The Hoc Mai Foundation: the first important lever that opened the door to becoming a medical oncologist

My initial job was as a general surgeon. During my previous work, I noticed that a large number of surgical patients were cancer patients. When attending the oncology council to discuss the best treatment for cancer cases, I realized that medical oncology was developing strongly and helping to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment when combined with surgery. This motivated me to study further in this potential field. To enter a new career path, I wanted to have the opportunity to study in countries with developed medical oncology, where patients can access new medical methods, as well as observe how clinical trials are conducted, which is extremely important in bringing new advanced medical methods to patients. And fortunately, I learned about the Hoc Mai Scholarship, a program that met all my expectations.

The Hoc Mai Scholarship is a prestigious program that has been present in Vietnam for a long time, providing many opportunities for Vietnamese doctors and nurses to study in Australia, a country with a highly developed health system. After preparing a detailed CV and recommendation letters from reputable experts in my hospital and university and passing an interesting interview, I was fortunate to receive the Scholarship.

The Hoc Mai Scholarship has supported us a lot during our time studying in Australia. We are doctors from the three regions of North, Central, and South of Vietnam, meeting for the first time, but having a very interesting time living together. We live in fully furnished apartments and are provided with the best learning conditions. We all study at one of the famous large public hospitals in Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, which is also the practice place for medical students at the University of Sydney.

My learning process went very smoothly. I had great experiences not only in terms of professional learning but also in observing and participating in the scientific activities of the oncology department. My supervisor is Professor Nick Pavlakis, the leading expert in Australian oncology. He is very dedicated to teaching and introduced me to all the doctors in the department, so that everyone knew me, always supporting and guiding me throughout my studies. Every day, I observed my Professor and other doctors examining outpatients, listening to how they discussed, managed, and treated patients’ health problems. In particular, I observed and learnt how to control and treat chemotherapy-induced adverse events, which is one of the health problem that need attention in chemotherapy treatment. When meeting patients receiving chemotherapy in the infusion room, my Professor always explained the chosen regimen as well as what the doctors need to follow and manage in each specific case. Interesting, during six weeks of my studying, I met several patients many times, and they were always friendly and very open in communication when they knew I was a foreign doctor studying there. My Professor also let me participate in many departmental regular activities, including weekly department meetings and seminars. One of my best impressions was the professionalism with which the multidisciplinary team meetings were conducted. In Royal North Shore Hospital, the multidisciplinary team meetings take place every Tuesday with the full attendance of specialists in different specialties related to each type of cancer. I was able to attend fully and observe the process; they deliberated and decided the unanimous best treatment plan for each case. Observing and listening to the multidisciplinary team meetings helped me understand how treatment decisions are made for each patient. Additionally, I was able to gain a lot of in-depth knowledge. I also accompanied specialists to see inpatients in both public and private hospitals inside the Royal North Shore campus and witnessed inpatient clinical activities.

Observing the conduct of a clinical trial is another important activity. Although I did not have enough time to observe all the steps of implementing a clinical trial, I was still able to see the monitoring steps to monitor the patients participating in the trial. I am expecting to have another opportunity to return to the Royal North Shore Hospital to observe the clinical trial process, which is an important practical activity for helping patients access new medicine.

Although I was busy on weekdays in the hospital, I still had time to go out and explore many beautiful places in Sydney on the weekend. What touched me most was that on my last day in the department, my Professor organized a farewell party for me with the participation of the doctors in the department. This left a deep impression on me and made me really happy.

This fellowship has brought me many interesting experiences in both studying and expanding my network in the field of medical oncology. After coming back to Vietnam, I still regularly exchange information and consult my Professor and other Australian specialists on difficult cases. We continue to build a close relationship between my department and my Professor's department to prepare the future cooperation steps.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Hoc Mai Foundation, which provided me with a wonderful opportunity to not only study but also to help me connect and make a friendship network with other Vietnamese doctors in three regions of Vietnam.  I am expecting the Hoc Mai program will continue to develop, maintaining the bridge to academic exchange  and knowledge between Australia and Vietnamese medicine.

Viet Lien Tran

Le Van Thinh Hospital

Học Mãi Fellow 2025