Continue collaborating with Bond University to expand the clinical internship network.

On August 24, Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) held a working session with a delegation from Bond University (Australia), marking the beginning of a survey and working visit from August 24–26 at PCTU.
 

The Bond University delegation included:

• Dr. Rhea Liang – Head of the Survey Team, Director of the MD Program, Bond University;

• Dr. Belinda Lowe – Associate Professor, Co-Lead of Women's Health, Director of the Simulation Centre;

• A/Prof. Cindy Jones – Co-Head of the Bachelor of Medical Science Program, International Partnerships Lead;

• A/Prof. Mina Bakhit – Associate Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher in Evidence-Based Medicine.

This visit by the Bond University delegation was part of quality assurance and curriculum review activities, as well as an assessment of the potential development of clinical placement programs at PCTU in Women's Health (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Children's Health (Pediatrics), and Surgery as Core Clinical Placements from 2027.

On the first day of the visit, the delegation toured and explored professional activities at the Departments of Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics of Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital. The delegation also held direct discussions with PCTU's Clinical teams to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical training and practice environment for medical students.

During the session with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical team, discussions focused on the operational model of the specialty, patient volume and case mix, subspecialties, as well as the academic and clinical supervision systems for students. In particular, the Bond University delegation explored opportunities for students to participate in the full clinical practice environment, including antenatal clinics, maternity wards, delivery rooms, gynecology wards, operating theatres, and neonatal care.

The clinical skills and procedures that students may observe or perform under the supervision of clinical educators were also discussed in detail, along with assessment and feedback systems such as Mini-CEX, ITA, Logbook, and direct feedback from Clinical Instructors (CIs).

During the session with the Surgical CIs, the delegation focused on the department's structure, types of clinical conditions, case volume, and the organization of clinical placements. One key area of interest was how students are integrated into the patient's care journey, from admission, examination, and treatment to participation in surgery, postoperative follow-up, and discharge.

Opportunities for practicing surgical skills, as well as student supervision, assessment, and feedback methods, were also discussed during the session and direct Q&A.

In addition to the clinical survey activities, the two sides also held a discussion on public health research, opening up opportunities for academic and research collaboration among experts and faculty members from Bond University and PCTU.

During this visit, PCTU also organized an orientation session for six medical students from Bond University. The students will begin a six-week clinical placement program at Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital, rotating through Pediatrics, Surgery, and Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Some highlights: