CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY WELCOMED AND HELD WORKING SESSION WITH EXPERTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

The meeting was convened on the occasion of the visit to Viet Nam by Professor Meg Jardine, Director of the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney, Australia, and International Principal Investigator of the ANTIC Study. ANTIC is a nutritional intervention trial involving patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) through the University of Sydney and currently being implemented jointly by the Sydney Vietnam Institute and Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital.

The visiting delegation comprised Professor Meg Jardine, Director of the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney, and Ms. Pham Ngoc Yen, MSc, Director of the Clinical Trials Unit at the Sydney Vietnam Institute.

Representing Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy were Assoc. Prof. Vo Pham Minh Thu, MD, PhD, Vice Director of CTUMP Hospital, who chaired the working session; Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van, PhD, Head of the Department of Science and Technology; Tran Thai Thanh Tam, MD, PhD, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hong Ha, MD, PhD, Deputy Head of the Department of Postgraduate Training; Dr. Tran Quang Khai, MD, PhD, Deputy Head of the Department of Undergraduate Training; Dr. Tran Nguyen Trong Phu, MD, PhD, International Relations Assistant, Faculty of Medicine; and Mr. Le Thanh Vinh Tuyen, MSc, CTUMP Office.

Overview of the working session with experts from the University of Sydney and

the Sydney Vietnam Institute

During the working session, the two sides discussed potential areas of collaboration in education, scientific research, and clinical trials. The University of Sydney presented the capabilities of its NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre and its extensive experience in conducting diverse types of research, particularly randomized clinical trials in oncology, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, pulmonary disease, infectious diseases, and neonatology.

Professor Meg Jardine and Ms Pham Ngoc Yen, MSc, discussed directions for research and clinical trial collaboration with CTUMP

In the areas of research and clinical trials, the University of Sydney shared information on ongoing research in Australia and Viet Nam concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a particular focus on evaluating the roles of nutrition and the gut microbiome in inflammation and health outcomes through randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy expressed its interest in establishing long-term research collaboration and progressively participating in the University of Sydney’s clinical trial projects to strengthen research capacity among faculty members, postgraduate trainees, and students. The two sides also discussed opportunities to identify funding sources and advance research activities in the Mekong Delta region.

With regard to capacity-building, the two sides discussed the possibility of organizing short-term training courses, delivered either in person or online, on clinical trial design and methodology, innovative trial models, research ethics, data confidentiality, and international regulatory requirements.

 

 

 

                                   

Assoc. Prof. Vo Pham Minh Thu, MD, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van, PhD, present commemorative gifts to the visiting experts

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy proposed developing collaborative programs that would enable CTUMP students to undertake short-term study, clinical placements, or research activities at the University of Sydney, while also welcoming The University of Sydney students to Can Tho for clinical practice and opportunities to learn about Viet Nam’s healthcare system. Students could participate in appropriate research activities, including data collection and processing and work within research teams. The University of Sydney also shared its experience in organizing short-term placements in Viet Nam.

At the postgraduate level, CTUMP proposed inviting The University of Sydney professors to serve as co-supervisors for doctoral candidates. The University of Sydney considered this a promising area of collaboration, subject to appropriate matching among supervisors, doctoral candidates, and research topics; kidney disease and pulmonary disease were identified as areas of mutual interest.

In addition, CTUMP shared its strategic directions for research and innovation in connection with the development of its facilities and hospital in Hau Giang (now part of Can Tho City), with particular emphasis on geriatrics and tropical diseases. CTUMP also proposed that the University of Sydney support the internationalization of the University’s scientific journal through advisory activities, experience sharing, and initiatives to enhance the quality of journal management, editing, and publication.

On behalf of the participating CTUMP units, Assoc. Prof. Vo Pham Minh Thu, MD, PhD, affirmed the shared commitment to continue discussions and progressively translate the proposed areas of collaboration into concrete activities, with priorities including research and clinical trials; capacity-building; student exchange and placements; co-supervision of doctoral candidates; research on geriatrics and tropical diseases; and support for the development and internationalization of the University’s scientific journal. The two sides will maintain regular communication, designate focal points, develop specific proposals, and seek appropriate funding opportunities to establish collaborative programs and projects in the coming period.

Following the working session, the delegation visited Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and discussed the implementation of the ANTIC Study at the institution.

Representatives of the participating units took a commemorative photo with experts from the University of Sydney and the Sydney Vietnam Institute

 

The working session took place in a cordial and open atmosphere and opened up a range of promising opportunities for substantive collaboration between the two institutions. Through these efforts, both sides aim to strengthen research capacity, advance international integration, and promote medical research that contributes to healthcare for communities in the Mekong Delta region.

External Relations Section – CTUMP Office