Carl Albert Indian Health Facility hosted an international visitor leadership program that focused on various issues in rural health care. Seated from left, Ms. Fei Yin, public health instructor, China; Dr. Gas-par Aramis Da Costa, psychiatrist, Panama; Dr. Judit Krisztina Horvath, junior epidemiologist, Hungary. Standing from left, Dr. Milton Jose Silva Mendez, veterinarian, Venezuela; Mr. Hafeez ur Rehman, regional operations manager, Pakistan.

Five international health care professionals visited Carl Albert Indian Health Facility (CAIHF) April 21 to discuss various issues related to rural health care including infectious diseases and Native American populations, public health education and reporting and the role of the media.

Carl Albert was the only tribal health system visited while the guests were in Oklahoma.

While at CAIHF, the visitors learned about the history of CAIHF as well as plans for the new hospital. They also participated in a brief cultural overview. The day’s discussion centered on infection control and pandemic flu preparation as well as the role of the media in crisis communications.

“We are honored Carl Albert has been chosen the last few years to host international health care leaders,” Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “This speaks volumes for our health system.”

Following the discussion, the visitors were served lunch and taken on a tour of the Carl Albert facility.

The International Visitor Leadership Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State. The program is arranged by the Academy for Educational Development.