Inauguration of the Medical Skills Training Center – A Milestone in Health Sciences Education at Van Lang University

This morning, October 19, 2024, Van Lang University officially inaugurated its Medical Skills Training Center (MSC), marking a significant advancement in fostering a comprehensive and modern educational environment for students.

Ms. Bui Thi Van Anh, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees - Van Lang University, stated: “With a vision to elevate the health sciences training to be on par with renowned institutions in the region, Van Lang University will continue to invest in health sciences education through modern, substantial methods aligned with global standards, aiming ultimately to achieve international accreditation for the university's medical competence.”

After over a year of meticulous preparation, guided by domestic and international experts, MSc., Specialist Level II Doctor. Le Trung Nghia, Director of the Medical Skills Training Center, and his team successfully established the MSC. The center comprises six OSCE rooms, an OSCE observation room, two skills training rooms, an ICU room, and a simulated patient training room. It is equipped with more than 370 models across 112 types, organized into eight main specialty groups (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Intensive Care, Nursing, Sub-specialties, and Miscellaneous Models) along with internationally standardized medical equipment. This setup enables students to practice on comprehensive simulation models replicating real physiological and pathological functions before addressing clinical scenarios, minimizing errors during learning and practice.

Upon completing foundational courses, second-year students in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Technology will begin Medical Skills training at the MSC, practicing essential skills in simulated clinical situations, examination techniques, procedures, and laboratory techniques. 

Fifth- and sixth-year students, as well as resident doctors, will engage in clinical scenario training using hybrid models such as Code Blue ADULT and Hal. These models respond directly, displaying vital signs and assessment results as students conduct examinations, administer medication, or perform chest compressions, replicating realistic patient interactions.

Recognizing the advantages of these models, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, President of Van Lang University, suggested that the center collaborate with the Faculty of Psychology to design courses that teach students emotional management, communication, and patient interaction.

MSc., Specialist Level II Doctor Le Trung Nghia, Director of the Medical Skills Training Center, shared: “MSC follows the guiding principle of Van Lang University, which is to spread education to the community and uphold human rights in medical practice. All students and lecturers from the Health Sciences division come to study, work, and train at the center. This allows us to realize our vision of uniting the Health Sciences division and contributing as a collective to the role of medical schools currently existing in Vietnam.”

Aligned with this mission, the MSC implements the Formative OSCE, which is considered the gold standard in medical education assessment. Van Lang University students will participate in standardized OSCE exams held in the skills lab system to continually enhance their skills and ensure high-quality training for future medical professionals.

Accompanying as an advisor and contributing to the establishment of the Van Lang Medical Skills Training Center, Dr. Pie Bartholomeus (Maastricht University, Netherlands) proudly shared his thoughts: “The Medical Skills Training Center is like a spiritual child of the entire team of experts after many years of research and preparation. This is a beautiful beginning for countless efforts. Compared to medical schools worldwide, Van Lang University can feel proud to have established this center.”

The establishment of the Medical Skills Training Center is a testament to Van Lang University’s commitment to comprehensive sustainable development. The university continuously innovates to provide a high-quality and advanced educational environment, creating conditions for students to develop both knowledge and skills; thereby training talents that positively impact the community.

Once again, congratulations to the faculty and students of the health sciences division at Van Lang University on this significant milestone!

News: Ngoc Khanh
Photos: Thinh Tran & Trung Quan