[Q&A] Residency Program, VinUniversity

In April, more than 130 students (mostly Y6) from Vietnam’s leading medical universities participated in the GME Open House held by the Graduate Medical Education (GME) department, College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity. The series of events took place at two main locations: Vinmec Times City International Hospital (Hanoi) and Vinmec Central Park International Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City).

At the event, the students had the opportunity to discuss with and learn from  Dr. Maurizio Trevisan (MD) – Dean of College of Health Sciences, Dr. Phung Nam Lam (MD, PhD) – Deputy CEO of Medical Affairs, Vinmec Healthcare System cum Vice Dean of College of Health Sciences, Dr. Paul Lu (MD, MSEd) – Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Elijah Riddle (MD) – Program  Director, General Surgery Program, together with Vinmec International Hospital’s leaders, professors and faculty of the College of Health Sciences. Especially, the prospective students were guided on hospital tours by the first-year VinUniversity residents and Vinmec doctors. Vinmec Times City International Hospital is also the main training site for the residents in our program.

Speaking of the Residency Program at VinUniversity, Dr. Paul Lu – Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program, indicated: “At VinUniversity, the Residency Program is created based on international standards, co-designed and validated by the University of Pennsylvania (ranked 16th globally according to Quacquarelli Symonds 2021 and home to the oldest and most prestigious medical school in the United States). Our goal is to train physician leaders whom do not only possess superior medical knowledge and clinical skills but also express empathy and compassion to their patients. They are also researchers who constantly strive to innovate and look for new ways of treatment to improve the quality of the health system”.

At the GME Open House event, the candidates posed many questions to the professors, faculty and the Admission Specialists. We would like to summarize some of the frequent inquiries so that those who have not had the opportunity to join our Open House can have a better understanding of the Residency Program at VinUniversity.

Q: What will be the admission process for VinUniversity Residency Program?

A: After the application deadline, the Admission Committee will comprehensively evaluate the applicants’ overall profile. The most outstanding candidates will be invited to take the IFOM® CSE (International Foundations of Medicine – Clinical Science Examination). The Admission Committee will carefully consider each candidate’s IFOM exam result and overall profile to selectively invite for an interview.

Q: What is IFOM® CSE?

A: The Multiple-choice examination IFOM® CSE (Internaltional Foundations of Medicine – Clinical Science Examination) is organized by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), United States to assess students’ medical knowledge and understanding of clinical science based on international standards. IFOM® is recognized globally and has been used in many countries since 2007. By signing agreements with NBME and choosing IFOM® as the examination for the selection of resident doctors, VinUniversity has shown its commitment to become a world-class university.

Q: What are the tuition fees and scholarships of the Residency Program?

A: The Residency Program at VinUniversity provides a 100% tuition scholarship for the entire period of study and monthly allowance.

Q: Undertaking the Residency Program at VinUniversity, which hospital will be my main training site?

A: During the course of study in the Residency Program at VinUniversity, doctors will train mainly at JCI-accredited Vinmec International Hospital. JCI accreditation is the world’s most prestigious accreditation standard for healthcare quality and clinical quality improvement . In addition, doctors will also spend their resident hours at VinUniversity’s partner hospitals such as 108 Military Central Hospital, National Hospital of Pediatrics, etc.., to familiarize themselves with a variety of patients as well as diverse pathologies and backgrounds.

Q: What are the job opportunities after graduating from the program?

A: 18 months since the beginning of studying and training at VinUniversity’s partner hospitals, doctors will be provided with a certificate of practice time at the hospital to apply for Professional Practitioner Certificate as per Vietnam’s regulations. VinUniversity guarantees that upon successful completion of the Residency Program, graduated doctors will be offered employment at JCI-accredited Vinmec International Hospital. In addition, for doctors who wish to pursue their medical career path in the US, the Residency Program at VinUniversity which is co-designed by the University of Pennsylvania based on international standards will prepare them with the required knowledge and skills for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).