A memorandum of understanding signed between Semmelweis University and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Ho Chi Minh City on November 28 has laid the foundation for many possibilities for cooperation between the two institutions, including the receiving of Vietnamese students and young medical doctors at Semmelweis University for training and research, joint scientific activities, and the establishment of a cross-border medical education programme in Vietnam.
Dr. Vo Tan Son, chancellor of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Ho Chi Minh City came to Budapest as part of a European tour in order to meet with Rector Tivadar Tulassay and discuss the areas in which collaboration may be mutually beneficial for the two universities. At the meeting which preceded the signing of the agreement, both rectors emphasised their willingness to work together, as well as their openness to consider various possibilities for cooperation.
It is an interesting coincidence that, almost perfectly coinciding with the meeting held in Budapest, Director General of Finance, Investment and Operation Vilmos Ivády and Director of International Relations Marcel Pop were holding a meeting of their own with representatives of the university in Ho Chi Minh City as part of their business trip to Vietnam.
Dr. Vo Tan Son’s visit to Semmelweis University began with a tour of the Basic Medical Science Centre and its Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research by Professor Emeritus Emil Monos, followed by a meeting with Professor László Rosivall, director of the Department of Pathophysiology.
The Vietnamese chancellor’s visit ended at the National Institute of Neurosciences, where Professor Péter Banczerowski, neurosurgeon and head physician and Professor Sándor Czirják, neurosurgeon and head physician provided a highly informative overview of the institute’s specialised activities, as well as a tour of the its major departments.
The University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Ho Chi Minh City was established – in its present form – in 1976. Its predecessor had been founded by French colonizers in 1941. The university boasts ten thousand students, 1900 staff members and seven faculties: Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry, Nursing and Medical Technology, Traditional Medicine and Basic Sciences.
Gina Gönczi