Enhancing surgical research capacity: “Surgical Trials Workshop” held in Ho Chi Minh City

The event brought together over 40 doctors, surgeons, and researchers from major hospitals across the city, including Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, University Medical Center, National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, Cho Ray Hospital, Saigon General Hospital, Children’s Hospitals 1 and 2, and the Institute of Traditional Medicine.

The workshop was honored by the attendance of Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, along with the Board of Directors of Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, demonstrating the city’s commitment to advancing clinical research and improving surgical practice.

The highlight of the workshop was the keynote presentation by Professor David Beard from the University of Sydney, a leading expert in surgical trials. In his talk, Professor Beard explored the distinct nature of surgical trials compared to other medical research fields, highlighting the unique challenges and ethical considerations involved. He provided an in-depth overview of the entire clinical trial process—from defining research questions and selecting outcome measures to managing risk, ensuring ethical integrity, and disseminating findings. Drawing on his experience from ten international surgical trials, Professor Beard shared valuable practical insights and lessons to help Vietnamese researchers and surgeons develop feasible, context-appropriate research initiatives.

Featuring six scientific presentations and dynamic discussion sessions, the workshop fostered an open academic atmosphere for professionals to exchange expertise, update emerging trends, and explore collaboration opportunities in surgical research. The event marked another step forward in strengthening Vietnam’s clinical research capacity, contributing to improved treatment quality and greater international integration in healthcare and medical science.