Training healthcare workers for provinces in neighboring Laos.

Son La Medical College is not only a training institution for medical personnel in the Northwest region of Vietnam, but also trains medical personnel for provinces in neighboring Laos. From this college, thousands of Lao students, after graduation, have returned to their homeland to work, becoming a core force in the local health sector, contributing to improving the quality of healthcare for the people and fostering the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

A class for Lao students on Obstetrics and Pediatrics at Son La Medical College.

Currently, the school has 256 Lao students studying in the following majors: Pharmacy, Nursing, General Practitioner, and Midwifery. Given the nature of the medical field, which demands a high level of practical training, the school focuses on innovating its training methods by linking theory with practice. The specialized classrooms and practice rooms are fully equipped with anatomical models, instruments, and necessary medical equipment, creating an environment where Lao students can access a learning experience closely aligned with real-world professional practices. The application of information technology in teaching also makes lectures more visual and engaging.

According to Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy Ha, the school's principal, the school always focuses on improving the quality of practical teaching through cooperation with the Provincial General Hospital in training, scientific research, and healthcare for the people. Through clinical practice, Lao students are exposed to real-life situations, gradually improving their skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and work ethics in a medical environment.

In addition to focusing on their specialized fields, the teaching staff also dedicates significant time to supporting Lao students in overcoming language barriers and learning difficulties. Many lecturers employ group learning methods, with Vietnamese students assisting Lao students in their studies and practical sessions. Lecturer Nguyen Phuong Anh, from the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, shared: "To help Lao students understand and grasp the knowledge thoroughly, I guide them step-by-step using a 'hands-on' approach, and I also apply a one-on-one group method (one Vietnamese student with one Lao student); if a student has language limitations, an interpreter joins the group."

A class session for Lao students at Son La Medical College.

Hơ Sẻng Đươn, from Phiêng district, Xay Nhạ Bu Ly province, a student in Pharmacy class K12B, shared: "I came to study in Vietnam in 2023. I chose medicine because I want to be able to take care of the health of people in my homeland in the future. Initially, I faced many difficulties due to language differences and medical terminology. But thanks to the guidance of my teachers and the help of Vietnamese students, I gradually became more confident in my studies. I have only about a month left until graduation and I plan to continue my studies at a university in Vietnam."

For over 50 years, Son La Medical College has trained more than 1,200 medical staff for provinces in neighboring Laos. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, 40 Lao students graduated, most achieving good or excellent academic results. Many former students are currently working in medical facilities in Laos, effectively applying the expertise they acquired in Vietnam.

Besides training, the school also cares for the well-being of international students. Student management is strictly enforced; all support policies and regulations are fully implemented. The school regularly organizes cultural, artistic, and sports activities on occasions such as Lao National Day and Bun Pi May (Lao New Year), contributing to a close and connected learning environment for students from both countries.

Lao students at Son La Medical College are learning Vietnamese.

Em Lo Păn Nha Chức, from Udomxay province, Pharmacy class K14, said: "This is my first year studying at the school, and I always receive the care of the teachers and the solidarity of my fellow students. On occasions like Lao National Day or the traditional Bun Pi May New Year, the school always organizes meaningful activities for Lao students, which makes me very happy and motivates me to study harder."

With innovative training methods and a friendly learning environment, Son La Medical College is continuing to affirm its role as a reputable institution in training medical personnel for Laos, contributing to fostering the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos in general, and between Son La province and the provinces of Laos in particular.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/doi-ngoai/dao-tao-can-bo-y-te-cho-cac-tinh-nuoc-ban-lao-g7F0z1JDR.html