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| Dr. Nguyen Truong Gia Bao (second from the left) with Resurge experts during a surgery |
Enhancing knowledge, broadening horizons
Dr. Nguyen Truong Gia Bao is one of the key members of the Department of Aesthetic and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery at Hue Dental Hospital. He recently completed a short-term training program at the University of Washington and Stanford University Hospital (USA), focusing on post-cancer breast reconstruction. During a recent humanitarian surgery program organized by Resurge in Hue, he delivered a professional and fluent presentation to international professors. For Dr. Bao, becoming a better version of himself is the result of his overseas study experience.
“One of the advanced techniques I learned is the DIEP flap surgery,” Dr. Bao shared. “This is a breast reconstruction method that uses skin and fat from the abdomen. In addition, there are other microsurgical techniques such as facial reanimation surgery, reconstruction of the lower jaw using a fibula flap, and lymphedema treatment - all are under the guidance of highly experienced leading experts.” Thanks to what he gained, Dr. Bao has changed his approach to surgical cases, including patient preparation protocols before, during, and after surgery. The knowledge he acquired has been applied in practice, helping to improve professional workflows and broaden his perspective in the field of reconstructive surgery.
In the field of Traditional Eastern Medicine, Dr. Vo Dai Quynh from Hue Rehabilitation Hospital is currently pursuing a PhD in Acupuncture at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine under a full scholarship from the Chinese Government (2020-2025). Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he only began in-person studies at the university in October 2022.
The clinical training at the hospital and laboratory research are interwoven, allowing him to gain not only theoretical knowledge but also comprehensive hands-on acupuncture practice. The biggest challenge in clinical training is balancing time between research and traveling 15-20 kilometers to various medical facilities. In the laboratory, professional training sessions and knowledge updates are held regularly. The university places strong emphasis on training students through specialized seminars, with at least one session per week on average, helping PhD candidates improve their research and presentation skills.
For Dr. Nguyen Le Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the City Dermatology Hospital, over four years of specialized research in dermatology and allergies at Juntendo University (Japan) brought him a wealth of valuable knowledge. During his time in the Land of the Cherry Blossom, in addition to English, Dr. Hai also learned Japanese to better communicate with locals. He adhered to a demanding work schedule of over 10 hours a day, often working through Saturdays and sometimes even into Sundays.
“In return for all that hard work, I gained access to many in-depth scientific research methods and techniques from Japan’s advanced medical system. Many of these methods can be applied in Vietnam, such as research on human skin cells, and the use of antimicrobial peptides in topical treatments for conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic skin ulcers, and autoimmune skin diseases..,” Dr. Hai said.
Lifelong learning
The city’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently has three staff members pursuing master’s degrees through government scholarship programs in Hungary and South Korea. On the sidelines of the conversation, the center’s leaders expressed delight, noting that it had been a long time since CDC personnel had gone abroad for study.
Dr. Nguyen Le Tam, Master of Public Health, Specialist Level II, Deputy Director of the city CDC, shared: “In addition to being invited as guest lecturers at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, the returning graduates have also demonstrated their capabilities during project implementation meetings and evaluations with partners. Through their training, they’ve established connections with many international organizations, enhancing foreign cooperation. They’ve also helped modernize planning and program organization processes - especially for events and scientific conferences involving international elements.”
As an experienced practitioner, Dr. Le Thua Trung Hau, from the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Maxillofacial Surgery, affirmed that to become a good physician, learning must be lifelong and continuous. The Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Maxillofacial Surgery is still relatively young, and this field in Hue is developing more slowly compared to other major regions of the country. Therefore, it is essential to train young doctors now to ensure a strong next generation in the next 5–10 years. This is also a necessary step in the department’s strategy to strengthen its capabilities in specialized maxillofacial surgery.
"We encourage our colleagues to participate in humanitarian surgeries across the country. Every year, the department also takes the opportunity to invite experts from the USA, South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Greece, and other countries, who not only provide hands-on training but also help the department stay updated with the latest professional knowledge. Through these connections, young doctors gain opportunities to 'go abroad' to learn new techniques, modern treatment protocols, and enhance their skills. This also helps them build relationships and eventually pursue postgraduate studies abroad in the future," Dr. Hau affirmed.
According to the Department of Health, during the 2020 - 2025 period, the sector has 15 civil servants and public employees participating in training abroad. Among them, 6 are enrolled in postgraduate programs, and 9 are attending short-term training courses. “In the context of globalization, we hope that young doctors will be more confident in challenging themselves in top-tier educational environments in Asia and the world, so that they can return and serve their homeland, contributing to the development of local healthcare,” said Dr. Thanh Hai, the first dermatology specialist PhD in Hue.