Three weeks ago President Barack Obama visited Santiago. The experience was fascinating and exciting. Preparations for a Presidential visit begin several months in advance and involve hundreds of people. Among these preparations: negotiating activities and venues between White House staff, security personnel and the host government; managing diplomatically sensitive invitation lists; preparing hotels to securely host hundreds of White House staffers and VIPs; working with the Chilean military to manage the multiple aircraft that travel as part of the “package” for a President of the United States (POTUS) and First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) visit; contracting with and security screening of dozens of additional drivers needed to support a visit; and extensive (and I mean extensive) review and planning for all aspects of security for every activity at every venue.
Medically speaking, I played a host function for the White House Medical Unit. This team of 20 military doctors, nurses and paramedics serve the needs of the First Family and the 1200-strong White House staff in Washington. Additionally, they provide medical emergency planning at every venue the President visits and direct care for the First Family and staff that are traveling. Several medical professionals accompany every trip. One of the physicians visited Santiago three weeks prior to the visit to accompany me on visits to Santiago’s top hospitals. Four days prior to the visit, another physician and nurse from the White House Medical Unit arrived and stayed through the visit. Intensive planning took place at chosen hospitals and with the metropolitan emergency response directorate. Accompanying them on these visits demonstrated that no details are left to chance in medical planning. I was also able to expand my own knowledge of the depth of medical services in Santiago and develop additional valuable contacts.
After months of planning by so many people, the visit was executed with precision and panache. President Obama is widely admired in Chile and his major speech on new directions in Latin American policy and cooperation was well received. The pomp of official receptions, military honor guards, and a State banquet met the high standards for protocol and diplomatic success. As always, First Lady Michelle Obama was admired and appreciated by all. She made special visits of her own to a cultural museum and to a local high school (to highlight education reforms and advancement). Malia and Sasha even made this trip, along with the First Lady’s mother – enjoying Spring Break with “Dad and Mom”.
The hectic schedule included an opportunity for Embassy employees and family members to meet President Obama. After arriving to the host hotel’s ballroom 2 hours ahead of the scheduled appearance, we all went through security screening. I say “we” with a smile -- since our son, Mark, and daughter, Mary, were also visiting that week on Mary’s college Spring Break. They were permitted in the Meet and Greet event. The President appeared on schedule, offered words of thanks and praise for the successful visit and the ongoing work of the diplomatic corps, and offered handshakes to many of us, including four members of the Morris family!
I’m happy to report that no medical emergencies occurred during the official visit. Nonetheless, the entire experience will not be forgotten.
