On October 1, 2025, two medical students from Phan Chau Trinh University — Pham Hoang Anh (20YK1) and Ho Anh Dung (22YK1) — arrived in the state of Wisconsin, USA, to commence a four-week clinical observership at Tamarack Health Center under a partial scholarship program.

Strategic International Collaboration

This observership is the result of a strategic partnership between PCTU and Tamarack Health, offering students early exposure to the clinical environment of a modern U.S. healthcare system.

The scholarship package covers:

• Full observership tuition
• Accommodation during the program
• Living-expense support
• Opportunities to meet and engage with U.S. clinical specialists

U.S. – Standard Clinical Training Environment

Tamarack Health is a reputable healthcare system in Northwestern Wisconsin, providing multidisciplinary services including primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, obstetrics and gynecology, and behavioral health.

At Tamarack, PCTU students are immersed in a practice-based, process-oriented, and patient-centered learning environment modeled after U.S. healthcare standards.

Selective Admissions – Reflect Academic Excellence

To receive the scholarship, students underwent a competitive interview process assessing:

• English proficiency
• Medical knowledge
• Professionalism and responsibility

This achievement highlights PCTU’s commitment to liberal education and its philosophy of learning through practice and international integration.

KEY VALUES FROM THE 4-WEEK OBSERVERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Multidisciplinary Clinical Exposure

Students observed and learned across multiple specialties, including:
Orthopaedics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics & Women’s Health, Primary Care, and Surgery.

They engaged in case discussions, observed decision-making processes, and shadowed U.S. physicians during patient consultations and surgical procedures.

Enhanced Communication and Teamwork Skills

The program strengthened students’ abilities to:

• Communicate effectively in English within real clinical settings
• Present cases concisely and accurately
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and technicians
• Adapt swiftly to new environments and American cultural norms

The openness and mentorship of U.S. clinicians greatly boosted students’ confidence.

Clearer Professional Career Orientation

The observership helped one student reaffirm his goal of becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, having shadowed Dr. Brian Donnahue and other musculoskeletal specialists.

Students gained deeper understanding of:

• Clinical assessment of injuries
• Indications for surgery
• Integration of anatomy, biomechanics, and imaging in treatment planning

The Most Significant Lesson: Empathy and Cross-Cultural Communication

Students recognized that strong medical knowledge must be paired with excellent communication and empathy.

The experience allowed them to better understand:

• Cultural values shaping U.S. healthcare
• Respect for patient privacy and confidentiality
• The role of communication in building trust

A Strong Foundation for an International Career

The program enabled students to:

• Expand medical vocabulary
• Strengthen intercultural communication skills
• Understand the structure and operations of the U.S. healthcare system
• Develop professional attitudes aligned with international standards

This foundation prepares them for future opportunities such as:

• Academic exchange programs
• Graduate scholarships
• Careers in international healthcare environments in Vietnam or abroad

A Journey That Marks a New Beginning

The Tamarack Health observership is not only an academic experience but also a significant milestone in PCTU’s internationalization efforts.

The success of these first two students sets the stage for future cohorts of PCTU learners to step confidently into the world — carrying knowledge, resilience, and a strong dedication to serving the community.