UMC - Where love stays

I am one of the management staff of the University Medical Center (UMC) of Ho Chi Minh City (UMC) who has retired, having had time to reflect proudly on the days of working at UMC. In 2024, the hospital commemorates its 30th anniversary to recognize a journey of formation and development with historic milestones.

Starting from a multidisciplinary clinic, it has now become a fully‑fledged multi‑specialty hospital, a trusted address for patients in Central, Central Highlands and Southern regions, a leading medical education institution, a modern regional hospital, and the first exemplary school‑hospital integration model in Vietnam.

Over the past 30 years, many generations of physicians have united to build and develop UMC into a model “University Hospital” of the health sector with a complete multi‑specialty system, multi‑modality collaboration in treatment, research of high‑level scientific topics, practical medical training for many domestic and international trainees, and the application of modern hospital management technology.

Each time we meet, we always share our concern for the Hospital and pride in having been a member. Seeing UMC grow stronger, we wonder what has created this magical strength. Yes, many things can be listed: facilities, modern equipment; high-quality human resources; modern professional management… but I think the main foundation is that UMC has built a standard culture. UMC’s culture “permeates” the rules, regulations, professional procedures, the communication and interaction relationships between doctors, hospital staff and patients, patients’ families. “The Culture” has created the vigor and prestige of our Hospital.

I remember in the early days of establishing the Clinic and then the Hospital, the requirements for communication and humanity in conduct were always emphasized by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Hoi, the Hospital Director, who reminded us, and he is also a role model we follow. He taught: “Just do everything well, as naturally as before”. The Head of the Laboratory and Imaging Department reported that the volume of tests, MRI, CT increased month by month, he said: “Having more patients is good but what I care more about is whether the test orders are correct. Doctors must carefully consider ordering tests so as not to add burden to patients”. Yes, dear friends, our generation of students have lived, studied, trained and worked in a hospital, a humane working environment like this, inheriting the spiritHoa, the moral and academic standards of such teachers, is truly a lucky thing.

Currently, the Hospital has over 4,000 staff members and workers, all of whom are carefully selected to suit each job position. Each person receives the Director's attention and is provided with all conditions for professional development as well as other necessary skills. The union and youth organizations: the Labor Union, the Youth Union… serve as bridges that connect all members toward the goal, implementing the core values “Pioneering – Understanding – Standards – Safety”.

Thinking about the past, we retired officials feel truly satisfied and proud to have once been members of UMC, having spent truly happy years at the Hospital – a place where love remains, where we have lived, contributed, developed ourselves and rightfully enjoyed the fruits of our labor.

We wish all teachers, seniors and colleagues continued health, happiness, and success in life so that UMC can become the leading university hospital in Vietnam and meet international standards.

BS CKII. Phan Bảo Khánh

Head of Personnel Organization Department (2007-2016)