Delegation fromTho University of Medicine and Pharmacy visited Maastricht University in the Netherlands

Following a week of work in Belgium, the delegation from Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP), including leaders from the Faculties of Medicine, Public Health, Nursing and Medical Technology, Medical Education and Skills training Center, and the University Library, continued their scheduled visit to Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands. The working program focused on key units such as the School of Health Professions Education (SHE), the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN), and the UM Library.

Presentation of souvenirs during visits to partner departments and institutions

Introduction to Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM) is one of the leading universities in the Netherlands, renowned for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, which emphasizes practical application and the development of critical thinking skills. UM offers an international learning environment, with over 50% of its students coming from diverse countries. The university is also a top research hub, particularly in the fields of health sciences, medical education, and neuroscience.

Discussion topics and outcomes

Building upon the topics discussed during previous online meetings, the delegation held in-person working sessions with experts and leaders from the School of Health Professions Education (SHE) and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University. Key areas of focus included: student exchange programs, curriculum development and teaching innovation, faculty development, library management and development, as well as the organization and operation of the SkillsLab for clinical skills training.

Agreement on the working schedule and a brief introduction to CTUMP

Based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two institutions, the meeting facilitated the alignment of several collaborative directions for the near future:

• Student exchange program: The two sides agreed to accept students from the Faculty of Health Sciences - Medicine and the Faculty of Life Sciences at Maastricht University for internships at CTUMP starting from 2025 and in the years to come. Additionally, students from CTUMP will have the opportunity to participate in summer courses at Maastricht University.
• Curriculum development and teaching innovation at CTUMP: Maastricht University's SHE department will assist CTUMP in managing and evaluating integrated training programs, based on a proposal that CTUMP will develop. Furthermore, CTUMP will gain insights from the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method employed at Maastricht University, a leading approach known for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world scenarios
• Faculty development: The delegation gained valuable experience in building and organizing faculty development programs. SHE will support experts in organizing online Training of Trainer (ToT) sessions to help develop and improve faculty training programs at CTUMP.
• Library development and management: The delegation visited student service areas and exchanged experiences on organizing information resources and operating a modern library, especially the library's involvement in curriculum development and teaching planning.
• SkillsLab organization and operation for medical training: The delegation learned how to organize and operate a SkillsLab at Maastricht University, including how to design simulation classrooms and manage such training facilities.

          This business trip not only strengthened the partnership between CTUMP and UM but also opened up many new opportunities in the fields of education and medical research, aiming to enhance the quality of training and international integration.

Some pictures of the discussions and visits of the delegation