Nam Can Tho University (DNC) held a ceremony to honor Vietnamese doctors who have been accepted into U.S. medical residency programs. The event aimed not only to recognize the achievements of these outstanding doctors but also to inspire other Vietnamese doctors and medical students who aspire to pursue advanced medical training in the United States.
In addition, through this program, Nam Can Tho University hopes to: promote the university’s image to the international community; strengthen collaboration between U.S. resident doctors and both Nam Can Tho University and Nam Can Tho University Medical Center; enhance partnerships with international organizations for future activities at the Faculty of Medicine, Nam Can Tho University and Nam Can Tho University Medical Center.
The event took place on May 6, 2024, at the Hall in Zone D, with the attendance of distinguished guests including: representatives from the Can Tho City Department of Health; Vietnamese doctors who successfully passed the U.S. medical residency entrance exams and their families; lecturers, doctors, and students from Nam Can Tho University and Nam Can Tho University Medical Center; and media and press agencies who came to cover the event.
The ceremony honoring Vietnamese doctors accepted into U.S. medical residency programs at Nam Can Tho University (Photo: DNC Studio)
At the ceremony, Nam Can Tho University recognized and awarded 18 outstanding Vietnamese doctors who successfully passed the U.S. medical residency entrance examinations.
In Vietnam, becoming a medical resident is a dream shared by many medical students. The medical residency program is a highly valuable opportunity for those who wish to advance academically and professionally in the medical field. This program typically lasts from 2 to 4 years. After completing a 6-year undergraduate medical program, students may choose to pursue further training through the residency program, provided that they meet the following conditions: they must be under 27 years of age, have no disciplinary records, and must have been enrolled in a full-time formal medical program. Each medical graduate in Vietnam is allowed to take the medical residency entrance exam only once in their lifetime, highlighting the extreme competitiveness and significance of the exam.
In contrast, in the United States, becoming a medical resident requires completion of a training program that lasts from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty. For Vietnamese doctors, entering a U.S. medical residency program is especially challenging, as they must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) — a rigorous and demanding process that evaluates their medical knowledge, clinical skills, and readiness to practice medicine in the U.S. healthcare system.
In recent years, many young Vietnamese doctors have received dedicated guidance and mentorship from Associate Professor Doctor Phillip Tran, who has helped them navigate their studies in international medical environments. With a deep commitment to supporting the future of Vietnamese medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phillip Tran has played a pivotal role in mentoring these doctors to compete successfully in the U.S. medical residency application process. Thanks to his support, the success rate among Vietnamese doctors under his guidance has consistently reached an impressive 70%–90% over the years.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phillip Tran (full name: Tran Van Phuc) is affiliated with the International Medical and Cardiovascular Center at Midwestern University (USA). He currently serves as: Chairman of the Academic Board at Dignity Health YRMC, Chief Mentor for the Partnership for Higher Education Reform (PHER), Vice Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board at Nam Can Tho University Medical Center, and Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the University Council at Nam Can Tho University and Nam Can Tho University Medical Center.
Vietnamese doctors receiving recognition for successfully passing U.S. medical residency entrance exams (Photo: DNC Studio)
