Establishment of the Office of Postgraduate Training by the School of Medicine - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

2023-06-08 09:21:00

1. Introduction

Over the past few decades, postgraduate training in Vietnam has experienced significant growth, thanks to the collective efforts of universities and research institutes. This expansion has enabled the training of residents, specialists, as well as individuals pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. This development has become an essential and inevitable aspect, as it plays a pivotal role in cultivating high-quality human resources for the country. It effectively addresses the demands of socio-economic progress, scientific and technological advancements, and fosters scientific research programmes, including key industries, to keep pace with regional and global advancements.

School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), was established on 23rd June, 2009, as per Decree No. 700/QD-DHQG-TCCB issued by the VNU-HCM Chancellor. Its mission is to educate healthcare professionals at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, while also engaging in scientific research and the application of research outcomes in medical training, examination, and treatment. The aim is to meet the healthcare needs of the Southern region specifically, and the entire country as a whole, ensuring the well-being and protection of its citizens.

In order to facilitate the advancement and expansion of highly qualified and specialised medical training programmes, as well as to actively respond to societal demands for continuous education and training, the establishment of the Office of Postgraduate Training (School of Medicine, VNUHCM) was formalised through Decree No. 333/QD-KY on 23rd November, 2021, issued by the Dean of the School of Medicine. This significant development serves as a fundamental pillar for the future growth and progress of the University of Health Sciences.

2. Functions and Responsibilities

2.1. Functions   

2.1.1 Current Period:

The Office of Postgraduate Training is entrusted with the responsibility of providing guidance and advice to the Dean in the organisation and implementation of the establishment, programme development, and administration of postgraduate training programmes. This includes master’s degree programmes, continuous training initiatives, and programmes tailored to meet societal needs. These activities are carried out in strict compliance with the prevailing legal provisions, including the Education Law, Higher Education Law, and relevant regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Health.

2.1.2 Future Perspective:

In the upcoming period, the Office of Postgraduate Training will be in charge of advising the Dean in the planning and execution of the establishment, programme development, and management of postgraduate training programmes. This expanded scope encompasses Doctoral, Master’s, Specialist Training, and Residency programmes, continuous training initiatives, and programmes designed to cater to societal demands. All activities will be conducted in accordance with the existing legal provisions, including the Education Law, Law on Higher Education, and the prevailing regulations issued by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Health.

2.2 Responsibilities

– Conduct research to identify and outline the future development directions for the School of Medicine, and University of Health Sciences, particularly in terms of postgraduate training objectives, scale, and training methods;

– Provide guidance, deployment, and coordination to departments to develop training programmes for new postgraduate majors;

– Establish a system for receiving and evaluating applications for opening majors in the postgraduate level. Provide guidance and support throughout the implementation process of major opening projects for Doctoral, Master’s, and Specialist Training programmes, specifically for faculty members and resident doctors;

– Receive proposals for the establishment of continuous training classes. Guide the Faculty/Department in developing programmes and necessary documentation in accordance with current regulations. Organise the evaluation process for continuous training programmes and associated documents;

– Manage and operate postgraduate training programmes in accordance with the general regulations outlined by the Ministry of Education and Training. Ensure alignment with the overall objectives of VNU-HCM within the framework of the training project;

  • Collaborate with the Faculty/Department to establish semester-based timetables for Doctoral, Master’s, Specialist Training, and Residency programmes. Additionally, develop a schedule for continuous training based on proposals from the respective department.
  • Oversee and manage the teaching and learning process of postgraduate training programmes, ensuring effective delivery and adherence to established guidelines and curriculum.
  • Coordinate with the Center for Testing and Quality Assurance to organize and administer centralized tests, exams, and assessments for postgraduate students:
  • Maintain and manage students’ records and learning outcomes, ensuring accurate documentation of their academic progress and achievements.

– Undertake the responsibility of enrolling postgraduate students and managing the enrollment process for short-term continuous training programmes.

– Identify areas that require adjustments and additions in the Academic Regulations and Teaching Regulations, making proposals to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of these guidelines.

– Collect, compile, process, and securely store academic information, ensuring its accessibility and confidentiality as required.

– Collaborate with departments and divisions to evaluate and award scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

– Coordinate with the Office of Facilities Management to effectively manage the utilisation of classrooms, providing suitable teaching and learning environments, as well as fulfilling other related needs.

– Maintain and manage original records and student lists, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of academic records.

– Take charge of organizing briefings and meetings of the Science and Training Council, facilitating discussions and decision-making related to academic matters.

– Collaborate with departments and the Office of Student Affairs in the selection process of students for studying abroad. Coordinate with subject departments, the Office of Research & Development and External & Public Relations, and the Office of Student Affairs to facilitate the receipt and distribution of scholarships to students.

– Organise the defense of theses and dissertations for postgraduate students, overseeing the process and ensuring its excellent execution.

– Chair and coordinate with relevant units to organise significant events such as graduation ceremonies and conferences to inaugurate the new academic year, providing necessary logistical support and coordination.

– Manage student records, perform statistical analysis, and synthesise data related to postgraduate training, ensuring the availability of accurate and up-to-date information.

– Adhere to the regulations governing the storage and retention of records associated with postgraduate training, maintaining proper documentation practices.

– Undertake any additional tasks assigned by the Dean of the School of Medicine, contributing to the overall functioning and development of postgraduate training programmes.

3. Personnel

  • Assoc. Prof, PhD. DDS. Pham Anh Vu Thuy – Head of the Office
  • MA. Nguyen Thi Suong – Specialist
  • Mr. Nguyen Phi Hao – Specialist
  • Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Tien – Specialist
  • Mr. Nguyen Nhat Hoa – Specialist
  • Mr. Dang Quoc Tue – Specialist

4. Contact

Phone: (84.28) 710.21212

Address: Room 110, Y.A1 Administration Building, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, VNU, Dong Hoa Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province.

Email: saudaihoc@medvnu.edu.vn

Work schedule: Morning 7:45 – 11:45, Afternoon 13:00 – 16:00 (Monday to Friday)