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| Professor Thomas Fred Golden and Vietnamese experts discuss a patient case. (Photo: VietnamPlus) |
Hanoi (VNA) – In recent years, professional cooperation between US medical specialists and doctors at Viet Duc University Hospital has generated far-reaching benefits for healthcare in Vietnam. At the heart of this collaboration is the Sala Club, which organises charitable medical activities for communities across the country.
The annual partnership between US orthopaedic trauma specialists and Vietnamese doctors has produced encouraging results. Beyond transferring advanced clinical techniques, the programme aims to strengthen grassroots healthcare services while providing life-changing surgery for disadvantaged patients.
A holistic approach to medicine and support for Vietnam's healthcare system
Professor Thomas Fred Golden of the US’s Ventura Hospital has played a pivotal role in the programme. At the age of 77, he continues to travel regularly to Vietnam to share modern orthopaedic techniques and work alongside Vietnamese colleagues.
His connection with the country’s healthcare sector began in 2018 through his collaboration with late Associate Professor Ngo Van Toan, former Deputy Director of the Orthopaedic and Trauma Institute at Viet Duc University Hospital and founder of the Sala Club. Golden has consistently spoken highly of Toan's dedication to both the club and patient care, and the partnership has continued to flourish.
Associate Professor Nguyen Manh Khanh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi-based hospital and President of the Sala Club, said Golden's annual visits demonstrate his long-term commitment to supporting Vietnamese doctors through professional exchanges as well as voluntary medical outreach and surgical missions. This year marks his sixth working visit to Vietnam.
Together with the club and doctors from Viet Duc, Golden has travelled to remote schools and under-resourced provincial hospitals to provide medical consultations and treatment, while helping improve the professional capacity of local healthcare workers.
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| Doctors from the programme perform a surgical procedure. (Photo: VietnamPlus) |
In addition to his work in Vietnam, the US professor supports the advanced training of young Vietnamese doctors by welcoming physicians from Viet Duc University Hospital to his country each year. These trips allow them to undertake further study and clinical training to keep pace with global medical advances.
Based on his observations, he spoke positively of Vietnam's healthcare system, noting that hospitals in remote areas provide high-quality services and make effective use of available resources.
Educational exchange for sustainable healthcare support
Bach Thu Huong, coordinator of the US-based Vietcal Organisation, said her team serves as the link between Ventura County's healthcare system, represented by Golden, and the Vietnamese hospital.
The collaboration operates under an educational exchange programme designed to achieve two objectives. It enables US medical residents to assist disadvantaged patients who would otherwise be unable to afford surgery, while also providing them with valuable clinical experience. At the same time, specialists from both countries exchange advanced medical techniques to improve treatment outcomes.
Looking ahead, the organisers aim to develop the initiative into a sustainable charitable programme.
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| Activities by the Sala Club and US medical teams are making a practical contribution to improving community health. (Photo: VietnamPlus) |
Huong said fundraising activities will be organised in the US to support the Sala Club. Drawing on field reports from remote schools, the team plans to mobilise donations from the Vietnamese and wider communities in the US to fund free surgeries for disadvantaged children.
The club's activities are closely aligned with the spirit of Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on September 9, 2025, which outlines breakthrough measures to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of public health. The resolution calls for a shift from a treatment-focused approach towards proactive health management and disease prevention./.
