Mayo Clinic Expert Visits PCTU, Discusses Clinical Research Collaboration
Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) welcomed Dr. Laura M. Pacheco-Spann, DHSc, MS, MSM, from Mayo Clinic, USA, on August 4–5, 2026, for a two-day academic visit focused on clinical research, medical education, and future collaboration.
Dr. Pacheco-Spann is an Instructor in Epidemiology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and a Senior Program Coordinator in the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences. Her work spans clinical research, biomedical science, health data science, and medical innovation, with contributions to more than 100 scientific publications.
Representatives of Phan Chau Trinh University welcome Dr. Laura M. Pacheco-Spann from Mayo Clinic during her visit to PCTU.
Exploring PCTU’s University–Hospital Ecosystem
During the visit, Dr. Pacheco-Spann met with representatives of PCTU and the PCT University – Hospital System to learn about the institution’s integrated model of medical education, clinical care, research, and innovation.
PCTU presented its academic programmes, clinical training activities, research infrastructure, and strategic priorities. Discussions focused on clinical research development, multidisciplinary collaboration, research workforce capacity, and systems needed to support high-quality clinical studies.
Dr. Pacheco-Spann also toured key facilities, including the Apollo Medical Museum, University Library, Preclinical Simulation Hospital, Center for Biomedical Research and Application, and clinical departments at Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital.
PCTU representatives introduce the University’s education, clinical practice, and research ecosystem to Dr. Laura M. Pacheco-Spann.
Dr. Laura visits the Apollo Medical Museum and University Library as part of her campus tour at PCTU
At the Preclinical Simulation Hospital, she reviewed facilities supporting clinical skills, teamwork, communication, and simulation-based training.
At the Center for Biomedical Research and Application, researchers introduced ongoing work in stem cell science, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine, while discussing opportunities to connect laboratory research with clinical applications.
Dr. Laura M. Pacheco-Spann explores the Preclinical Simulation Hospital and biomedical research facilities at Phan Chau Trinh University.
Linking Clinical Practice and Research
At Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital, Dr. Pacheco-Spann met physicians and clinical teams to discuss how research can be integrated into routine patient care.
The discussions addressed the development of clinically relevant research questions, patient populations and data, study implementation, and coordination between clinicians, researchers, data specialists, and academic units.
The exchange highlighted the value of an academic medical model in which patient care, education, and research support one another.
Dr. Laura M. Pacheco-Spann meets physicians at Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital to discuss clinical research development.
Discussing a Clinical Research Roadmap
During the concluding session, PCTU representatives and Dr. Pacheco-Spann discussed priorities for strengthening the University’s clinical research capacity over the next 12–24 months.
Key areas included research workforce training, protocol development, standard operating procedures, research coordination, data management, quality assurance, research ethics, and study monitoring.
The two sides also discussed potential opportunities for continued academic exchange, remote consultation, research mentoring, and future collaborative projects.
These discussions provide an initial foundation for identifying practical areas of cooperation aligned with the priorities of the PCT University – Hospital System.
PCTU representatives and Dr. Laura discuss a proposed roadmap for developing clinical research capacity over the next 12–24 months.
Dr. Pacheco-Spann’s visit offered PCTU faculty members, physicians, and researchers an opportunity to exchange international experience and examine the systems required for sustainable, high-quality clinical research.
Through continued engagement with experts and leading academic medical institutions, PCTU aims to strengthen research capacity, advance evidence-based clinical practice, and contribute meaningful scientific knowledge to the medical community.
Dr. Laura M. Pacheco-Spann and representatives of the PCT University–Hospital System conclude the two-day visit and academic exchange programme.
