Advancing PCTU’s Simulation Hospital Towards International Accreditation
Over four days of intensive training and academic consultation (July 14–17), Associate Professor Mary Kay Smith, Director of the Center for Learning and Assessment, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University (USA), concluded a highly productive visit to Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU).
Throughout the program, Associate Professor Smith shared extensive expertise in integrating simulation into Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME). She observed simulation-based teaching sessions, reviewed student assessment activities, and engaged in in-depth discussions with PCTU faculty on strengthening educational quality, faculty development, and the strategic role of simulation in medical education.
A key highlight was the workshop on Accreditation for Simulation Centers, which introduced internationally recognized accreditation standards for healthcare simulation programs. On the final day, Professor Smith presented a preliminary gap analysis comparing PCTU’s current simulation system with international benchmarks, while also identifying priorities for future investment, quality improvement, and sustainable development. Both institutions discussed opportunities for continued collaboration and outlined the next steps toward achieving shared educational goals.
As Vietnam continues to advance the quality of health professions education and prepares for independent competency assessments expected in the coming years, PCTU is committed to developing its Preclinical Simulation Hospital into a center for education, competency assessment, faculty development, and simulation research that aligns with international best practices.
We sincerely thank Associate Professor Mary Kay Smith and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine for their partnership, expertise, and commitment to advancing medical education. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration and contributing to the future of healthcare education in Vietnam and beyond.
