From Milwaukee to Myanmar: Doctors show off medical technology that can change lives



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The country of Myanmar is looking to build up its healthcare system and is turning to Milwaukee for assistance.

The Union Minister of Myanmar, Than Aung, is soaking it all in. He wants to open up a cardiac center in his country -- and the unique GE cardiovascular hybrid operating and imaging suite at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center has captured his attention.

"We've been able to take care of people that have been turned down by other institutions. Elderly folks who seemingly have no other options can come here and essentially really have a restorative procedure where their symptoms can be relieved and they can go back to leading a normal lifestyle," said Dr. Daniel O'Hair, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center.

Dr. O'Hair says the high quality imaging allows for more closed surgery with the use of catheters, wires and other devices. But if needed, the operating room is right there for opening up the patient. He says merging the two areas is cost effective and produces great outcomes.

"Every since the embargo was lifted in the second half of 2012, GE has the fortune of working with Myanmar very closely and Milwaukee has our global headquarters," said Nilesh Shah, Chief Marketing Officer of GE Healthcare Asia Pacific.

Shah says the Union Minister went to GE's headquarters to see the imaging technology and was brought to St. Luke's to see it in action. He also came to see how the overall system works from the time a patient comes to the facility.

"The third piece is education. How do you train, how do you drive fellowship, how do you build a cardio center," said Shah.

"It's very exciting for us to impact care in areas that are far away from Milwaukee as well as taking care of our own patients here," said Dr. O'Hair.

Myanmar's biggest area need is in maternal infant care. So GE's hand-held ultra sound and baby warmer are items of interest.