THE HỌC MÃI FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

WHO WE AREHọc Mãi, the Australia Viêt Nam Medical Foundation, is a non-profit organisation which was established in 2001 to improve medical education in Viêt Nam. It is a foundation of the University of Sydney that brings together the collective health care knowledge and experience of Australia and Viêt Nam in an educational partnership. The Học Mãi Foundation has a distinguished Patron, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, AC. CVO. Governor of New South Wales.

OUR MISSIONWe aim to foster healthcare education to improve health outcomes for the 85 million people living in Viêt Nam by:

• Supporting a bilateral exchange of students and health professionals between Australia and Viêt Nam

• Assisting to develop an understanding of the methods of teaching doctors and nurses in Viêt Nam by ‘Train the Trainer’ programs and the SCORPIO technique

• Facilitating the development of knowledge of the Viêt Namese doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to improve health care delivery to their people

• Developing a strong network of Australian medical, nursing, technical and allied health staff who will provide on-going assistance and training of Viêt Namese colleagues

• Providing practical assistance with preventive, diagnostic and management problems in hospitals in Viêt Nam

• Increasing medical research skills in Viêt Nam with the aim of using research to improve care

WHAT WE DOWe facilitate:

• Education and ‘Train-the-Trainer’ programs in Viêt Namese hospitals and univer-sities

• Delegations travelling to Viêt Nam to teach clinical skills and knowledge within various specialities in a number of hospitals in Viêt Nam

• Young health professionals from Viêt Nam to come to Australia for advanced training

• Medical, nursing, and allied health students from Universities of Sydney, Mel-bourne and Tasmania to undertake clinical placements in Viêt Nam

• Viêt Namese medical students to broaden their hospital experience in Australia

• Students in the Masters of International Public Health from the University of Sydney to undertake their praxis in Viêt Nam

• Support for medical research and training

HOW WE WORKHọc Mãi relies on the goodwill of Australian health care professionals to host and train their Viêt Namese colleagues. We act as facilitators for Viêt Namese and Aus-tralian medical personnel to gain experience and understanding of issues in the developing world. We rely on grants and donations to support our program.

HỌC MÃI FOUNDATION PHILOSOPHY

1ANNUAL REPORT 2011

CHAIR’S REPORT FOR 2011

One of the great pleasures of being involved in Học Mãi, is seeing the person-al growth and satisfaction of both the Việt Namese and Australians who be-come involved. In 2011, several of our projects have expanded and involved new people in both countries all of whom are committed to the expansion of health education and health care in Việt Nam.

The teams working in maternal and child health have made additional visits; training health workers in basic neonatal resuscitation, maternal and child care. The radiotherapy team has trained more young radiologists and radiographers, the nurses have expanded and helped implement their nursing and midwifery curricula, the Tweed Heads-Da Nang partnership has blossomed, and the team teaching medical English and advanced medical skills has grown and engaged many new faces. An Academy is being developed to train a group of future lead-ers in medicine in Việt Nam and we are trying to help our colleagues develop a culture which sees the value of health research as a driver of high quality health care. All of the individuals, too numerous to name, have embraced their projects and gained from the contributions they have made.

Our core activity remains the exchange of young health professionals. This year, again with the support of AusAID, we have provided placements for 30 young Viêt Namese health professionals and 29 Australian students in medicine, den-tistry, nursing, physiotherapy and public health to experience health care delivery in Việt Nam. Uniformly, they describe the experience as ‘life-altering’ and hope-fully what they have learned will influence their future practice, wherever in the world that may be.

A significant project this year has been the evaluation of the last 10 years of the Học Mãi programs. This is inspirational reading and will be published on our web-site in 2012. It chronicles and critically appraises our efforts, of which, as Austral-ians and Việt Namese, we can be very proud. It is our good fortune that we have had the opportunity to be able to make contributions to the lives of others which have been so fulfilling in themselves.

Finally, I want to thank our Board for their guidance and support, our financial supporters for their confidence, the numerous Australian and Việt Namese clini-cians and scientists who have hosted colleagues, and Rhondda Glasson our Ex-ecutive Officer and her family and friends for their commitment to the cause. Our Việt Namese colleagues, lead by Professor Dang Van Duong have again provided cheerful and outstanding support to all of our teams and students. Without the ‘Học Mãi family’ none of this would be possible.

Chuc Muc Nam Moi!

PROFESSOR BRUCE ROBINSON ChairHọc Mãi FoundationDean, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of Sydney

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

The Học Mãi Foundation continues to grow and develop through the commit-ment of many people. There are a number of projects, programs and scholarship opportunities within the Foundation and most of them will be outlined in this annual report. All of this work could not be done without the generosity of our donors, the support and goodwill of our Việt Namese and Australian Colleagues or the organisations that they work in.

The Australian student scholarship program remains popular. In 2011, Học Mãi funded and facilitated the opportunity for 29 stu-dents in order for them to experience health care delivery in Viêt Nam. The Việt Namese medical students’ clinical placements in Australia were increased again this year with the participation of students from University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, HCMC and Hà Nội Medical University. We would like to thank the Northern Clinical School and the Dental School at Westmead for continuing to sup-port this scholarship program.

A number of the students from the 2010 cohort held a very successful fund raising ‘cake stall’ in November – raising a substantial financial contribution towards a scholarship for one of their peers. Well done and many thanks!

July to October was a very enjoyable time for Học Mãi; 25 (plus 3) Việt Namese Health pro-fessionals came to study in Australia with the 5th Học Mãi AusAID ALA Fellowship opportu-

nity. This program continues to be very suc-cessful and is a much sort-after scholarship in Viêt Nam. Our sincere thanks to the many supervisors and tutors who participated in this program continuing to make it the suc-cess it is. It is wonderful to work closely with many Việt Namese Health Professionals who, on return home, offer support, guidance and practical knowledge to me; without them, Học Mãi would not be as successful.

Thanks also go to our colleagues and friends who gave their time to come to Viêt Nam in November to interview many health professionals for this potential educational opportunity in 2012.

In collaboration with University of Medicine and Pharmacy HCMC, we held our third symposium ‘Học Mãi - Improving health care through research’ on Monday 28 November, 2011. As part of the ‘Building Research Capac-ity’ project, Học Mãi again awarded 4 seed funding grants to Việt Namese researchers in the early stages of their careers to conduct projects with guidance from Australian mentors. The projects previously funded in 2010/11 were also presented at this confer-ence.

The role of Executive Officer continues to be very satisfying one, made so, by the people I work with. I would like to sincerely thank my Australian and Việt Namese colleagues/Học Mãi Volunteers who make the Foundation what it is.

Rhondda

3

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 2011 RHONDDA GLASSON

One of the main goals of The Học Mãi - Australia Việt Nam Medical Foundation is to train potential health leaders from Viêt Nam in order to improve the health out-comes for the people of Việt Nam. As such, the Học Mãi Foundation has sponsored over 180 young Việt Namese health profession-als for short term training in Australia since 2001. This initiative places young health care workers (doctors, nurses, midwives, scientists and pharmacists) in three month observer training programs with appropriate health care professionals in Australia.

The Học Mãi Foundation was awarded fund-ing through the AusAID Australian Leader-ship Award (ALA) Program – Round 9; again, enabling the Foundation to sponsor twenty five health professionals from Viêt Nam to participate in a three month Fellowship pro-gram in Australia. Through the generosity of our loyal supporters/donors, the foundation sponsored three extra health professionals to study and observe in Sydney.

The Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank AusAID for its generous support which allowed us to expand and continue to develop this education experience.

These ALA Fellowships are intended to facilitate opportunities for the Việt Namese doctors, nurses, midwives, scientists and allied health staff to observe aspects of the hospital system in Australia as well as learn new concepts and techniques. The Fellows were selected from an outstanding pool of candidates who were interviewed in November 2010 by a committed group of Học Mãi volunteers. Each candidate was chosen because of their leadership po-tential and all are expected to impart their new-found knowledge to colleagues and students back in Viêt Nam.

The successful candidates were received from our partner organizations in Viêt Nam:

DANANG• DaNang City Hospital

HCMC • Tu Du Hospital• Cho Ray Hospital• Hung Vuong Hospital• Children’s Hospital 2• University of Medicine and Pharmacy • Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine• Hoan My International Clinic

Hà Nội • Military Central Hospital 108• Hà Nội Medical University• Hà Nội University of Pharmacy• Bach Mai Hospital• National ENT Hospital• National Hospital for Tropical Diseases• Institute of Ophthalmology• Viet Duc Hospital• National Hospital for Pediatrics• National Cancer Hospital• Telecommunication Hospital

This program would not be possible without the support of the hospitals and university departments who welcome our colleagues from Viêt Nam. Initially, the program com-menced at Royal North Shore Hospital but rapidly expanded to include other major teaching hospitals and organizations including:

• Royal Prince Alfred Hospital• Westmead Hospital - Adults• Concord Hospital• The Children’s Hospital at Westmead • University of Sydney • Tweed Heads Hospital• Sydney Dental Hospital• Sydney Eye Hospital• Royal Hobart Hospital

During their time in Australia, the Fellows were linked with specialist medical, nursing, scientific or allied health teams who pro-vided them with observational and practical training at the bedside, in the clinic or labo-ratory, or in the operating theatre (see table).

Emphasis was placed on teaching techniques and approaches to patient care which they are able to use on return to Viêt Nam. Each Fellow also designed a project that would implement a change within their clinical workplace on return to Viêt Nam.

The Fellows participated in a two day per week education program at the Northern Clinical School and we would like to sin-cerely thank all the Northern Clinical School Staff for the assistance given to the Fellows and the Học Mãi Foundation. The aim of the education program was to focus on topic areas that would be of interest to all of the Fellows despite their varying backgrounds and expose them to different and modern adult learning techniques. The Education program committee who were responsible for reviewing and updating the curriculum were: Professor Jonathan Morris, Profes-sor Stuart Dunn, Dr Kirsty Foster, Dr Paul Hienrich, Ms Gillian Nisbet and Rhondda Glasson. This education program was a great success and made so by the coordination skills of Ms Gillian Nesbit and the assistance and expertise of the many tutors: Dr Mark Ruff, Dr Dindy Benn, Mr Ray Araullo, Dr Kirsty Foster, Dr Paul Hienrich, Ms Sandie Bredemeyer, Professor Lyn March, Professor David Osborne, Dr Jann Foster, Dr Adrienne Gordon, Dr Catherine Hawke, Dr Natasha Nassar, A/Professor Christine Roberts, Dr Amina Khambalia, Dr Jonathan Page, Ms Elizabeth Piggott, Ms Lorraine Evison, Ms Julia Philips, Ms Bonnie Cheng, Ms Michelle Harrison, Professor Merrilyn Walton, A/Professor Christine Jorm, Ms Caroline Mul-lins, Mr David Boyd, Ms Rebecca Scott, Ms Sue Wulf, Ms Stephanie O’Regan, Professor Carole Foot, Dr George Kotsiou, Dr Bernie Hudson, Ms Julie Hunt, Mr Trevor Skelly, A/Professor Tim Shaw, Ms Meredith Verge and Ms Kara Smallhorn.

Overall, the Fellowship Program was posi-tively received by everyone involved and the evaluation process has been valuable in assessing what worked well and what can be improved in the future.

The Học Mãi Foundation is extremely grate-ful to the many people for devoting their time and effort and assisting the Fellows during their stay in 2011.

RHONDDA GLASSON

2011 HỌC MÃI VIỆT NAMESE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (AUSAID ALA – ROUND 9)

HỌC MÃI AUSAID FELLOWS FOR 2011

NAME PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

CLINICAL SPECIALTY

AUSTRALIAN CLINICAL PLACEMENT

SUPERVISOR

Dr Do Van Chien Military Central Hospital 108 Cardiology Concord Prof Leonard Kritharides

Dr Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen

Bach Mai and HMU Rehabilitation RNSH Prof David Bowers and Dr Charles Brooker

Dr Nguyen Thi Long Giang

Children's Hospital 2 Paediatrics - Emergency Children's Hospital Westmead

Dr Jason Hort

Dr Nguyen Huu Thuy Vy Children's Hospital 2 Paediatrics - Repiratory Children's Hospital Westmead

Prof P Van Asperen

Dr Phan Quoc Huy Cho Ray Hospital Cardiology Tweed Heads Dr Ian McPhee

Dr Ta Binh Minh Cho Ray Hospital Endocrinology RPAH Prof Marc McGill and Prof Steve Twigg

Dr Nguyen Ngoc Thang DaNang City Hospital Gastrointestinal Surgery Tweed Heads Dr Ian McPhee

Ms Le Thi Anh Dao Hà Nội Medical University Obstetrics-Gynaecology RNSH and RPAH Prof Jonathan Morris, Dr Jane Hirst, Dr John Hyett and Dr Sean Seeho

Dr Pham Thi Ngoc Bich Hà Nội Medical University Family Medicine USYD Prof Simon Willcock

Mr Nguyen Manh Tuyen Hà Nội University of Pharmacy

Traditional Medicine USYD Prof Kelvin Chan and Ms Valentina Naumovski

Ms Nguyen Vu Xuan Huy Hoan My International Clinic Dentistry Sydney Dental Hospital, Children's Hospital Westmead

Dr Neeta Prabhu, Dr Naveen Loganathan, Dr Richard Widmer, Dr Soni Stephens and Mr Torren Carter

Dr Phan Thi Hang Hung Vuong Hospital Obstetrics-Gynaecology USYD and RPAH Prof Peter McMinn and Dr John Hyett

Dr Trinh Tuyet Anh Hung Vuong Hospital Obstetrics-Gynaecology RNSH Prof Jonathan Morris, Dr Jane Hirst, Dr John Hyett and Dr Sean Seeho

Dr Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhuong

Hung Vuong Hospital Obstetrics-Gynaecology RNSH Prof Jonathan Morris, Dr Jane Hirst, Dr John Hyett and Dr Sean Seeho

Dr Nguyen Xuan Quang National ENT Hospital ENT Surgery Westmead Prof Melville da Cruz

Ms Ly Thi Thanh Ha National Hospital of Paediatrics

Genetics - lab RPAH Prof Ron Trent

Dr Le Thi Kim Ngoc National Hospital of Paediatrics

Radiology Children's Hospital Westmead

Dr E Onikul

Dr Bui  Song  Huong National Hospital of Paediatrics

Respiratory Medicine Children's Hospital Westmead

Dr K Peacock

Dr Van Dinh Trang National Hospital of Tropical Diseases (Bach Mai)

Molecular Technology - lab

Children's Hospital Westmead

Prof Dominic Dwyer

Mr Pham Tien Dung National institute of Dermatology and Venereology

Dermatology RNSH Ms Diane Elfleet, Ms Michelle McLaughin, Ms Janey Prott-Keys

Ms Le Do Minh Thao Tu Du Hospital Genetics - lab RNSH and USYD Dr Dindy Benn and Dr Michael Buckland

Dr Nguyen Tran Quoc Hai

Tu Du Hospital Obstetrics-Gynaecology RNSH Prof Jonathan Morris, Dr Jane Hirst, Dr John Hyett and Dr Sean Seeho

Dr Nguyen Ba Tuan Viet Duc Hospital Anaesthesiology Royal Hobart Hospital Dr Max Shama, Prof Marcus Skinner and Dr Stephen Swallow

Ms Pham Thi Thuy Linh Viêt Nam institute of Ophthalmology

Opthalmology Sydney Hospital Prof John Grigg

Mr Nguyen Thi Thai Hoa Viêt Nam National Cancer Hospital

Oncology RPAH Prof Lisa Horvath and Prof Michael Boyer

HỌC MÃI FUNDED

Dr Nguyen Kim Cuong HMU & National Lung Hospital

Respiratory Medicine RNSH Prof Chris Dennis

Ngo Thuy Duong Telecommunication Hospital Hematology RNSH Dr Anthony Gill

Ms Vu Thi My Trang Tu Du Hospital Midwifery RNSH Ms Cathy Adams

5ANNUAL REPORT 2011

ALA FELLOWS 2011

BUI SONG HUONG My name is Bui Song Huong. I am work-ing in General Medicine Department A at National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hà Nội. I would like to express my deep grati-tude to the Board of Học Mãi Foundation and AusAID who gave us a great chance to visit Sydney.

Australia has highly developed medicine system. I found that if we want to have a dif-ferent level of medicine, we need to change the way to think and to work of the whole medical system in Viêt Nam. It is difficult and we need the time. So now let’s start with each person. I think every Học Mãi Fellow has this in mind to deal with their working medium.

I took in the careful and comprehensive care for each patient in Hunter Baillie Ward at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. I am grateful to Dr Ken Peacock, the Head of Ward, who made me sit up and take notice of problems in asthma management in chil-dren. I try to apply my new learning for my asthma patients to have a better quality of life. I do not think I can finish this job in one day, but I am willing to have a go at it.

Enthusiastic lecturers at Royal North Shore Hospital gave us a flavour to change ambient beside work in hospital and new knowledge about English communication, scientific research and Australia medicine that we could not easily have in Viêt Nam. It helps us understand thoroughly about the research to measure what is effective treatment.

Once more, I would like to thank to all members of Học Mãi Foundation who have created an excellent opportunity as well as good conditions for studying in Australia. This is a memorable event in my life.

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

DO VAN CHIEN I was so happy to know that I have got a scholarship to go to Sydney for three months. I was so nervous because of big plan in front of me. When we arrived at Syd-ney international airport we saw the smiles of people who are waiting for us and the weather was so beautiful, sunny and not so cold. Everything made me more confident and relaxed. Our group was settled on Parramatta Road and the first impression was that we lived in a very comfortable apartment, like a five star hotel. Mrs Barbara warmly welcomed us to her building and took care of us all the time. I was so sur-prised that there were many things for Asian cooking style and I felt at home.

Fortunately, my clinical placement was not so far from my apartment. The first day when I met the staff in Department of Cardiology of Concord Repatriation Gen-

eral Hospital, I understood that I was lucky because they were trying to help me learn as much as possible. I will remember for my whole life the names of kind, hardworking people like Prof Len Kritharides, Prof David Brieger and Dr Richard. They set an example for me as a clinician and researcher.

I think that Thursday and Friday were the most interesting days. We learned commu-nication lessons through singing, watching movies, and playing games. Dr Kirsty Foster and Dr Paul Henrich had created a friendly environment with laughs and smiles all the time. We thought that they are a couple of perfect teachers that we have ever seen.

I want to thank Rhondda and Colin for their hospitality and kindness, and Julian for her enthusiasm in teaching. We will never forget Học Mãi Foundation of the University of Sydney.

NGUYEN THI THANH HUYEN I have had the honor of being a Fellow of Học Mãi - the Australia Viêt Nam Medical Foundation. It was good chance for me to improve my clinical and in-depth rehabilitation knowledge, applying not only to daily patient care but also teaching jobs at the University. At the Spinal Unit and Pain Management Research Institute of Royal North Shore Hospital, I was impressed from the very first day by a comprehensive pa-tient care process and the advanced medi-cal system. I’ve also profoundly recognized the differences of medical care systems, working and research conditions between Viêt Nam and Australia. It has made a significant change in my mind on where we are, how we should do in the coming time to partially help on improving Viêt Nam’s medical care conditions. Three months studying in Australia allowed me to have time to enjoy the totally different working and research environment.

I’ve learnt a lot from Dr Charles Booker, Dr David Bowers and all the workplace staff about patient care attitudes and profes-sional working style.

I sincerely thank Prof Jonathan Morris, Prof David Osborn, Dr Kirsty Foster, Dr Paul Henrich, and Dr Gillian Nisbet who enthu-siastically taught and shared with me the soft skill of scientific research, learning and teaching tools that helps me enormously in my daily jobs. I am deeply thankful to Ms Rhonda Glasson who devoted all her time and energy to guide us before, during and after the course. Finally, we would like to give special thank to Học Mãi Foundation for creating a unique opportunity to financially help hundreds of Viêt Namese and Austral-ian physicians participating in educational and research exchange programs in the last 10 years.

7

SECOND ADVANCED MEDICAL TEACHING COURSE FOR TALENTED GRADUATESHÀ NỘI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, 2010–2011

This course was aimed at a small, select-ed group of highly talented Hà Nội Medi-cal University (HMU) medical graduates. Taught in English, the aim was to provide them with an advanced course to expand their medical horizons and increase their clinical skills. The expected outcome is that the young doctors who complete this Advanced Course will be well-equipped to become academic leaders in Viêt Nam, be able to pass on the skills they have learned to their peers as well as to the students they will be teaching. Participation in this Advanced Course also increases their chance of winning overseas postgraduate scholarships. Pre and post tests after each component of the course have shown a statistically significant increase in knowledge.

Initially developed in consultation with

senior academics at HMU, the first course

ran from September 2010 to July 2011. The

outcome has been that HMU asked for a

similar project to be repeated in 2011-2012.

The Course consists of:

1. An advanced 12-month Medical

curriculum taught at HMU over six

separate weeks.

2. A two week immersion in enhanced

clinical teaching held in Sydney.

The curriculum covers 15 areas which are es-

sential for future healthcare in Viêt Nam and

which are not widely taught at present.

1. Communication skills

2. Effective clinical handover

3. How to assess clinical skills

4. Presenting a history and physical

examination

5. Patient management plans

6. Improving performance through

feedback

7. Ethics and professionalism

8. Developing learning outcomes for

students

9. Evidence Based Medicine

10. Medical errors

11. Child abuse

12. Literature searching

13. Publishing: What editors look for

14. Medical statistics

15. Research methods

16. Presentation skills

Fifty potential participants in the course

were chosen by Professor Hinh, the Rector

of HMU, on the basis of their academic

record and ability to speak English. These 50

were interviewed by Kim Oates, Owen Dent

and Kerry Goulston using a new structured

interview format devised by Owen Dent,

and testing of their ability in and compre-

hension of spoken English. The 31 candi-

dates selected came from a wide range

of specialities and included one medical

student and one nurse. All were considered

to be among the future leaders in Viêt

Namese medicine.

Six times each year, two or three Australia

academic clinicians travelled to HMU to

teach an intensive one-week block in one or

more of the subjects listed above. Clinicians

involved were – Craig Mellis, Ian McPhee,

Kim Oates, Kerry Goulston, Wendy Hu, Owen

Dent, David Isaacs, Charlie McDonald, Chris

Needs and Sriram Mahadev. Presentations

were interactive and included role play with

the course participants. A pre-test/post-test

evaluation is used for all teaching sessions,

including an external evaluation carried

out by the Australian Embassy which was

overwhelmingly positive.

KERRY GOULSTON & KIM OATES

Twice a year, a small group of Australian academics travel at their own expense to Hà Nội to teach Medical English to be-tween 40 or 50 healthcare professionals. The course is held at Bach Mai Hospital each afternoon between Monday and Thursday.

In addition to the Medical English teach-

ing over the week, the teachers conducted

Ward Rounds (in English) in their clinical

disciplines in the mornings. Although the

majority of participants were doctors there

were also nurses, medical administrators

and scientific technicians. A variety of

teaching methods were used and content

included doctor/patient role-playing, case

presentation and discussion, interactive tu-

torials and English pronunciation, grammar

and syntax.

Each teaching session was assessed by both

the students and the teachers for effective-

ness and relevance. The evaluation and

review of the February 2011 visit were so

successful that a second course was held at

Bach Mai Hospital in mid-September.

Those teaching the February course were

Prof. Kerry Goulston (Emeritus Professor of

Medicine), Prof. Owen Dent (Epidemiologist

and Statistician), Prof. Richard Holloway (Di-

rector of Gastroenterology, Royal Adelaide

Hospital), Annie Macdonald (Midwife), Prof.

Phillip Yuile (Radiation Oncologist), and Phil

Readman (Developing Nation Professional).

The group met with Australian Ambassador,

Allaster Cox, at the Australian Embassy Viêt

Nam to discuss further involvement.

Participants in September were Professor

Tony Broe (Geriatrics & Epidemiologist), Mr

Harley Harwood (Community member),

Ms Jenny Bott (Community member), Dr

Robert Read (Gastroenterologist), Professor

Mick Gracey (Pediatrician), Dr Owen Dent

(Epidemiologist), Professor Chris Tennant

(Psychologist) and Professor Kerry Goulston

(Emeritus Professor).

9ANNUAL REPORT 2011

MEDICAL ENGLISH COURSES, HÀ NỘI BACH MAI HOSPITALFEBRUARY 2011 & SEPTEMBER 2011

GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN HUNG VUONG HOSPITAL DR JANE HIRST

With increasing urbanisation, changing diets and increasing affluence, diabetes is emerging as a major problem in Viêt Nam. In pregnancy women can acquire a form of diabetes, termed gestational diabetes, which is well known to have adverse effects on the pregnancy and baby if untreated. Previously little was known about the prevalence and effects of gestational diabetes on mothers and their babies in Viêt Nam and the impact on already very stretched clinical ser-vices had not been studied.

In most women gestational diabetes resolves after pregnancy, however these women remain at greatly increased risk of future development of type 2 diabetes. The babies of women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of obesity and future development of metabolic diseases also. This makes identification of gestational diabetes important also for future preven-tion of disease.

From December 2010 to August 2011 the Gestational Diabetes in Viêt Nam cohort study recruited and followed through pregnancy and birth over 2700 women and their babies. This study is the first in Viêt Nam to examine rate of gestational diabetes and the effects on the women and babies. All women were screened for gestational diabetes around 28 weeks of pregnancy and followed until discharge from the hospital following birth. The three research mid-wives hired from the study budget did an amazing job in following through over 95% of women who consented to take part. As an offshoot from this main study, we also conducted four focus groups of women with gestational diabetes to determine their understanding of the condition and knowl-edge about dietary and lifestyle changes. With the information gained through this process it is hoped that recommendations for screening for gestational diabetes can be made and the information and service provided to women be improved.

The baseline findings were presented in August 2011 at the Ho Chi Minh City

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society Annual Scientific Meeting and the major findings are to be presented at the FAOPS/PSANZ (Federation Asia Oceanic Perinatal Society and Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand) Scientific Meeting in March 2012 in Sydney. This research was supported by the University of Sydney IPDF, Học Mãi Founda-tion and the Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award.

The study team includes: Dr Tran Son Thach, Dr Do Thi My An*, Dr Nguyen Van Truong, Dr Pham Ngoc Doan Trang*, Dr Jane Hirst, Prof Jonathan Morris, Prof Heather Jeffery.

*Past Học Mãi AusAID ALA Fellows.

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 11

DIEN BIEN PROVINCE MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH PROJECT EXPANDSKIRSTY FOSTER JANUARY 2012The Học Mãi maternal and child health project in Dien Bien Province (DBP) is about to move up a gear thanks to an AusAid Public Sector Linkage Program grant of $242,000 over the next two years. Working closely with the Provincial Hospital in DBP and the Provincial Min-istry of Health (MOH) the Học Mãi team has, over the last seven years, contrib-uted to health workforce development in maternal, neonatal and child health in the remote mountainous area five hun-dred kilometres west of Hà Nội. DBP has one of the highest rates of poverty in Viêt Nam and a recent situational analysis by UNICEF identified a need for community and health workforce collaboration to reduce high morbidity and mortality rates in women and children. The Học Mãi team’s initiative aims to foster such collaboration.

In the new initiative Học Mãi will continue the previous work to educate and up-skill health professionals at the provincial hospital and district level. The new funding is to add in a health promotion and health literacy arm to the existing education. This will enable support to be given to the Học Mãi trained doctors nurses and midwives to educate village heath workers traditional birth attendants and the community. Each of six workshops over the next two years will include health professional education, edu-cation about health promotion and plan-ning of educational activity for commune and village level which will be conducted by local staff between visits.

In country partners in the project are the Provincial Hospital in Dien Bien Phu, Hà Nội Medical University and the Viêt Namese Women’s Union. Former Học Mãi Austral-ian leadership award fellows will also be involved as interpreters and co-tutors. The Viêt Namese Women’s Union will facilitate involvement of community leaders, women and families at commune and village level. The formation of a functional network of health professionals and community members working together to ensure that relevant health information is shared and implemented to give all mothers, babies and young children the best chance of healthy, safe survival

At the request of the provincial hospital and the Department of Health the project will focus on Dien Bien District, home to around one hundred thousand people of whom more than sixty percent are from ethnic minority groups. A model developed here, if successful, can be rolled out to the rest of the province later.

Examples of topics to be taught in work-shops to the health professionals are: Mod-els of antenatal care and safe intra-partum care; prevention of infection in mothers and children; and assessment and management of diarrhoeal disease. Corresponding issues to be covered in the second half of the workshop would be how health profession-als can effectively discuss the importance of regular antenatal and postnatal care; providing a clean area for delivery and hand-washing; hygiene in food preparation and toilet habits and oral rehydration in children. In this way health professionals will be equipped to pass on relevant and appropri-ate information to village health workers and community leaders.

Dr Kirsty Foster, Senior Lecturer in Medical Education, with a strong background in primary care and health promotion, coor-dinates the primary care and health literacy component and is overall team leader. Professor Jonathan Morris is the ‘Healthy Mother’ coordinator, Professor Heather Jeffery is the ‘Healthy Baby’ coordinator and Professor Elizabeth Elliott is the ‘Healthy Child’ coordinator. As in Học Mãi’s previous work in Dien Bien Province the education methods will be interactive and practical.

Dr Foster, Professor Morris and Mr Ross Gavin, Treasurer of the Học Mãi Board, visited Dien Bien Phu in November 2011 to meet with the local stakeholders and to establish a local project steering group. As always we were met with great enthusiasm and friendliness. The first workshop will be held in April 2012 and we have already identified the twenty-four clinicians who will take part. The next two years promise to be very exciting for Học Mãi and the women and children of Dien Bien District – watch this space!

During 2011 a number of education and training programmes have been undertaken to improve the delivery of radiotherapy in Viêt Nam.

In October 2010 the Viêt Nam Atomic Energy Institute (VAEI) requested Học Mãi to develop training programmes for Radiation Therapy Technologists (RTTs), Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists (ROMPs) and Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs).

A Scoping Visit to assess the current status of training was undertaken in March 2011 by a Học Mãi team that included Radiation Therapy Technologists, Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists and Nuclear Medicine Technologists. The team visited 9 depart-ments of Radiation Oncology in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Hà Nội over a two-week period. On the final day a Forum with 40 attendees was held in Hà Nội to further discuss the concepts involved in training. A Report with input from the team was later forwarded to the VAEI, although to date no action has been forthcoming - probably as it was suggested that on completion of train-ing the successful trainees would become eligible for registration and undertake CPD.

In November 2011 a Học Mãi team of Radia-tion Therapy Technologists visited Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Hà Nội over a 10-day period for Workshops and in-hospital train-ing. The visit was a huge success as it was the first time that training had emphasised the essential role of Radiation Therapy Technologists in delivery of accurate, safe and effective radiotherapy. As a separate initiative, Học Mãi also funded a visit by two Radiation Therapy Technologists from K Hospital, Hà Nội to Sydney for 6 weeks from early November.

The continuing education of Radiation Ther-apy Technologists has also been enhanced by visits to Viêt Nam by Australian trained Radiation Therapy Technologists arranged through the AusAID AVID Programme (Aus-tralian Volunteers for International Develop-ment) with Học Mãi the APO - Australian Partner Organisation. The Radiation Therapy

Technologists have been (a) Ian Lynch - re-tired RTT from Hobart (12 months in Hà Nội from March 2011), (b) Amie Thompson - RTT from RNSH (3 months in Hue from Septem-ber 2011) and (c) Vu Huynh - RTT from Perth (12 months in HCM City from January 2012).

Prof Philip Yuile (Director at Nepean Hospital Radiation Oncology) has kindly donated an X-ray Simulator (used in planning patients before treatment) to Học Mãi and arrange-ments are in hand for this to be installed at Can Tho Oncology Hospital, Mekong Delta in early 2012.

As the Ministry of Health has announced plans to install an additional 60 linear ac-celerators in Viêt Nam by 2020, the further efforts by Học Mãi to enhance the educa-tion and training of all personnel involved in radiotherapy (including Radiation Oncolo-gists) will be required for several more years.

RADIATION ONCOLOGYGRAEME MORGAN

I went Sydney in summertime; it was so nice like the people who live there.

Even only a 6 week fellowship, but it was an interesting period of time for me. During this time I have learned a lot technique about radiation therapy treatment practice from clinical placements with my supervisor Carol in Campbelltown Hospital and Lyndal in RPAH and all staff there.

It helped me open my mind with huge radiation therapy knowledge, that I’m sure is very useful for me and my hospital K in Hà Nội . Outside hospital, I also spent weekend time to travel and discover many places in Sydney.

Six weeks passed so quickly but leave me unforgettable memory. I remembered the blue sky and lovely waves in Manly beach, Sydney Opera House, the wonderful Harbour Bridge, and the people they are so friendly, and enthusiastic. The most special thing is Australian food; I never forget enjoy-ing a BBQ with lamb steak and prawns!

I would like to thank you Học Mãi Founda-tion for giving me a chance to get some new awareness in Australian health care; and I strongly thank Dr Graeme Morgan.

I also thank to Ms Rhondda Glasson, Mr Jason Dibbs, and every staff in Campbell-town and RPA Hospitals, who helped me in Sydney.

Huy and Khoi, are now back in the workforce here at K1 Hospital, and I am impressed with the Radiation Therapy knowledge they have picked up on dur-ing their 6 week Scholarship in Sydney. It has certainly opened a “new world” for them and they are keen to share their expe-riences with their peers. It has been a very worthwhile venture for the recognition of Radiation Therapy Technologists in Viêt Nam, and the role they play in Cancer Treatment Services.

I wish to thank everyone involved in making this possible.

IAN LYNCH

13

In early September 2011, the Macar-thur Cancer Therapy Centre’s Radiation Therapy team were approached by Học Mãi Australia Viêt Nam Medical Founda-tion to host two Viêt Namese Radiation Therapists, Mr Dao Quoc Huy and Mr Bui Huy Khoi from Viêt Nam, to come and learn more about our department pro-cesses and procedures in radiotherapy.

Huy and Khoi spent three weeks in early November 2011 focussing on all aspects of radiotherapy treatment and planning in order to maximise their learning benefits and implement some of our work practices to provide better care to their patients when they return home to Viêt Nam.

Huy and Khoi had to deal with many cultural and language differences, but were ex-tremely grateful and appreciated their time and the support given at Macarthur Cancer Therapy.

Our Radiation Therapy team were delighted to have participated in their training and are extremely supportive of what Học Mãi has provided in regards to training and provid-ing care in Radiotherapy in Viêt Nam.

CAROL NGUYEN

DAO QUOC HUY AND BUI HUY KHOI

BUI HUY KHOI RADIATION THERAPY TECHNOLOGISTS

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

It has been another busy year for Học Mãi initiatives in Tweed and DaNang. Core activities of the Clinical Services Project have continued to strengthen, at the same time as new areas for collabora-tion in teaching and clinical service pro-vision have been explored with partners from across Australia.

Học Mãi AusAid Fellows, Dr Nguyen Ngoc Thang, GI Surgeon from DaNang, and Dr Phan Quoc Huy, Cardiologist from Ho Chi Minh City, had a busy and productive 10 weeks observing the work of their clinical counterparts at The Tweed and John Flynn Private Hospitals. The generous commit-ment to support for these Fellowship placements from clinicians and Hospital Administration in both centres is gratefully acknowledged. The shared experiences of clinical life in both “public” and “private” medicine add significantly to the Fellows’ overall experience of health care in this vastly different setting. As has been the case in the past however, it is not only the exposure to aspects of medicine that leave lasting impressions. A follow up e-mail from one of this year’s Fellows contained this interesting insight:

“Experience in Australia really makes me change a lot. I feel much easier when facing troubles here. Life becomes much more peaceful, too.”

April 2011 once again saw a “Team” head to DaNang for a week of interaction with clinicians in anaesthesia, orthopaedics and nursing. For the first time the Tweed staff were joined by colleagues from another centre. Dr Michael Hunter, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Anaesthetists, Dr Bernie Kelly and Dr Lan Hoa Le from Gosford Hospital, participated in the week’s teaching, which included an afternoon Seminar in Anaesthe-sia for Anaesthetists, Anaesthesia Techni-cians and trainees from across the city. In another first for the Project, two of the visit-ing party were native Viêt Namese speakers! And what a great reception Lan Hoa, and Anaesthetic Registrar, Dr Phuong Nguyen received from all in DaNang! Once again Học Mãi generously sponsored, in addition to Phuong’s participation, the involvement of Operating Room Nurse, Jayne Rogers in the Team’s activities.

Clinical Teaching and the building of teaching competencies amongst DaNang

clinicians has become the focus of a col-laborative programme supported by Học Mãi and involving partners from across the country. Together with Medical Educa-tor, Jenny Barrett of The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, and respected clinician, academic and educator, the University of Western Australia’s Prof Fiona Lake, initiatives have been established to build Medical English, critical appraisal and clinical teach-ing skills amongst a cohort of DaNang’s young “Clinical Education Leaders”. This Pro-gramme utilises Học Mãi funded web-based resources to conduct regular interactive tutorials and in April 2012 the first on-site, “intensive” seminar series of the Programme will be held, coinciding with the annual visit by Tweed clinicians to DaNang.

With the opening of the new, 600 bed DaNang Women’s and Children’s Hospital in early 2011, new areas for engagement have opened up. Contact established with Assoc. Professor Kathryn Currow of the children’s hospital at Westmead will see a number of Da Nang clinicians commence in the Inter-national Postgraduate Paediatric Certificate in 2012. Links with local “Lions” in Tweed have led to a joint initiative seeking grant funding from the Lions Club International Foundation to purchase essential critical care equipment for the PICU and NICU of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. These moves have been greatly facilitated by the infectious enthusiasm and commitment of DaNang Neonatologist and Deputy Director of Paediatrics, Dr Tran Hoang.

Outside the framework of the DaNang Pro-ject an exciting collaboration between Học Mãi and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists to bring the Es-sential Pain Management Course (EPM) to Viêt Nam has commenced. EPM, an initiative of the College’s Overseas Aid Committee, is de-signed to support the dissemination of core skills in the management of acute pain in developing countries. The first EPM course is planned for April 2012 in Hà Nội.

DaNang continues to grow at a frenetic pace. It is widely recognised as the emerg-ing hub of finance, international relations, cultural exchange, tourism and importantly, tertiary service provision (including Health) for central Viêt Nam. Little doubt, these influ-ences will present even greater opportunity for this Project’s future expansion.

TWEED-DANANG CLINICAL SERVICES PROJECT 2011 REPORT

Since 2008, Học Mãi has been develop-ing a project “Building Research Capac-ity’ in Viêt Nam lead by Professor Bruce Robinson.

In 2009 Drs Dindy Benn and Christine Smyth conducted the needs analyses with our Viêt Namese Colleagues and the results are well documented in the Evaluation of the Học Mãi Foundation report which will be tabled at the 2012 AGM.

At the 2010 conference in Hà Nội , Học Mãi awarded research grants to three health professionals from Hà Nội :

• Dr Le Thi Thu Trang (National Hospital of Paediatric) (Dr Jacquie Roberts) ‘Identification of communication delay in children in community, and support the Ages and Stages Questionnaire’

• Dr Nguyen Van Anh (Hà Nội Medical University) (Professor Elizabeth Elliott) ‘Epidemiological and clinical aspects of Congenital Rubella Syndrome: a pilot study in Viêt Nam’

• Dr Ho Thi Kim Thanh ( Viêt Nam Nation-al Geriatric Hospital) (Dr Aidan McElduff ) ‘Role of Lifestyle intervention program on the elderly diabetic patients’

The researchers have been working closely with their Australian Supervisors and are near the completion of their projects. The research teams presented progress reports on their projects at the Học Mãi Conference in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2011.

At that same conference titled ‘Học Mãi: Improving Health Care through Research’, the foundation again awarded 4 research grants:

• Dr Phan Thi Hang (Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine - Hung Vuong Hospital) ‘Prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infection program in Hung Vuong Hospital’

• Dr Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (HMU/Bach Mai) ‘Pain following spinal cord injury in Viêt Nam: Prevalence and characteristics’

• Dr Ho Nguyen Yen Phi (University of Medicine and Pharmacy HCMC) ‘Viêt Namese versions of depression rat-ing scales: A validation study of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory’

• Dr Nguyen Van Dinh (Bach Mai Hospital) ‘Assessment for Risk Factors Associated with Carbamazepine and Other Drug Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS), and Drug-induced Hypersensitiv-ity Syndrome with Rash, Eosinophils and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)’

From the Học Mãi Focus Groups and from the 2010 Evaluation, it was evident that in order to further develop health and medical research expertise in Viêt Namese clinicians and scientists, there is a strong desire for the development of a curriculum of short courses on research methodology, statistics and scientific writing. It is envisaged that this will lead to an increased knowledge of medical research methodology in a cohort of senior Viêt Namese researchers and will provide a model for research training.

The existing linkages between Viêt Namese universities, Australian universities and Aus-tralian Research Institutes will be strength-ened by continuing to provide research grants to young Viêt Namese postgraduate students, linked with mentoring by Austral-ian university partners.

BUILDING RESEARCH CAPACITY

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 15

AN EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER FORGET - NGUYEN DA THAO UYEN

As a medical student in a developing country like Việt Nam, I have always dreamt of a chance to have clinical practice in a developed country. And my dream came true when I received a strong support from Học Mãi Foundation to have an opportunity studying in Australia. I felt extremely happy and excited about this trip, my first time going abroad and going far away from home alone. Beyond my expecta-tion, four weeks practising in the Emergency Department of Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney is one of the most fantastic expe-riences I have ever had.

My first impression is the way the medical staff communicated with patients. They always smiled and explained everything they do on patients very careful. I saw that doctors and nurses showed their high responsibility, kindness, politeness, sense of humour and patience which could make patients forget about their pain. Beside, the staff were also very friendly and open-heart-ed to me. My supervisor, Dr. John Vassiliadis, made me feel that I was always welcome. On the first day when I felt strange, Fiona, the secretary of Emergency Department introduced me to everybody and then the nurses there showed me how to use the equipment in the ward carefully. Although being very busy, they always answered all my questions enthusiastically and showed me how to take blood, examine patients as well as gave me many chances to practise. I felt very excited when taking blood, reading blood gas, reading ECG, X-ray and discussing clinical cases.

Secondly, I could see how effectively the Emergency system works. Patients were ap-proached the primary care by a professional rescue team before admitted to hospital. And when presented a patient to Emer-gency Department, rescuer told the nurses and doctors about that one’s problems very careful. At each bed in the ward, there was a computer which contained all patients’ details.

I really admire the medical system of Aus-tralia that patients are taken care from birth till the death. Whenever they have health

complaints, they present their general prac-titioner, and then they will have an appoint-ment with a specialist if it’s necessary. All information needed is sent to the specialist with a letter from GP that shortens patient’s problem, to save time so much.

Thirdly, I do not know how to use words to express my happiness living one month as a medical student of Sydney Medical School. I was lucky to have chances to take part in the grand grounds, the meetings, the lec-tures with medical students and registrars, which made me feel that I was really a part of them. Time to relax in the afternoon at Common Room was the time I could meet new friends and had funny chats. I also love the Douglas Piper Library where I borrowed the useful Toronto Clinical Handbook 2011 and was presented old books from Ms Hau Nguyen, the lovely librarian. I also really in-terested in charitable fairs taken place every Thursday in Royal North Shore Hospital, where I both bought some cheap things for me and did charity.

Finally, I never forget the experience walking in busy Central Sydney in cold weather, discovering the buildings, the landscapes of Sydney, such as Sydney Opera House, Har-bour Bridge, the Rocks, and Botanic Gardens. I not only enjoyed every place I visited by my eyes but also by all my heart.

I would like to thank to Professor Bruce Robinson and Professor Jonathan Morris for taking time to talk with elective students; that was such a big encouragement for us. Thanks Ms Rhondda and Ms Kelly for tak-ing care of me while I was in Sydney. That actually warmed my heart in the freezing weather of the place far away from my hometown. In short words, I would like to thank the Học Mãi Foundation for giving me and other Việt Namese medical students a great opportunity to study in Royal North Shore Hospital,, to change my view about behavior in medicine and to make me be-come more confident in speaking English. After four weeks, I have a special love with Sydney and hope that I will have a chance to return to Australia someday.

Thank you again for everything.

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Studying abroad is always my dream and now it comes true.

I worked at Radiation Oncology Department in Royal North Shore Hospital. My supervi-sor was Assoc. Professor Andrew Kneebone. In the morning every day, I often observed my supervisor as well as some registrars checking the new patients and the follow ups. They were so fantastic and encouraged me to participate in examination on both the ward and in clinic. Whenever they had a spare moment they would teach me some aspects of radiotherapy. In lunchtime, there was a review treatment meeting and I could make my own treatment decisions. In the afternoon, I often came to the radiotherapy area to study about the way the therapist cared and treated the patient. Additionally, every week, some registrars often spent their free time talking to me about some common cancers such as: Rectal cancer, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer… the way to diagnose, make treatment decisions as well as manage the side effects of each treatment.

One month was not quite long enough to study deeply about one subject but I felt that I got something essential that would be useful for my job in my future.

Firstly, the way doctors organise their work and manage their time. They have their own detailed timetable for each minute and I

always found that they were punctual at any work. They often start working at 8a.m and finish it at 5p.m. My great admiration was when I observed all medical staffs took part in a conference with food in hand for lunch everyday instead of taking a short rest at noon. Moreover, they have their own page numbers that can be used domestically in hospital for their communication. These are some reasons why I think strongly that they work in very effective and scientific way.

Secondly, the way doctors communicate with patients. They can explain to their patients for hours and answer carefully all questions. They told me that if you treat the patients as if they are your family members, they will believe and respect you absolutely. They also taught me some actions that can comfort the patients and make them feel much more optimistic. For example, open-ing the door and bringing the chair for the patients as well as always greeting them with smiles. These seem to be quite small but I think these are necessary behaviors of any doctor.

Thirdly, this scholarship helped me study more about some rare cancers in my coun-try such as skin cancer, pancreatic cancer and so on... Besides, I also know some mod-ern investigations and advanced treatments that my country may inquire and use in the near future.

Lastly, the most important thing I got is my English skills. Now, I feel easier and more confident when I talk to anyone in English. Especially, my listening skills that always made me feel nervous have improved sig-nificantly. Thanks to Học Mãi Foundation, I had a wonderful opportunity to practice my English and open my mind in a developed country.

Although the time I spent in hospital was a perfect educational experience I believe that the benefit of the Học Mãi foundation also lies in the exchange of culture between Viêt Nam and Australia. I learnt much more about Australian culture and participated in some social activities with my Australian friends, including Australian cuisine, archi-tecture and exploring many beautiful sights. I am really grateful for Australian medical

students who took me to Blue Mountains. The weather was quite cold but the air was so fresh and the scenery was very spectacu-lar. I also came near to three sisters and was so thrilled when I known about its legend. Hopefully, in the future I have an opportuni-ty to introduce information about Viêt Nam.

In conclusion, I am extremely grateful for the scholarship the Học Mãi provided. I hope that I will share with my medical friends about my own experience in Australia and can do something useful for my country in the present and the future. I am also thank-ful to Ms Rhondda, Ms Kelly, my supervisor A/Professor Andrew Kneebone as well as all registrars in Radiation Oncology Depart-ment who gave me great support.

Thank you for everything!

I bel i e v e that the

benef i t . . . l i e s in

the e x change of

cu l tur e be tween

Viêt Nam and

Austral ia .

17

REFLECTIONS - DAO NGUYEN HA LINH

The impression when I first came into Royal North Shore hospital was its highly organized environment, which is contradictory to the hectic atmosphere in almost Việt Namese hospitals. In Việt Nam, all patients are accompanied by relatives who console and help them. Hospitals are always overloaded, a familiar scene in a developing country.

In contrast, here in Australia, I saw almost all patients alone, reading newspaper or taking a walk in a calm manner. I thought they would feel over-anxious and lonely but I was wrong. They are provided all help from the staff including doctors, nurses, social work-ers, allied health care workers, physiothera-pists. Another thing that I have observed is, strict visiting hour allows patients to have proper rest and, on the other hand, helps avoid transmitting infectious diseases. And I was also explained that this was due to the cultural difference, Australian people respect individualism and privacy.

I spent most of my time in Cardiology de-partment where I was explained how they managed cardiovascular patients. Before entering the department, patients are often admitted via Emergency department, similar to what we do in Việt Nam. However, each patient has one GP, who follows them for a long period of time and if they have admitted to the hospital before, they will be taken care by the same specialist who understands clearly about their condition. I was amazed; each patient has a MRN which allows health care officers to get the patient’s information simply.

I received great support from junior doctors in my team. I was able to do some basic clinical procedures and I had a doctor at my side, taught me how to use equip-ment which were far different from those in my country. When they had time, they explained interesting medical presentations to me.

The Việt Namese group had a great time with Học Mãi students, enjoying lunch and city tours. I was grateful to the students by their hospitality, even they had mid-term exam the next day; they still took us to breathtaking landscape like Blue Mountains and Bondi Beach. I look forward to meeting the next group of Australian students who come to Việt Nam next year so I can have the honor to show them around to get the real sense of how Việt Nam is.

I would like to thank Học Mãi foundation for sending me to Australia. It was a meaningful experience, I take home with many happy memories, moreover, I feel much more con-fident to start my new clinical placement in Việt Nam.

REFLECTIONS - TRẦN THU GIANG

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 19

Living in Sydney for one month was the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had. Although the moment I was elected for Học Mãi Foundation’s scholarship is a big amazement for me, it’s just the onset of many more surprises.

The day I arrived Sydney, the pure air to-gether with beautiful sunlight then seemed to be proving that this trip would be very nice. And it was, indeed. Under careful instructions of Rhondda, I soon got used to the new environment such as accommoda-tions, roads, public transportation, telecom-munications, etc.

My first day in the department I had picked, ophthalmology, was full of anxiety and nervousness. However, due to sincere cares of eye doctors there, those feelings vanished rapidly and I felt comfortable immediately. My initial intention was simply observing how the healthcare system of a developed country looked like. What I received was much more than I could imagine though. I learned a lot from the ophthalmologists, not

only valuable clinical experiences but also how to interact with patients efficiently in varied situations, for example, how to inform bad news, how to show sympathy or how to encourage them. In brief, the eye doctors inspired me and made me desire to become an ophthalmologist more dramatically.

Besides hard-working hours in the eye clinic and the operating theatre, I still spare time to discover Sydney. It’s not unusual that Sydney has attracted numerous travellers ubiquitously. I was completely sunk in vari-ous admirably marvellous landscapes.

Furthermore, I’m sure you would want to know how kind, friendly and nice Austral-ian people are. You can easily stop any pedestrians on the street to ask for direc-tions and they are even very eager to help you take a photo.

Time flew by too fast. One month was over. The day I left Sydney, an indescrib-able sensation held my feet and slowed down my steps. It was so hard for me to get on the plane then. I’m home now, but

every detail and image about Sydney keeps appearing frequently in my mind. I guess I will never forget this exciting trip.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to Học Mãi Foundation in general, to Professor Bruce Robinson, Ms. Rhondda Glasson and Ms. Kelly Bird in specific. I really appreciate them for granting me and other medical students such great opportunities. And I myself promise to try my best to become a good doctor in the future in order to deserve their help.

Thanks to Học Mãi Foundation, I had a chance to get clinical placement in West-mead Centre for Oral Health for 1 month. My main goal to come to Australia is to find out the new method of studying as well as new techniques that may not be applied in our school.

Since I arrived in Australia, I have known a lot of new things in terms of studying methods, new techniques, new instruments, student/tutor relationships and student/patient relationships. Among these things, I was impressed by the way dental students in Westmead Centre for Oral Health develop a treatment plan in a very systematic way that I have never learned theoretically in my university. I consider it a very useful tool to approach patients thoroughly.

With the awareness of this new method, I have conducted an investigation of opinions about treatment planning among 46 dental students in the third and fourth year of

Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney via a questionnaire. The aim of this investigation is to find out the difficulties and solutions for applying treatment planning for my career particularly and my group in School of Od-ontostomatology, Hà Nội Medical University generally.

In four short weeks studying at WCOH, I have found out one comprehensive method to approach dental patients called treatment planning which I have never learnt methodically in my university. I consider it a big luck to me. The main advantages of it to patients are the more effective treatment quality they receive, the better dental knowledge they absorb, the better physical and mental health and their readiness to change their lifestyle to a better oral health. Dentists also enjoy many benefits from treatment plan in which two very important factors are effectiveness and systematic planning habit.

It undoubtedly leads me to a clearer method of practising dentistry in the future. I am very grateful to Học Mãi Foundation to give me a chance to get acquainted with a new dental environment and achieve new method for my dental practice from this day forward.

CAO HOANG THANH BINH

THI THANH HUYEN BUI

The Học Mãi Scholarship has been a once in lifetime experience where we have learnt not only clinical dentistry within the Việt Namese framework, but have also formed valuable friendships with our dental colleagues, both teachers and students.

We gained insight into the dental procedures performed in Việt Nam and were able to discern both similarities and differences be-tween Việt Nam and Australia. We found both parties had much to gain from each other.

We were given the opportunity to attend the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Hospital., a truly invaluable experience as we were able to observe procedures that we have only ever seen in textbooks.

We were invited to attend the 6th Interna-tional Dental Conference of the Mekong River Region in Can Tho which discussed new research within Asia. We felt very welcome as Australian students and were able to make many valuable international contacts within the dental profession.

The friendships that we made through the dental school enabled us to explore Việt Nam not as tourists, but rather as locals. From sharing food and siesta breaks to evening adventures on motorbikes and so-cialising, we were able to gain an experience of Việt Nam that is truly unforgettable.

Our deepest thanks to the Học Mãi Scholar-ship for providing us with this amazing experience, and the Faculty of Odontostom-atology at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy for their kind hospitality. Special thanks to Ms Rhondda Glasson for her time and effort in helping us make contacts with-in the dental school, to Dr Nguyen Vu Xuan Huy for being our support and dear friend in Việt Nam, Ms Thanh Tam Nguyen Thi for her organisation efforts and for showing us the full range of UMP Dentistry, and Dr Minh Loan the clinical director for her enthusiasm in helping us make the most of our stay.

As a first year physiotherapy student I was both excited and nervous about what to expect and what was expected of me at Benh Vien Bach Mai (Bach Mai Hospital).

Having not been on a clinical placement for physiotherapy before arriving in Việt Nam, I was very grateful to have been assigned to Mr Nam, a senior physiotherapist in the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Centre. I was exposed to real patients for the first time and the experience I gained that I will take with me into my second and final year will be unrivalled.

A fisherman from a rural town with a spinal cord injury, meaning he was unable to stand or walk, was brought to the clinic on my first day. He was assigned to me, which was such an amazing opportunity to be responsible for a patient but daunting at the same time. Over the weeks this patient worked harder than any patient in the clinic, his motivation

fuelled by the fact that his wife and children would surely starve without his income. Training this patient to walk again had such a profound impact on his life but also on my own. It made me realise that what we do for the patient means much more than just making the patient physically well, but also mentally, socially and emotionally well, and in the absence of any psychological help or counselling this is extremely important in Việt Nam.

While Bach Mai does not have state of the art equipment I am astounded by the in-novative and creative use of the resources available to get the best result for the patients. And even more astonishing, I never ceased to be amazed by how tough the Việt Namese people are. With injuries that would have most people screaming in agony the Việt Namese simply smile and are ever grateful for your help. I leave with not only great hands on experience but with a new appreciation of life.

PHOEBE DAVID PHYSIOTHERAPY

BELINDA LAWRENCE & SHANYA SANMUGANATHAN DENTISTRY

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

The weeks leading up to the departure date for Hà Nội are now a complete haze. I was in the process of completing my Graduate Entry Masters program for Speech Pathology. This was in addition to both mentally and physically prepar-ing for the trip to Hà Nội to undertake work experience at Bach Mai Hospital. I was excited at the prospect of being able to work and live in Hà Nội, an opportu-nity that does not present itself to most.

On my first day at Bach Mai, I was wide-eyed and couldn’t take in enough of the atmosphere. I felt privileged to be able to experience and observe the Việt Namese way of life and the approach to managing health and medical conditions. Professor Duong took us to a conference room to introduce us to the hospital and it was there we were allocated to our departments. I was to spend some of my time in the Spinal Cord and Rehabilitation Unit with Phoebe David (Student Physiotherapist).

I worked in the Occupational Therapy room with Tran Van Dan (Physiotherapist) and was able to observe the upper limb therapy for those who had experienced high level spinal cord injury or hemiplegia post stroke. I learned much about the management of these conditions whilst observing therapy.

With invitation from Dr. Quang and the surgical team, I was able to observe surgery, including a total laryngectomy following the presence of malignant tumours on the vocal folds. After surgery, Dr. Quang took the time to go through the anatomy of the larynx, showed me the pathology and talked about the post-operative care. This opportunity was an invaluable learning experience - and I’m really glad I didn’t faint!

The opportunities that were available to me and my experiences as part of the Học Mãi scholarship will stay with me forever and will help me develop skills as a practicing clinician. I have developed a greater aware-ness of cultural differences and realize the importance for me to continue to develop a culturally sensitive approach to the delivery of speech pathology services in Australia and beyond. I am appreciative of the oppor-tunities presented to me whilst at Bach Mai Hospital and during my time in Việt Nam. I would like to thank everyone involved in the Học Mãi program for giving me the chance to experience Việt Nam, the opportunity to work with medical professionals in my areas of interest and to learn about the medical system. I have learned many valuable les-sons and most of all developed many new friendships.

21

SIOBHAN LOHAN SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Studen t s

In mid-November 2011 I travelled to Hà Nội, Việt Nam to commence my 1 month scholarship supported by the Hoc Mãi Foundation. To receive the scholarship, Masters in International Public Health students are required to propose their own research project in an area of public health that is of interest to them.

My studies during the MIPH course had enabled me to gain an understanding of the serious impact that avian influenza continues to have on the individual lives of many Việt Namese people, along with the country’s economy and national security. As a veterinarian I am especially interested in the way animal health is approached in public health.

I put together a project proposal based on my aspiration to gain experience in working with ‘on the ground’ intersectoral approach-es to disease prevention and management in a developing country context. During this process I also acquired some new study design skills. My research objective was to explore health seeking behaviour and access to services among community members and human and animal health workers. While doing so, I wanted to inves-tigate communication between the animal and human health sectors. I was especially interested in the awareness of the Việt Namese community in terms of recognising the signs of infection in their poultry and in humans and their access to reporting systems and to health care.

In the planning phase of my work, I contacted various organisations, under the guidance of my supervisor Dr Cynthia Hunter. I was fortunate to be provided with the opportunity to work with the consult-ing firm Abt Associates, who are responsible for the implementation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Avian and Pandemic Influenza Initiative.

I worked with the Abt Associates team to design a qualitative study that consisted of a face-to-face focus group and individual interview format. After receiving ethics approval from the University of Sydney and Hà Nội School of Public Health, I spoke to over 130 village animal and human health workers, farmers and government officials in Quang Tri province in North Central Việt Nam. In general this is a very poor area and I was inspired by the desire of the people I spoke with to help their communities.

While in Việt Nam, I also visited the World Health Organization office in Hà Nội and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hà Nội. I was also able to do some sight seeing in my spare time. I visited the histori-cal city Hue as well as Halong Bay and a bear rescue centre in Tam Dao National Park near Hà Nội.

Overall my trip to Việt Nam was a rich per-sonal development and cultural experience and I would like to express my appreciation to the Hoc Mãi Foundation and the School of Public Health for providing me with this opportunity.

As a

ve t e r inar ian I

am espec ia l ly

int e r e s t ed in the

way animal

heal th i s

approached in

publ i c heal th .

PENNY FARRELL MASTERS IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

The Học Mãi Foundation Scholarship provided me with the opportunity to conduct research in Việt Nam as a component of the Masters of Interna-tional Public Health program. Việt Nam is a nation in transition: economically, demographically and epidemiologically, with decreasing rates of communicable diseases and increasing rates of non-communicable disease. The epidemio-logical transition is obviously of huge interest to public health and medical researchers. Of particular interest to me was the growing recognition of the bur-den of mental illness. In Việt Nam mental illness is the most important cause of disability in adults over 15 years of age, while suicide is amongst the 10 leading causes of death in all age groups.

There is an increasing global recognition of the need for adequate mental health training for health care professionals at all levels. My goal was to undertake a cross-sectional mental health literacy survey of Việt Namese medical students at different stages of training to examine how knowl-edge changes across medical training, and the ways in which held knowledge and atti-tudes may differ from evidence and globally accepted best practice.

My study utilised two questionnaires developed by Australian researchers and previously validated in Australian and inter-national settings. With the help of the Học Mãi Foundation, and especially Rhondda Glasson, I was able to develop links with Hà Nội Medical University and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh, to survey medical students at both locations. More than 200 students completed the questionnaire in either written or electronic form and while as I write, the data analysis continues, on a personal level I have already learnt an unquantifiable amount about the actual process of research.

While in Việt Nam I also had the opportuni-ty to attend the Học Mãi Conference at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh. The conference focussed on the utility of research for improving healthcare and featured interesting presentations from the local Học Mãi scholars. However, at a time when the phrase “austerity measures” is not far from the headlines, the take home message of the conference for me came from a talk given by Professor Robinson that highlighted the economic benefits that fol-low from investment in health research.

I would like to finish by thanking the Học Mãi Foundation for giving me this amazing opportunity. The foundation not only sup-ported me financially through the generous scholarship but also logistically by providing contacts and assistance in implementing the study. From the moment the scholar-ship was awarded I was warmly welcomed into the Học Mãi family, and during my time in Việt Nam numerous local Học Mãi schol-ars extended their hospitality and generos-ity to me. All I can hope is that one day I am able to return the favour to future scholars.

Thank you!

In Viêt Nam

mental i l lnes s i s the

most impor tant cause

of d i sabi l i ty in

adul t s ov e r 15, whi l e

su i c id e i s amongst

the 10 l ead ing

causes of death in

al l age g roups .

23

ANEURYN ROZEA MASTERS IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH

We were fortunate to be placed at Viet Duc, the major surgical hospital in Hà Nội. Louise spent the entire month in the Emergency Department, while Anna spent two weeks in the Emergency De-partment and two weeks in the Ortho-paedic ward.

Within the Emergency Department, we spent time in the busy triage area: the important first point of contact for the hun-dreds of patients who arrive at the hospital each day from both the city of Hà Nội and distant provinces. Around 80% of the cases we saw were caused by traffic accidents, with motorbike riders and pedestrians being the most commonly and severely injured. Another common cause of injury was work related incidents such as factory accidents and falls on construction sites.

We were able to follow serious cases through triage to the Intensive Care Unit and operating theatres. Due to the ex-tremely high number of patients suffering severe trauma, we were able to learn and develop our assessment and monitoring skills for head, abdominal, orthopaedic and thoracic injuries.

The Viet Duc medical/nursing staff and stu-dents went out of their way to explain, teach and share their knowledge with us. Through this we gained great insight into the inner workings of the Việt Namese healthcare sys-tem whilst also forming strong bonds with our Việt Namese colleagues. The amazing generosity of spirit of the Việt Namese staff and patients helped us to overcome the many challenges we faced. The language barrier was by far the most difficult obstacle; however we were able to use this oppor-tunity to practise and develop our com-munication skills and repay the patience of the Việt Namese staff with informal English lessons.

We hold in great esteem the skill and expertise of the Việt Namese staff who are able to deliver quality healthcare despite limited resources. They are able to achieve this through accurate manual observations, efficient clinical skills and highly attuned critical thinking. We feel extremely grateful towards the staff of Viet Duc, the Học Mãi Foundation and Sydney Nursing School for providing us with this incredible experience and learning opportunity.

We hold in gr eat

e s t e em the sk i l l

and expe r t i s e of

the Viê t Namese

s taff who ar e abl e

to de l i v e r qual i ty

heal thcar e de sp i t e

l imi t ed r e source s .

LOUISE KAN & ANNA HOLLOWS 2ND YEAR GRADUATE NURSING

25

Crossing the roads of Hà Nội was not unlike our experience as University of Sydney nursing students at Bach Mai Hospital, Hà Nội. It was finding the bal-ance between a steady pace, a deter-mined attitude, and looking straight ahead and not blinking while deftly navi-gating the interminable line of comers. Ultimately it was about attempting to find order behind the chaos. Thankfully, we were under the watchful and expert eyes of the Bach Mai Emergency Doctors and Nurses. Resourceful and resilient, welcoming and patient, these doctors and nurses made our Học Mãi learning experience hugely educational.

As a country with almost five times the population of Australia and less than half the size of NSW, Việt Nam presents unique challenges for health care delivery and emergency management. That said; we saw a fascinating and varied caseload with lessons and skills that would hold us in tre-mendously useful stead back home. In our short time, we observed intubation, central lines, tracheostomies, bronchoscopies, ABG’s and haemodialysis to name but a few pro-cedures. We observed numerous patients with stroke, COPD, acute pancreatitis, heart failure and renal failure. We were also able to enhance our physical assessment and observational skills.

There were, predictably, variances in culture and professional practice which afforded the opportunity for rich exchange between our nursing peers, mentors, and ourselves. Many Việt Namese Học Mãi fellows had also been deeply influenced by their experiences in Australia; becoming vocal proponents for change in traditional approaches towards pain management and infection control. There were also elements of emergency management which left us feeling deeply humbled by the Việt Namese approach – whether the input and involvement of family in the care process or the efficiency of patient turnover.

As first year nursing students we felt extremely grateful to be given the opportu-nity to spend one month alongside nurses, medical students and doctors at Bach Mai Emergency Department. There is no doubt that our time spent there was eye opening, challenging and an incredible experience which will prove invaluable to our develop-ment as nurses.

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

NIKKI MCALPINE & CASSIE KING 1ST YEAR GRADUATE NURSING

Studen t s

KENRICK BLAKER STAGE 1 MEDICAL I visited Việt Nam for my Independ-ent Learning Activity (ILA) to observe orthopaedic surgery particularly in the area of trauma. Through the Hoc Mãi Foun-dation and Rhondda Glasson I was able to arrange this opportunity and venture with the other students who were undertaking the Hoc Mãi Scholarship. I was based in the Orthopaedic department at Viet Duc Hospital in Hà Nội. From my very first day I witnessed the confronting reality of the effects of motor vehicle accidents with our first ward round and saw how many patients were crammed into the department’s limited space. Some patients were two to a bed and others were in beds in the corridor. It truly opened my eyes to how lucky we are in Australia.

Over the four weeks I witnessed numer-ous procedures. In the operating theatres I saw many internal fixations with plates and screws of fractured upper and lower limbs, hip replacements, skin grafts, nerves being sutured back together, arthroscopic joint debridement, etc. I noticed that although

the hospital lacked resources, the surgeons were extremely skilled and able to operate and achieve good outcomes on even the most difficult of cases. I also attended the Outpatient clinic where I was able to evalu-ate patients’ outcomes from their surgery and monitor their progress. As Viet Duc is a teaching hospital I was even able to attend a class with other Việt Namese medical students.

On my weekends I would travel with the rest of the Hoc Mãi students to explore Việt Nam and engross myself in the culture. Even just spending time in Hà Nội I witnessed a vibrant and energetic city and the hospital-ity of its people

I would like to thank Dr Giang, Dr Minh as well as the whole Orthopaedic Surgical department and Dr Anh from the Gastro-intestinal surgical department of Viet Duc. I would also like to thank Rhondda Glasson and the Hoc Mãi Foundation for providing the professional contacts at the hospital enabling me to undertake a life-changing experience for my ILA.

TARA TRAN STAGE 2 MEDICAL There is a saying that goes: for a miner who searches through a thousand stones the gem is always the next unturned stone.

When you arrive in Hà Nội, expect not culture shock, but a culture trove, filled with gems that are the Việt Namese people. It may be hard to find the gems, but if you persist and don’t give up too early you are rewarded with unbounded friendliness, and hot dogs for lunch (if you’re up to it); rewarded with what most Việt Namese find so precious: time.

Time spent sharing with us the stories of their illnesses; time teaching us Việt Namese; time translating interesting cases; time spent telling and showing what it means to be Việt Namese; and time sharing meals and parties and making new friends.

Healthcare at its core is similar everywhere, give or take a few infectious diseases. The real difference is that of opportunity, ability and motivation.

Struck by what you can do with very little and what the doctors must do with many, the user pays system promotes ingenuity with resources and less wastage. The wards here can be overcrowded, but when the doctors are enabled to treat they do so with enthusiasm and expertise.

I learnt a lot in Việt Nam, medical and also matters not so medical. I learnt about my own strengths and weaknesses, cultural awareness, assertiveness, but also to appre-ciate the healthcare that we enjoy.

Communication can be a challenge but I’ve found here that it can be overcome; keep on smiling and trying and most of all: to keep searching through stones.

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 27

The Học Mãi experience working in Việt Nam has been challenging, confronting and interesting. I am so grateful for the op-portunity to have travelled with a wonderful mix of students and to experience living and working in a developing country. The busy-ness of the city, the constant noise and the vibrant colours and flavours of food made it an eclectic mix of tourism, cultural and learning experiences.

I was placed at the Viet Duc surgical hospital in the neurosurgery department where I was fortunate to experience both surgery, pre and post-operative care and ward based treatment. Witnessing wards with twenty or more patients in one room, sometimes two or three patients per bed, was eye opening. I was interested to note the mixed wards with women, men and children placed together, and crowding being a major factor in pro-viding patient care. Sedation and shackling of patients was confronting to observe but understandable given the severity of injuries and lack of resources within the wards. Most valuable was the opportunity to witness severe trauma cases and an abundance of

neuro-oncology patients with various brain tumours. It was a wonderful opportunity to follow patients through from admission, surgery and post-operative care.

By coincidence I met some anaesthetists, one who had participated in Học Mãi and two who hope to apply next year. Their commitment to teaching and passion for involving us in clinical experience was invaluable and truly transformed my Học Mãi experience.

The opportunity I have had to explore Việt Nam on weekends, to travel with other Học Mãi scholarship recipients, to live in Hà Nội and attend a range of medical facilities has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of developing world medical care, access to resources and services, and the importance of an open partnership in exchanging medical knowledge.

Particular thanks must go to the University of Sydney and the Học Mãi Program for affording me the opportunity to participate in this learning experience, and to the Việt Namese staff and students who welcomed me so warmly into their country.

AIMEE WISEMAN STAGE 2 MEDICAL

KATHRYN BARRON & DARIN WESTAWAY STAGE 2 MEDICAL It’s difficult to imagine that only a month ago our group stepped out of Hà Nội airport into the chaos of a Việt Namese evening. So much has happened since then – so many sights witnessed, so many bonds formed, so many experiences shared.

We were based at Viet Duc hospital, pre-dominantly in the neurosurgery, anaesthet-ics and emergency departments under the tutelage of Drs He and Tuan. The neuro-surgery ward consisted of 150 beds, with most of the patients having had tumours removed, or there as a result of road traffic accidents. For us, the most interesting part was witnessing the ingenuity of the staff in the face of limited resources. Although rubber gloves served as tourniquets and re-cycled saline bottles were used to distribute medications, the standard of care did not suffer.

The doctors were very welcoming. The surgical block was our oyster, and we were allowed to wander in and out at will. An average hour could start with watching open heart surgery, before moving on to the removal of a brain tumour in the next theatre, to seeing a femur repaired.

The most rewarding aspect of the experi-ence was developing stronger relationships with our Australian colleagues, as well as forming networks with the Việt Namese doctors and students.

We are now more equipped to undertake our university clinical years upon our return, and are excited to build upon the skills and knowledge we have acquired during our time with Học Mãi. This experience is an invaluable asset to our medical education, and it will forever inform our practice as future doctors.

PRINCIPLE 1 - LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

Nature of the entityThe Học Mãi - The Australia Viêt Nam Medi-cal Foundation Foundation is a part of the University of Sydney ABN 15211513464 and not separately incorporated under a State or Commonwealth Act. The Founda-tion is required to gain prior approval for its fundraising activities from the Director of Development up to $100K, the Provost and DVC from $100k to $1m and the Vice Chan-cellor over $1m. The Foundation’s activities are not-for-profit and covered by the DGR status of the University of Sydney. The Uni-versity is exempted from the requirement to hold an Authority to Fundraise and obli-gations upon holders of such an authority but is still required to comply with the bal-ance of provisions of the Charitable Fund-raising Act

Roles of Council and managementThe Foundation operates under the au-thority of the Senate of the University of Sydney, as approved in 2000 and has no powers of delegation. The Foundation con-ducts its affairs pursuant to the Founda-tion Rules and the relevant policies of the University. The Foundation had its annual fundraising plan approved and was able to meet its objectives. The Foundation is to be reviewed every three years from the date of its approval. No review was undertaken during 2011.

PRINCIPLE 2 - STRUCTURE OF THE COUN-CIL TO ADD VALUEPatron:Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO

The Council of the Foundation in 2011 consisted of the following members:

Name: Mr Alfred Attard Qualifications and experience: Director - EllzactCurrent Term of Appointment ongoing from 2006Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended: 2; eligible to attend 4Name: Ms Audrey Blunden

Qualifications and experience: Lecturer and In-ternational Advisor, Faculty of Law, UNSWCurrent Term of Appointment:onging from 2009 Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 2; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Rtd)Qualifications and experience: National Presi-dent, The Returned and Services League of AustraliaCurrent Term of Appointment: ongoing from 2010Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 1; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Professor Elizabeth Elliott AMQualifications and experience: Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney and Consultant Paediatrician, The Chil-dren’s Hospital at WestmeadCurrent Term of Appointment: Since 2009Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 0; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Mr Ross GavinQualifications and experience: Partner, Price-waterhouseCoopers, Sydney (Rtd)Current Term of Appointment; ongoing from 2005Special responsibilities: TreasurerNumber of meetings attended 4; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Emeritus Professor Kerry Goulston AOQualifications and experience: Gastroenterolo-gist; Former Associate Dean, Northern Clinical School, University of SydneyCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2001Special responsibilities: Deputy Chair Number of meetings attended 3; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Mr Ken HopkinsQualifications and experience: Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, practicing chartered accountant for over 30 yearsCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2006Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 2; eligible to at-tend 4 Name: The Hon Mr Craig KnowlesQualifications and experience: Former Senior Minister of NSW Parliament Current Term of Appointment: since 2004Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 1; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Mr Michael Mann AMQualifications and experience: Managing Di-rector (Asia-Pacific) - Laureate Education Asia

Inc; The Former Australian Ambassador to Viêt Nam; The Founding President of Royal Mel-bourne Institute of Technology’s University in Viêt NamCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2001Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 0; eligible to at-tend 4 (resides in Thailand - 2010)Name: Dr Thuy Mai -VietQualifications and experience: President and CEO - University Preparation CollegeCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2001 Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 2; eligible to at-tend 4Name: The Hon Mrs Jeannette McHughQualifications and experience: Former Mem-ber - Federal ParliamentCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2003Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 1; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Professor Jonathan MorrisQualifications and experience: Associate Dean and Head, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney; Professor of Obstetrics and Gynae-cology, University of Sydney Current Term of Appointment: since 2005Special responsibilities: Council Member; Uni-versity Officer (Foundations)Number of meetings attended 2; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Mr Tom MoultQualifications and experience: Has worked in advertising and marketing for 35 years; currently the Executive Officer, Ogilvy & Mather. Outside of work; has been involved with various industry organisations;a board director of Foodbank Australia and The Bell Shakespeare Company; currently a governor of Frensham school.Current Term of Appointment: since 2001 Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 2; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Ms Nancy Dolan BA LL B (Hons)Qualifications and experience: Is an Honorary Fellow of Sydney Medical School at the Univer-sity of Sydney. After beginning practice in New Zealand, Nancy became a solicitor and partner Mallesons Stephen Jacques in Sydney; She subsequently became General Counsel and a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers; From 2004 to 2007 Nancy was General Counsel of the University of Sydney, responsible for co-ordinating the provision of legal services to the Universityl; Nancy is a member of the St James Ethics Centre and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.Current Term of Appointment: since 2009

FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

The Học Mãi - The Australia Viêt Nam Medical Foundation recognises the importance and benefit of reviewing its adoption and alignment with governance principles and provides the following report.

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 3; eligible to at-tend 4Name: Professor Bruce RobinsonQualifications and experience: Dean, Sydney Medical School, University of SydneyCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2001 Special responsibilities: Chairperson; ex officioNumber of meetings attended 4; eligible to at-tend 4 Name: The Hon Mr Tom Uren AOQualifications and experience: Former Mem-ber - Federal ParliamentCurrent Term of Appointment: since 2001 Special responsibilities: Council MemberNumber of meetings attended 3; eligible to at-tend 4

Honorary:Name: Ambassdor Mr. HOANG VINH THANHQualifications and experience: Ambassador – Socialist Republic of Viêt NamSpecial responsibilities: Honorary MemberNumber of meetings attended 0; eligible to at-tend 0Name: Consul General Mr Mai Phuoc DungQualifications and experience: Consul General - Socialist Republic of Viêt Nam, SydneySpecial responsibilities: Honorary MemberNumber of meetings attended 0; eligible to at-tend 0

Council members were elected and co-opt-ed at the Foundation’s AGM on 15 March 2011. There is not a separate nomination committee of Council. The full Council re-solves on nominations for co-opting of members to fill vacancies outside of the process of election at the AGM. There was not a performance evaluation of the Coun-cil undertaken in the reporting period.

PRINCIPLE 3 - PROMOTE ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING Council members have been provided with the University of Sydney Foundation Gov-ernance Guide, Foundation Rules, Code of Conduct,External Interests Policy and the Occupational Health & Safety Policy. The Code of Conduct, External Interests Policy and the Occupational Health & Safety Policy are also available on the University’s public website as are other relevant Univer-sity policies regarding gift acceptance, har-assment, grievance procedures and other related policies.

PRINCIPLE 4 - SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN FINANCIAL REPORTINGThe annual accounts of the Foundation are prepared by the financial staff of the University, signed off by Finance Director, Faculties of Health, University of Sydney and included in this Annual Report to the Senate. The Foundation is part of the Uni-versity and therefore does not have its own audit sub-committee, The University is au-dited by the Audit Office of NSW.

The Foundation undertook the following fundraising appeals1 during 2011:

And in conducting those appeals the Foun-dation took all reasonable steps to ensure that commissions paid or payable to any person as part of a fundraising appeal did not exceed one-third of the gross money obtained by that person in the appeal2 and appropriate particulars of all items of gross income received or receivable, all items of expenditure incurred, including the ap-plication or disposition of any income ob-tained from the appeal and particulars of those transactions to which they related were recorded in the minutes of the Foun-dation.3

PRINCIPLE 5 - MAKE TIMELY AND BAL-ANCED DISCLOSUREThe Foundation complied with the report-ing and disclosure requirements of the Senate. These include an annual budget and this Annual Report.

Members and Council have been made aware of the processes for disclosure pur-suant to the Code of Conduct, Conflicts of Interest policy, which include protected disclosure to the ICAC, the Ombudsman or the Auditor General.

1 See s5 Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW)2 Reg 9(6) Charitable Fundraising Regulation 20083 See s22(2)(b) Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW)

29

PRINCIPLE 6 - RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF MEMBERS, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, CLIENTS, & OTHER STAKEHOLDERSThe Foundation Council and/or member-ship consists of members of the commu-nity, industry bodies and the University whose input is invited via the Annual Gen-eral Meeting and Council meetings of the Foundation. The forums/mechanisms have been held during the year to involve stake-holders in election of the Council, activities of the foundation or other stakeholder par-ticipation.

Under the Charitable Fundraising Act, the University may be questioned about any appeal on details of the purpose of the ap-peal such as the appeal target, objectives, distribution of proceeds, etc and the pro-cess to provide answers. During the year the Foundation published information on its website and outlines those activities in this annual report. Other enquiries may have been made to other parts of the University.

PRINCIPLE 7 - RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISKThe Foundation recognises its activities within University premises or other prem-ises require risks such as health and safety, environmental protection, privacy, trade practices, and compliance with the Chari-table Fundraising Act to be considered and managed. The Foundation has managed these risks during the year by ensure all members was informed of the appropriate policies.

PRINCIPLE 8 - REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLYNo member of a Council is entitled to re-ceive any remuneration for acting in that capacity except reasonable remuneration on a basis which has first been approved in writing by the University Officer (Founda-tions).

Members of the Foundation Council may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses after written approval of the University Of-ficer (Foundations). Any such instances are recorded in the minutes of the Council.

TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011I am pleased to report on the financial affairs of the Foundation for the year ended 31 De-cember 2011. The accounting records of the Foundation are maintained by the University of Sydney, and its accounts are drawn up an-nually in accordance with the University’s accounting policies. The results of the Foun-dation for the year are set out in the Income Statement while the financial position at 31 December is summarised in the Balance Sheet, both of which are included in this An-nual Report.

The accounts disclose a surplus of $70,000, based on revenues of $877,000. The princi-pal sources of revenue were grants and do-nations, of which the most significant items were from AusAid , which once again allowed the Foundation to increase the number of Viêt Namese scholars that could be hosted in Australia. The Atlantic Philanthropy grant

of $282,000 received in 2010, which con-tributed to that year’s $330,000 surplus, was largely expended during 2011. Other grants and donations, together with funds brought forward from prior years, financed tours by Australian medical students to Viêt Nam on scholarship programs and funded a variety of other programs which met the objectives of the Foundation. We are grateful for the gen-erous support of our donors who have con-tinued to provide financial assistance over a number of years.

At year-end, the Foundation had accumu-lated funds of $487,000, which together with the revenue to be derived during 2012, will provide the resources to allow the Founda-tion to finance its activities for the forthcom-ing year.

Ross GavinTREASURER

31ANNUAL REPORT 2011

PATRONHer Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVOGovernor of New South Wales

CHAIRProfessor Bruce RobinsonDeanSydney Medical SchoolUniversity of Sydney

COUNCIL MEMBERSMr Alfred Attard DirectorEllzact

Ms Audrey BlundenLecturer and International AdvisorFaculty of LawUNSW

Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Rtd)National PresidentThe Returned and Services League of Australia

Professor Elizabeth Elliott AMProfessor of Paediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of Sydney and Consultant PaediatricianThe Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Mr Ross GavinPartnerPricewaterhouseCoopers, Sydney (Rtd)

Emeritus Professor Kerry Goulston AOGastroenterologistFormer Associate DeanNorthern Clinical SchoolUniversity of Sydney

Mr Ken HopkinsFellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

The Hon Mr Craig KnowlesFormer Senior Minister of NSW Parliament

Mr Michael Mann AMManaging Director (Asia-Pacific) Laureate Education Asia Inc The Former Australian Ambassador to Viêt Nam

Dr Thuy Mai -VietPresident and CEOUniversity Preparation College

The Hon Mrs Jeannette McHughFormer MemberFederal Parliament

Professor Jonathan MorrisAssociate Dean and HeadNorthern Clinical SchoolUniversity of Sydney Professor of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Sydney

Mr Tom MoultCEOOgilvy and Mather

Ms Nancy Dolan BA LL B (Hons)Honorary Fellow of Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneyMember of St James Ethics Centre & Australian Institute of Company Directors

The Hon Mr Tom Uren AOFormer MemberFederal Parliament

HONORARYAmbassador Mr Hoang Vinh ThanhAmbassador Socialist Republic of Viêt Nam

Consul General Mr Mai Phuoc DungConsul GeneralSocialist Republic of Viêt Nam, Sydney

HỌC MÃI FOUNDATION STAFFRhondda GlassonExecutive Officer

A/Professor Dr Dang Van DuongCoordinator – Viêt Nam

Mr Jason Dibbs (PT- 2 days per week)Administration Officer

Ms Rebecca Mann (PT – 1 day per week)Project Officer

Ms Nikki Ballantyne (currently on Maternity Leave)Administration Officer

OUR BOARD OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

HỌC MÃI THE AUSTRALIA VIÊT NAM MEDICAL FOUNDATION EDWARD FORD BUILDING (A27)UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEYCAMPERDOWNNSW 2006AUSTRALIA