Quang Tri hosts 1st international conference on medical and pharmaceutical education

Quang Tri Medical College on September 27 hosted the 1st International Scientific Conference “Enhancing the Quality of Medical and Pharmaceutical Education in ASEAN Colleges and Universities” with the participation of researchers, lecturers, and experts from medical and pharmaceutical institutions across Vietnam, ASEAN countries, South Korea, and the United States.

Participates in the international conference opened in Quang Tri on September 27. Photo: N.T.H

In his opening remarks, Dr. Truong Duc Tu, Principal of Quang Tri Medical College, highlighted that this was the college’s first international scientific conference on medical and pharmaceutical education in Southeast Asia.

The event serves as a key platform for exchanging, sharing, and updating research on emerging trends and effective practices in medical and pharmaceutical education, he emphasized.

Given the rapid evolution of the medical and pharmaceutical sector, enhancing the quality of education has become a top priority for related institutions, participants said.

They argued that new challenges in healthcare, technological advancements, and changing community needs demand continuous updates and improvements in curricula and teaching methods to elevate health science education.

Therefore, the conference provided an opportunity to discuss solutions, propose models, and recommend more effective training methods.

It featured presentations from leading experts, researchers, and lecturers from Vietnam and abroad, who shared insights, new discoveries, and practical experiences. They also participated in Q&A sessions on various topics, including an overview of current nursing education; and international cooperation to improve the quality of future nursing programs.

The event also presented community-based teaching and learning management at Savannakhet Provincial College of Health Sciences in Laos and the satisfaction, confidence, and experiences with simulation practice at Duy Tan University.

It included the development of the SPS prioritization model for nursing students focused on family and community nursing; transforming nursing education in the post-COVID-19 in the US; evidence-based nursing practices and the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies.

During the event, discussions also focused on the development of training platforms for community nursing practice and nursing students’ perceptions of clinical simulation teaching at Dai Viet Saigon College in 2023.

These valuable insights will help colleges and universities innovate and improve the quality of medical education in the years ahead.

Dr. Truong Duc Tu, Principal of Quang Tri Medical College, speaks at the event. Photo: N.T.H

Vietnam’s medical landscape

Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Phuong, Head of International Training at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, provided an overview of the current state of nursing education in Vietnam. She noted that the country has 0.8 doctors and 1.1 nurses per 1,000 people, figures far below the standards set by the World Health Organization and other nations. It remains challenging to achieve Vietnam’s target of 25 nurses per 10,000 people remains.

However, this situation presents opportunities for employment and education in health sciences, particularly in nursing. Vietnam currently has around 133,000 nurses, with 40% holding bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees, 30% holding college degrees, and 30% with intermediate qualifications. The nursing sector’s priority is to enhance language training and adaptability to future medical advancements and international integration.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s focus in medical and pharmaceutical education will be on reforming nursing curricula to be more competency-based. The country is also organizing assessments of nursing practice competence through the National Medical Council to issue professional licenses, aiming for regional and global integration.

In addition, promoting joint training programs and academic exchanges with countries that have advanced healthcare systems will help improve the skills and status of Vietnamese nurses. International cooperation will be key to elevating nursing education quality.

The conference offers a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and information. It also promotes the sharing of knowledge and advancements in various scientific fields and creates opportunities for future research and educational cooperation.

Thanh Hai – Linh Pham