The Faculty of Medicine integrates education on sustainable development into its training progam

Introduction to the Potential of the Faculty of Medicine, Nam Can Tho University

The Faculty of Medicine at Nam Can Tho University is not only a center for high-quality medical education and research in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta, but also a pioneer in integrating sustainable development elements into its curriculum. The Faculty recognizes its role in training future doctors who are not only skilled in their profession but also deeply conscious and responsible towards the environment and the community, thereby contributing positively to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s healthcare sector.

Integrating Sustainable Development into the Curriculum
The Faculty of Medicine was established and developed with the mission of training students in health sciences based on the standard medical education criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. With a curriculum designed according to modern standards, the Faculty has focused on incorporating sustainable development elements into each course, especially those related to public health and the environment.
The course “Health and Environment” is a prime example, where students are equipped with knowledge about the relationship between human health and the living environment. In this course, students not only learn about legal regulations regarding the classification and disposal of medical waste but also understand the importance of applying environmental protection measures in their medical practice. Proper disposal of waste, especially medical waste, is critically important and necessary for protecting the environment and ensuring community safety in the current context.

Community Practice: Bridging Theory and Practice

In addition to theoretical courses, the Faculty of Medicine places a strong emphasis on practical courses, such as community practice courses. These courses provide opportunities for students to be placed in health stations in communes and wards for internships and to support community healthcare efforts. Here, they not only hone their clinical skills but also participate in healthcare activities for local residents, especially those in difficult circumstances.

Students participating in community practice programs have the opportunity to study and work directly with doctors, assisting in the distribution of medications and providing consultations to patients. Additionally, they engage in community awareness-raising activities on health and environmental issues, such as promoting personal hygiene, disease prevention, and environmental protection. These practical experiences help students reinforce their knowledge and develop communication skills, empathy, and social responsibility.A Bridge Between Training and the Practical Needs of the Local Communit

A Bridge Between Training and the Practical Needs of the Local Community

Due to the specific nature of its training programs, the Faculty of Medicine also serves as a bridge and collaborates directly with healthcare facilities not only in Can Tho City but also in the provinces of the Mekong Delta. The Faculty has been closely cooperating with hospitals, health stations, and preventive medicine centers in these localities to organize training and develop healthcare human resources. These collaborations not only provide students with more practical environments but also contribute positively to improving the quality of healthcare services in localities, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the regional healthcare sector.

Long-term Sustainable Development Strategy

Understanding the importance of sustainable development, the Faculty of Medicine has implemented long-term strategies to integrate sustainability into all aspects of its training and research activities. The expansion of infrastructure with projects to build the DNC Health Sciences Research and Training Institute, along with the phase 2 expansion of Nam Can Tho University Hospital, provides modern facilities, specialized research, and pre-clinical rooms, not only meeting infrastructure needs but also aiming to create a green, sustainable learning and working environment.

Moreover, the Faculty of Medicine is actively seeking and developing international cooperation projects in various fields of medicine, creating opportunities for students and faculty to participate in research programs and health education in advanced countries. These are important steps to enhance awareness and the ability to apply sustainable solutions in healthcare, equipping students with the competence to face future global challenges in health and the environment.

International Integration and Contribution to Global Health

The Faculty of Medicine at Nam Can Tho University has established an extensive network with universities, research institutes, and international health organizations, contributing to the sustainable development of global health. Through this network, the Faculty of Medicine not only implements numerous research collaboration programs, academic exchanges, and training initiatives but also actively promotes sustainable development initiatives in the field of healthcare. Faculty and students have opportunities to participate in scientific research projects, international conferences, and workshops, thereby gaining experience and enhancing their expertise in health sciences. At the same time, the expansion of student exchange programs allows both Vietnamese and international students to study and exchange experiences in a multicultural environment, where they not only advance their knowledge but also develop soft skills and global thinking. This integration enables students to contribute positively to sustainable health solutions and address global challenges related to health and the environment.

Conclusion

By integrating sustainable development elements into its curriculum, the Faculty of Medicine at Nam Can Tho University is not only training doctors with solid professional skills but also instilling in them a sense of responsibility towards the community and the environment. This is a crucial foundation that helps graduates contribute positively to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s and the world’s healthcare sectors. The Faculty of Medicine is gradually affirming its position as a modern, advanced, and sustainable medical training institution, meeting the increasingly high demands of the healthcare sector in the new era.