INTRODUCTION OF THE FACULTY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

2023-02-01 14:00:52

For the purpose of training, qualified healthcare professionals who will promote the prestige of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine and have the capacity to integrate internationally, conduct research, and integrate Traditional Medicine into the healthcare sector, the School of Medicine – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City has initiated a 6-year training programme for Traditional Medicine beginning in 2022.

The Traditional Medicine programme at the School of Medicine – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Provide students with a strong foundation in basic sciences and comprehensive knowledge of basic medicine, basic skills of preventive medicine, clinical medicine, and rehabilitation medicine towards personalised medicine and community healthcare.
2. Equip students with the necessary skills to work professionally in a wide range of fields related to Traditional Medicine.
3. Foster scientific research capabilities among students and encourage their creative capacity. The programme is designed to instill a vision for lifelong learning and self-study, enabling students to inherit and promote the rich heritage of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine.
4. Teach students to effectively integrate Traditional Medicine with Western Medicine and apply the strengths of the system through interdisciplinary and inter-specialty coordination.
5. Promote the cultivation of essential qualities and skills among students, such as medical ethics, effective communication, teamwork, mutual support, foreign language proficiency, and the ability to integrate well in diverse settings.

PERSONNEL

DEPARTMENT OF BASICS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

The Department of Basics of Traditional Medicine is a section that provides fundamental knowledge to students majoring in Traditional Medicine and other medical students. The department aims to convey crucial theories such as Yin-Yang theory, Five phase theory, Unity of Heaven and Humanity theory, Visceral manifestation theory, Meridian and collateral theory, as well as theory of causes of disease and principles of diagnosis and treatment according to Traditional Medicine. In addition, the department also offers a background in Yijing (the Books of Changes), which has become the philosophy of Traditional Medicine. This background allows students to have a deeper understanding of the origins and theories of Traditional Medicine. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the essential content of Traditional Medical classics. With a group of experienced, enthusiastic, dedicated, and career-loving lecturers, the department aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge to prepare them for absorbing professional content in Traditional Medicine.

DEPARTMENT OF ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an essential part of non-drug treatments in Traditional Medicine, based on the effects of acupuncture points on the human body combined with basic and advanced acupuncture techniques, which are increasingly improved and modernised. The Acupuncture department is a specialised training department in acupuncture for students of the School of Medicine, with the goal of imparting knowledge, fostering skills, conducting research, preserving traditional acupuncture techniques, and developing new techniques. With a team of lecturers who are committed to teaching and continuously enhancing their expertise, the Acupuncture department aims to coordinate well and effectively with other departments and contribute to the effective training of human resources in the field of Traditional Medicine.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PATHOLOGY

The Department of Traditional Medical Pathology is one of five departments of the Traditional Medicine Faculty of the School of Medicine – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The Head of the Department of Traditional Medical Pathology is Assoc. Prof. PhD. MD. Nguyen Thi Bay.

The primary objective of the department is to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in pathology and treatment according to Traditional Medicine theories and to equip students with the ability to diagnose and treat diseases by combining Traditional Medicine with Western medicine. The teaching staff of the Traditional Medical Pathology Department is dedicated to creating the best possible learning environment for students with the ability to diagnose and treat diseases by combining Traditional Medicine with Western Medicine.

The teaching staff of Traditional Medical Pathology Department is dedicated to creating the best possible learning environment for students with:

• Scientifically designed curriculum: The department ensures that the curriculum is structured in a scientific manner, adhering to established standards while also incorporating innovative elements.
• Engaging teaching methods: The knowledge content is presented in a vivid manner during teaching sessions. To enhance understanding and engagement, the teaching staff utilises various interactive methods such as discussions, problem-based learning (PBL), case-based learning (CBL), and clinical practice. These methods allow students to delve into complex medical issues and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Emphasis on scientific research: Students are encouraged to conduct and participate in research projects focused on Traditional Medicine.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADITIONAL PHARMACY

Knowledge of pharmacology is indeed crucial for Traditional Medicine doctors as it is fundamental knowledge to treatment. Therefore, Traditional Pharmacology is an integral part of the programme for Traditional Medicine doctors. The Traditional Pharmacy department, equipped with a team of qualified teachers, ensures that the curriculum content is standardised and regularly updated.

The department also strives to create an optimal learning environment for students, allowing them to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By providing practical training, students gain the ability to identify medicinal herbs based on their morphology, plant classification, scientific names, qi and flavor, meridian entry, effects, uses, and interactions. They also become proficient in various methods of handling, processing, extracting, and assaying medicinal herbs, etc., ensuring they can apply their knowledge effectively during medical examinations and treatments.

Moreover, students are provided with opportunities to conduct pharmacological tests both in vitro and in vivo models. This allows them to better understand the mechanisms and observe the direct effects of medicinal herbs. These practical exercises further enhance their understanding of the therapeutic properties of herbs and their applications in Traditional Medicine.

The department also encourages and supports students in participating in scientific research, enabling them to develop their skills and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Traditional Medicine.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CULTIVATION REHABILATION

The Department of Health Cultivation and Rehabilitation is a field in comprehensive healthcare: Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps to minimise the decline in body function. It also plays a role in preventing diseases.

The Department of Health Cultivation and Rehabilitation provides students with the principles of health cultivation and rehabilitation. It combines the theories of Traditional Medicine with the knowledge of Western Medicine, based on the principles of restoring balance and adaptability for the body. This enables individuals to cope with changes in their bodies and environments.

The department considers the principles of health cultivation and rehabilitation in a comprehensive view: physical health, mental health, social relationships, and relationships with the environment. It emphasises health cultivation and rehabilitation in primary care.

The Department of Health Cultivation and Rehabilitation focuses on training students in practical skills and soft skills to help students confidently apply combined Traditional Medicine with Western medicine in health prevention and recovery: 

• Exercise using life cultivation techniques like breathing exercises, movement exercises, and relaxation methods to train the mind
• Acupressure massage and Gua Sha
• Macrobiotic diet
• Physical therapy

The goal is to train traditional medicine doctors who can meet the requirements of working at all healthcare levels, from basic healthcare to general and specialised hospitals in traditional medicine.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Y.A1 Administrative Building, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, VNUHCM Urban Area, Dong Hoa Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province