OMI Vietnam International Medical training seminar 2023: Sharing knowledge for better community health

Accessing modern medical technology is simple for many patients, while it is luxurious to countless others. Currently, the world’s development is not evenly distributed, causing variations in living conditions and access to healthcare across countries. With the shared desire to contribute to community health, Open Medical Institute (OMI) and VinUniversity have collaborated with OMI Austria, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Weill Cornell Medicine – USA to organize a medical training conference.

Let’s Come Together for Better Public Health

VinUni and OMI have established a strategic partnership aimed at providing high-quality medical training and resources for Vietnam and other developing countries. This collaboration provides opportunities for the OMI team to gain knowledge and experience in each country and territory that the program visits.

In July 2023, VinUniversity collaborated with the Open Medical Institute (OMI) of Austria, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Weill Cornell Medical College – USA to organize two International Medical Training Workshops on “Pediatric Emergency” and “Anesthesia, Resuscitation, and Pneumonia” in Vietnam. The seminars provide a valuable opportunity for approximately 60 students, including doctors from South Asia, Southeast Asia (Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal), and various provinces of Vietnam (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh, …) to learn, exchange knowledge, and network with each other.

VinUni and OMI have established a strategic partnership aimed at providing high-quality medical training and resources for Vietnam and other developing countries

With the two seminars focusing on different topics, students will have access to up-to-date lectures, presentations, and discussions on real cases. They will also have the opportunity to practice on simulation models and standard patients to strengthen their advanced diagnostic skills, interventional treatment procedures, and case management skills. This is an excellent opportunity for doctors and nurses to learn, update their medical knowledge, exchange experiences, and improve their professional skills with leading experts from around the world. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Training Completion and a Certificate of Continuing Medical Education (CME) from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Dr. Le Mai Lan, the Chairwoman of VinUniversity, shared that she met Professor Wolfgang Aulitzky about a year ago. During their meeting, the professor introduced the idea of OMI, which greatly interested Dr. Mai Lan. She immediately realized that VinUniversity and OMI could support and cooperate with each other. This unique idea is important because many patients require the support of doctors.

Dr. Mai Lan stated, “While many places have good doctors, there is still a serious lack of medical support in other areas. Billions of people live on this Earth, but living conditions vary greatly. We are all human and have the same rights. It would be great if everyone could contribute together. Highly qualified doctors can support young doctors, or institutions without enough resources can receive support from universities or research institutes like VinUni.”

Dr. Mai Lan also emphasized the importance of pediatrics, especially in Southeast Asia with developing countries. With a declining birth rate, ensuring food and providing a healthy and happy environment for children is critical. This will give them a bright future, as they are the future of the country.

“We’re eager to learn from you as well!”

Sharing about OMI’s journey, Professor Wolfgang Aulitzky, Director of OMI, emphasized that the OMI team not only brings knowledge to students, but also wants to learn from doctors in Vietnam and other countries where they have organized courses. He encouraged the participants to interact and exchange knowledge with each other, rather than simply being learners.

Professor Wolfgang Aulitzky, Director of OMI

Professor BS James M. Callahan, Program Director and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), University of Pennsylvania, and Medical Director of CHOP’s Global Pediatric Education Program, agrees. Having traveled to many countries to teach, he believes that his experience shows that we are all working towards a common goal – improving the health of children around the world and learning from each other. Whether in Vietnam, Austria or Mexico, our approach is very similar: We strive to learn as much as possible in order to deliver high-quality healthcare to children and families.

“Our true motivation is to learn from each other and build connections. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, diseases like dengue are appearing in places where they never have before. By learning from our fellows, we can gain valuable insights into these diseases. Opportunities like this are rare, so it’s essential to take advantage of doctors’ scientific and clinical knowledge who frequently come into contact with dengue patients. Our primary objective is to share knowledge and learn from each other, creating mutual value for both sides,” Dr. Callahan emphasized

Professor BS James M. Callahan, Program Director and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), University of Pennsylvania, and Medical Director of CHOP’s Global Pediatric Education Program

OMI’s most ambitious mission to date is to share knowledge, build connections, and establish an advisory body that other countries and health systems can rely on for support and knowledge-sharing. As pediatricians, their goal is to improve children’s health, while OMI aims to enhance the health of the global population.

“This is just a small but critical step towards exploring new territories, meeting great colleagues, and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Dr. Callahan.