The first “brick” co-created by UPenn and VinUni

Each lecture is a collaborative creation of both U Penn and VinUni.

- It's been five years since VinUni officially partnered with the "giant" UPenn . Looking back on those early days, how did UPenn and VinUni develop the nursing program together, Doctor?

It must be said that UPenn provided us with very comprehensive support, from establishing standards and admission procedures to recommending strategies for faculty development and faculty selection criteria. In addition, UPenn collaborated with VinUni to define learning outcomes, develop the curriculum framework, and create detailed teaching and learning materials. VinUni and UPenn aimed for a program that met US standards in terms of content, teaching methods, accreditation, and professional certification. The biggest challenge we faced was how to reconcile the differences in nursing training environments between the two countries.

The American Bachelor of Nursing program has been in operation since 1923. In contrast, Vietnam only established a formal university-level nursing program in 1996. The American nursing program has very high graduation requirements and stringent training regulations.

To overcome this, we chose a greater challenge: Both sides would "tailor" the program to suit the realities of Vietnam. We formed a program development team where each module was developed by at least two lecturers, one from UPenn and one from VinUni. This was a fascinating experience. Imagine a lecturer from a newly established university debating with a professor from the world's number one nursing school on equal footing, both in terms of expertise and pedagogical methods – it wouldn't be easy without genuine respect and a willingness to learn from each other. Yet we did it! Since then, every lecture at VinUni has been the product of the interaction and consensus of both UPenn and VinUni.

- What did you learn from UPenn?

I am fortunate to have been directly mentored and guided by Professor Julie Sochalski, former National Chief Nurse of the United States and Vice Dean for Training at UPenn School of Nursing, for the past five years. Beyond just a teacher-student relationship, we are also colleagues and close friends.

Julie has excellent strategic systems thinking and a strong evidence-based approach to training. Her advice and questions always make me think differently. For example, when discussing nursing policy, I asked what causes Vietnam's current nursing shortage. She didn't ask that question. Instead, she gave me two figures about the nursing shortage 20 years ago and the current shortage, along with the question: What has caused this nursing shortage for the past 20 years, and why haven't we been able to solve this problem?

The biggest lesson I learned from my mentor is that it's not the answers, but the excellent questions that make the excellent person. Asking many questions and asking different questions is a very effective way to learn.

VinUni students possess good knowledge and attitudes towards the profession.

- According to the Doctor, what difference has the involvement of a team from a leading university in nursing education made to VinUni's nursing training program?

The support has brought about a holistic transformation. UPenn's impact is indirect; they helped us build a good program, provide appropriate guidance, and train faculty capable of fully understanding and mastering the UPenn program. UPenn faculty didn't just come to teach VinUni students for a few sessions and then leave. They helped VinUni build a solid foundation for VinUni to continue pursuing its dream.

With its unique curriculum, VinUni's nursing graduates possess strong clinical practice skills, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. 100% of our students participated in research, published papers, and presented at professional conferences during their studies. We also offer more opportunities for students in the future through minors in business administration and engineering . With similar content and adherence to US nursing training standards, VinUni graduates can take the US licensing exam if they wish. With their current capabilities, I believe VinUni students are well-equipped to succeed in licensing exams not only in the US but also in many other developed countries.

- All achievements must be measured by the quality of the students. If you were to summarize VinUni students in three words, what would those words be?

If we use the word "talent," I think it's simply an admissions criterion. I always tell my students: "From today, when you walk through the gates of VinUni, forget about the word 'talent.' Now you are potentialists. You must study, train, and certainly, no training is without pain." I see that my students have done exactly that. They have demonstrated intelligence, courage, and the willingness to face difficult challenges to excel in their studies and speak up for nursing. I believe that courage stems from a desire to contribute to society and to humanity.

- What are your personal expectations for these promising students and for the nursing profession in the future?

I received my undergraduate training in Vietnam before pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. I used to feel very insecure when interacting with colleagues from other countries because I came from a region considered "underdeveloped" in nursing education. But then I proved myself to them and realized that Vietnamese intelligence is in no way inferior to that of our peers. What we need is personal ambition and the necessary external conditions to develop that intelligence.

I believe my students have all the necessary conditions to thrive at VinUni. My colleagues and I have been and will continue to do our best to train truly exceptional nurses—those who are competent and know how to create change for themselves and for society.

In the near future, we aim to make the nursing program at VinUni a top-rated program, recognized not only in Vietnam but also regionally and globally. Helping students improve and changing societal perceptions of the importance of this profession is no easy task. But that is the mission and the reason why VinUni and UPenn are striving every day.

Thank you, Doctor!

Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is ranked 15th in the world according to the 2020 QS World University Rankings, 15th in Medicine, and 1st in Nursing. According to the 2020 US News rankings, the UPenn Health System is among the top 10 hospitals in the United States, and UPenn's School of Medicine is ranked 3rd for research.

UPenn collaborates with VinUni University and the Vinmec Hospital system to develop curricula and training programs for doctors, residents, and nurses that meet the highest international standards. UPenn is also working with Vinmec to develop and train faculty, improve the quality of healthcare services, expand specific services, and build a world-class health science education model at VinUni University.

DANG LINH

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