Gastroenterology Department
Overview
Specialized Center for Clinical – Training – Research in Gastroenterology & Hepatology
The Gastroenterology Department – University Medical and Pharmacy Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City is a leading unit in the field of Gastroenterology – Hepatology, playing a pioneering role in treatment, training, and scientific research. With a development direction that harmonizes standard clinical practice and modern academic thinking, the Department not only provides optimal treatment solutions for patients but also actively contributes to the development of Vietnam's medical field, gradually affirming its position regionally and internationally.
The Gastroenterology Department builds a professional, dynamic, and academically rich work environment, where every doctor, nurse, and healthcare staff are encouraged to develop comprehensively in their expertise, continuously updating the latest medical advances. Firmly adhering to the motto “Enlightened physicians with virtue – Strong expertise”, the Department commits to continuous innovation to improve the quality of community health care and long‑term treatment effectiveness.
Unit
Primary Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder
Primary Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Strength
With a solid professional foundation, close collaboration among specialties, and a focus on continuously updating medical advances, the Gastroenterology Department aims to improve patients' quality of life while affirming the Gastroenterology – Hepatology specialty's standing in the region.
Upper gastrointestinal diseases
In the field of gastrointestinal motility disorders, the department implements integrated advanced techniques such as high-resolution esophageal pressure measurement (High‑Resolution Manometry – HRM) and 24‑hour esophageal pH‑impedance monitoring, enabling precise analysis of disease physiology. This approach is especially effective in diagnosing and treating conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal spasm, dysphagia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic constipation, thereby targeting therapy accurately and reducing recurrence.
Lower gastrointestinal diseases
For chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Inflammatory Bowel Disease – IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the department applies modern, internationally standardized treatment strategies, including biologic agents and a treat‑to‑target approach. Patients are closely monitored, inflammation is effectively controlled, complications are prevented, and long‑term quality of life is improved.
Hepatobiliary diseases
In the hepatobiliary field, the department provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of various hepatitis etiologies, fatty liver, cirrhosis and its complications, acute and chronic liver failure, as well as optimizing pre‑transplant therapy. Routine liver biopsy and molecular biology tests are employed to accurately diagnose autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson disease, and rare liver disorders. Additionally, non‑invasive assessments such as shear‑wave elastography enable precise monitoring of inflammation and fibrosis progression, supporting personalized treatment and prognosis.
Training & Research
As one of the leading academic units, the Gastroenterology Department organizes numerous training programs ranging from basic to advanced levels, serving undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education. The department regularly hosts large‑scale scientific conferences and seminars, such as “New Trends in Gastroenterology – Hepatology Treatment” (GastroHep) and “Gastroenterology Update – Gastro‑Liver Week”, becoming a reputable academic forum for knowledge transfer and updating the latest medical advances, gathering many experts from both domestic and international fields.
In parallel, scientific research activities are intensified with multi‑center projects, clinical trials, and applied studies, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), molecular biology, and personalized medicine. The department focuses on training and developing the younger generation, providing opportunities for physicians and researchers to undertake fellowships and academic exchanges at leading worldwide medical centers.
In addition, the department maintains close cooperation with many leading medical centers worldwide through professional exchange programs, technology transfer, and updating treatment protocols to international standards, contributing to improved quality of care.
Equipments
The Gastroenterology Department continuously invests in and masters modern diagnostic–therapeutic technologies, including a quantitative ultrasound system for assessing hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and fatty liver; high-resolution esophageal motility and impedance measurement devices; and a 24‑hour esophageal pH monitoring system. Applying these advanced technologies enables rapid, accurate diagnosis, optimization of treatment protocols, and improved clinical outcomes.
In addition, the department maintains close collaboration with many leading medical centers worldwide through professional exchange programs, technology transfer, and updating treatment protocols to international standards, contributing to enhanced quality of care.
Staff
The department's staff is a harmonious combination of experienced leading experts and a generation of young physicians trained thoroughly both domestically and abroad. With the “Institute – School” model, the team of doctors and nurses are not only dedicated physicians but also educators and scientific researchers, always pioneering in updating new knowledge and applying advanced techniques in practice to effectively handle complex cases.
The spirit of solidarity, innovation, and continuous learning is the foundation that enables the Gastroenterology Department to develop sustainably. Close cooperation among members creates collective strength, contributing to maintaining and enhancing the department's position in the field of Gastroenterology – Hepatology, aiming for comprehensive and sustainable patient health care.