, efficient delivery systems
for seafarers' welfare were established all over
the region. More than 10 port welfare
committees now function in India. The
Colombo Port of Sri Lanka leads the way in
welfare matters and countries such as
Bangladesh and Pakistan are now on the
welfare map," says the nomination.
At the centre, Dr Corinne Idnani helps her
husband to give shape to his dreams and
objectives. The centre boasts of a dedicated
room for seafarers’ welfare activity, with
internet, library, telephones, TV and DVD and
other informative videos. A pantry to serve tea,
coffee, snacks and cold drinks and professionals and welfare workers to provide counselling services to address stress, HIV,
trauma etc. The centre has arranged to provide the assistance of local Bishops (Catholic and Protestant) to the seafarers, if and
when required. Transport to and from the ports and to other destinations like airport, railway station, bus stand, places of
worship etc., has also been provided.
Provisions have been made to provide onshore accommodation and for meeting the members of Mumbai Port Welfare
Committee, for the coordination of ship visiting. The centre will also be open to offer its services for the facilitation and for the
conduct of training programmes for ship visitors and port state control inspectors, in consultation with national maritime
authorities and stakeholders of the Indian shipping industry.
The Idnani Family
COLUMNS
THE CRUISE CONNECTION
by Eilif Dahl,
MD, MHA, PhD
University of Bergen, Norwegian Centre for Maritime Medicine
Cruising for the health of it
When I started as a ship’s doctor for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, the company had only
one ship (now 40!) and one physician. There were few rules and regulations, and the two
nurses who were aboard when I arrived, had been told, ‘Just bring a bikini and a long party
dress – and enjoy!’ It had taken them by surprise that they occasionally had to work,
although it was mostly simple nursing to the next port. There was no lab or monitoring
equipment and very limited treatment options. The doctor was introduced at the Captain’s
welcome cocktail party to the passengers as follows, “This is the ship’s doctor. He is the
only person I don’t like to see busy!”
The captains still use that phrase, but today it’s mostly wishful thinking. Like medicine ashore, cruise ship medicine
has advanced considerably since my early days. Most crew members have far easier access to medical expertise
and better primary health care on cruise ships than at home, and a cruise ship is usually not a bad place for a
traveler who suddenly falls ill. The larger ships have diagnostic and treatment possibilities that surpass those of
many ports and medical staff qualified to take advantage of them. A smaller ship can also be good for your health.
Here are a few cases I saw during my first weeks aboard my latest ship, cruising along the Mexican Riviera with
about 600 passengers:
* A middle-aged lady experienced some uncharacteristic chest discomfort and when reporting to the Medical
Center on board, she had normal clinical findings, a normal EKG and negative cardiac enzymes. Four hours later,
after uneventful monitoring aboard, her enzymes had turned positive and EKG showed signs of non-STEMI
myocardial infarction. She was promptly hospitalized in a local port and underwent successful cardiac surgery the
next day in USA.
* An elderly gentleman who presented with fast atrial fibrillation and manifest pulmonary edema was sent by tender
boat to a local hospital, which – overwhelmed – started to arrange a 5-hour mountainous ambulance ride to a
better medical facility. Instead the then unconscious patient was retrieved from ashore and treated intensively
aboard while waiting for a US air ambulance team. When it arrived some hours later, he was clinically comfortable
with an irregular but acceptable heart rate and clear lungs.
* A 90-year-old lady with an implanted pacemaker was admitted after sudden right-side paralysis followed by
seizures. EKG showed atrial fibrillation and no pacemaker activity. After seizure treatment she regained full limb
function before debarking for pacemaker correction ashore.
* A 90-year old gentleman presenting with ‘the shakes’ (41oC) had 3 years earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer
and had both a colostomy and a nephrostomy because of intra-abdominal metastases. He was successfully treated
for urosepsis, and at follow-up a few days later his wife had already booked their next cruise. ‘He enjoys life and
intends to live forever,’ she said, ‘And, well, so far, so good…’
Despite having to deal with such challenges, cruising is mostly good for the health of the ship’s doctor, too. Living
alone ashore with no interest in cooking, I could – and did - sample more different and healthy sorts of food in one
day aboard than I see at home in a whole month. But it takes self-discipline, if one doesn’t watch it, it will not be the
travel that is broadening, - it’s all the rich food one is constantly tempted to try. Fortunately, the jogging track, the
spa, and the pool were only a few decks away from my cabin and the local winter temperatures encouraged
pleasant use of these facilities every morning. So despite all the food regular physical activity made it possible to
keep shipshape instead of adopting the shape of the ship. Furthermore, the spa offered a wide variety of wellness
options and in most cases was not too far off when claiming, ‘We can’t make you younger, but we’ll make you look
fantastic for your age’.
Also the friendly and helpful attitude from all crew and coworkers aboard did wonders for the doctor’s mental
health.
Not many years ago, smoking was allowed all over the cruise vessels. This has now changed – with resulting
health and safety benefits. Smoking at sea – as on land - is about to become socially unacceptable, and another
serious fire hazard has been reduced if not totally eliminated. On my last ship, smokers were only allowed to light
up at one small coffee station in an open deck area. When passing ‘the pariah colony’ one day, I overheard the tail
end of a conversation between an old, pale and frail smoker and a nicely made-up, well-preserved lady. While he
was recovering after a particularly vile coughing spell and gasping for air, she asked with obvious (prenuptial?)
concern, ‘…but I hope your wallet is still healthy?’
BOOKSHELF
Medical Handbook for Seafarers
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
By Heikki Saarni, Leena Niemi
Now Free of Charge in the Internet
This easy readable book with lots of pictures is now available free for everyone in the internet. The
book takes into account real, everyday medical needs in board ship. With this book the master will be
able to take care of medical situations on board ship until the sick or injured person can be sent for
proper treatment on shore.
http://www.ttl.fi/en/publications/Electronic_publications/Pages/default.aspx
or
http://www.ttl.fi/en/publications/Electronic_publications/Documents/Laivasairaanhoito_engl.pdf
Anything can happen on board a ship, just as it can on land - for example cuts, abdominal or chest pain, poisoning, hypothermia
etc, requiring stitches, fast pain relief, first aid, and other treatment. This new, practical handbook gives clear instructions
concerning medical first aid and treatment required on board ships until the sick or injured patient has been healed or
transported to land for further treatment. The Medical Handbook for Seafarers helps those responsible for medical treatment on
board to decide on the best action to take based on the symptoms and situation at hand. The handbook provides advice on
when to consult a doctor by Radio Medical or when to urgently transport the patient to land for medical treatment, depending on
the different complaints and illnesses. Clear, illustrative photos, key-point tables and diagrams make the treatment procedures
simpler. The handbook is also suitable as a textbook for seafarers undergoing STCW basic and further medical training.
VOICES FROM THE PAST
THE MARINES’ HYMN
By Ilona Denisenko
Few US Marines know and even fewer Greeks, that the Marine's Hymn celebrates the very first joint Greek and
American military cooperation. It took place in 1805 and resulted in the release of 308 Americans held hostage for
ransom by pirates. The reference to American Marines in action on "the shores of Tripoli” commemorates the
attack on a stronghold of the Pasha of Tripoli (Libya), who along with the rulers of three other petty North African
states, Morocco, Tunis and Algiers, practiced piracy against commercial shipping in the Mediterranean in the
eighteenth and nineteenth century.
Known as the Barbary pirates, these tribal autocrats sent their sailing ships known as corsairs to attack
merchantmen for loot and to capture sailors and travelers whom they held for ransom. The Americans, who were
commercially active in the Mediterranean, suffered numerous humiliations at the hands of the pirates and were
forced to pay substantial amounts of tribute money to them. At one time a man-of-war, the USS George
Washington, was forced by the Bey of Algiers to haul down its flag, replace it with that of the Bey and carry the
Bey's Ambassador to Constantinople carrying presents for the Sultan. When the American captain protested the
Bey told him: "You pay me tribute, by which you become my slaves. I have therefore, the right to order you as I
may think proper.”
Inevitably things came to a head and war broke out between the US and the Pasha of Tripoli. However, one of the
frigates, the Philadelphia, sent to block and bombard the port-town of Tripoli, hit a reef and its captain and 307 men
were taken prisoners by the Pasha. A small contingent of U.S. sailors in a disguised USS Intrepid (which looked
like a local vessel because she had been captured by the Navy when she left Tripoli three months earlier) and led
by Lieutenant Stephen Decatur were able to invade the harbour of Tripoli and burn the Philadelphia, denying her
use to the enemy. A subsequent naval attack against Tripoli resulted in a series of inconclusive battles. At this
point the American Consul at Tunis William Eaton, a former army officer, decided to act. He persuaded President
Thomas Jefferson that neither bombardment nor a blockade would yield results and that only a land attack on
Tripoli would force the Pasha's hand. Eaton's plan, accepted by Washington, called for an alliance with the
pretender to the Tripolitan throne, who was in exile in Egypt, to aid him militarily to overthrow the Pasha of Tripoli.
The implementation of Eaton’s plans is detailed in his papers and correspondence, which Professor Harry
Psomiades, Director of the Centre of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, Queen's College, made public in 1977.
A detachment of nine Marines were sent to help Eaton under the command of Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon. After
reaching an agreement with the pretender, they proceeded to organize a small army comprised mostly of Arabs
and a few Europeans. The most reliable contingent other than the Marines was a company of 40 Greeks, fully
armed and led by two captains.
Eaton's army made an epic march across the Libyan desert from Egypt and stormed Tripoli's second most
important city, Derne. Eaton then made preparations to attack the main port city of Tripoli. In his report Eaton cites
the number of casualties his army suffered which included three marines. He adds that the rest were "chiefly
Greeks, who in this little affair, well supported their ancient character.” He also notes that the Greeks had saved the
whole operation, including his own life and that of the Marines, when prior to the attack the Arab recruits conspired
to rebel, kill the Americans and steal the war chest they were carrying. Fortunately the Greeks got wind of the
conspiracy and neutralized it.
The fall of Derne alarmed the Pasha of Tripoli who compromised with the Americans and released the prisoners.
President Jefferson conducted secret negotiations without Eaton's knowledge and paid $60,000 for the release of
the prisoners. Washington also signed a peace treaty with him. In agreeing to pay a ransom of sixty thousand
dollars for the American prisoners, the Jefferson administration drew a distinction between paying tribute and
paying ransom. At the time, some argued that buying sailors out of slavery was a fair exchange to end the war.
William Eaton, however, remained bitter for the rest of his life about the treaty, feeling that his efforts had been
squandered by the State Department diplomat Tobias Lear. Eaton and others felt that the capture of Derne should
have been used as a bargaining chip to obtain the release of all American prisoners without having to pay ransom.
Furthermore, Eaton believed the honour of the United States had been compromised when it abandoned Hamet
Karamanli after promising to restore him as leader of Tripoli. He accused Washington decision makers of
"betrayal,” submitting to a "dishonorable peace” and for "stabbing in the back” the American fighting men who had
risked their lives.
This first Greek-American military venture is now immortalized in the Marines’ Hymn: http://www.usa-flagsite.org/song-lyrics/marines-hymn.shtml
USEFUL WEBSITES
For useful websites with information relevant to maritime health, please follow the link below:
UPCOMING EVENTS

NEWS

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