ABOUT US

A. INTRODUCTION

There are numerous clinical simulation centers in the world; however, less than 500 of these simulation centers received accreditation bestowed by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Several universities and schools of medicine in Vietnam also developed clinical simulation facilities but none attained the international recognition.

The University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach (PNTU), a multidisciplinary institution, was established in 1989 under the auspices of the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. Recognizing the importance of integrating clinical simulation into the new competency-based curriculum, the PNTU School Board of Managers approved the establishment of a new clinical simulation center in November 2017: the Center for Elaboration Competency and Innovation in Clinical Simulation (CECICS).

As a display of excellence in promoting the competency-based medical education, PNTU and CECICS are strived to accomplish the internationally recognized SSH accreditation in Teaching-Education, Assessment, Research, and System Integration by the end of 2022.

A1. FORMATION & DEVELOPMENT

During 16 years (2005-2021) of operation with four development stages, CECICS has proved to be a leading center in its role and function, and gradually become a trustworthy educational center for almost every students and learners at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine. The programs are provided for Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate students or Continuing Medical Education (CME). Five development stages have been integrated with activities and the development of Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine.

STAGE I (2005-2011)

May 31st, 2005: Establishment of Clinical Skills Training Unit (Skillslab) – an integral component of Center for Training and Development of the Healthcare Providers of Ho Chi Minh City. The Resolution was approved by Center Director, A/Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Hiep.

STAGE II (2011-2015)

August 18th, 2011: Establishment of Nursing & Medical Technology Faculty and Department of Clinical Skills Training (Skillslab) based on Clinical Skills Training Unit (Skillslab). The Resolution was approved by Dean, A/Prof, PhD Nguyen Tan Binh.

STAGE III (2015-2017)

September 1st, 2015: Establishment of Clinical Skills Training Center – Simulation Hospital (CSTC-SH). The Resolution was approved by Dean, A/Prof. PhD Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung.

STAGE IV (Dec 2017 to 2021)

December 15th, 2017: Establishment of Center for Elaboration Competency and Innovation in Clinical Simulation – Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (CECICS-PNTU). The Resolution was approved by Dean, A/Prof. PhD. Ngo Minh Xuan.

STAGE V (July 2021 – present)

The PNTU is currently led by Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Hiep, MD, PhD, who has championed the importance of clinical simulation in medical education in Vietnam and imparted on countless graduates the importance of learning by doing and excellence through continuous practice.