Combine Modern & Traditional Medicine in Medical Training
- HANOI (May 18) — the Traditional vietnam Academy of Medicine convened a series of international scientific seminars focusing on "Inheritance - Creation - International Integration" in Hanoi,bringing together...
- The large-scale academic event drew nearly 20 leading experts from Vietnam, China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan, all aiming to share knowledge, promote innovation in training, and...
- Dr.Le Manh Cuong, director of Tue tinh Hospital, emphasized the necessity of combining modern and traditional medical knowledge in physician training.
Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine Hosts International Seminar on Integrating Modern and Traditional Practices
Table of Contents
- Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine Hosts International Seminar on Integrating Modern and Traditional Practices
- Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine Hosts International Seminar on Integrating Modern & Customary Practices: A Q&A
- What was the focus of the recent international seminar hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine?
- Who attended the seminar, and what was their main goal?
- Why is integrating modern and traditional medicine significant in Vietnam?
- What are the key challenges of integrating modern and traditional medicine?
- How is Vietnam addressing these challenges in medical training?
- What are the potential benefits in combining these disciplines?
- What are the best examples of combined traditional and modern practices?
- What role does technology play in the integration of traditional medicine?
- What is the role of acupuncture and moxibustion in this integration?
- What are the key plans for Traditional Medicine education moving forward?
- What is the Vietnamese government’s strategy for the integration of modern and traditional medicine?
- What is the role of research in advancing integrated medicine?
- How will the shift in training programs affect the care and treatment of patients?
- What is the significance of international collaboration in this initiative?
- What are the next steps following the seminar?
- Where can patients receive integrated medical services?
- Conclusion
HANOI (May 18) — the Traditional vietnam Academy of Medicine convened a series of international scientific seminars focusing on “Inheritance – Creation – International Integration” in Hanoi,bringing together experts from across Asia to discuss the future of traditional medicine.
Experts Advocate for Combined Modern and Traditional Medical Training
The large-scale academic event drew nearly 20 leading experts from Vietnam, China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan, all aiming to share knowledge, promote innovation in training, and update treatment methodologies.A key focus was the integration of technology within the field of traditional medicine.
Dr.Le Manh Cuong, director of Tue tinh Hospital, emphasized the necessity of combining modern and traditional medical knowledge in physician training. Despite existing directives and legal frameworks promoting this integration, Dr. Cuong noted that practical implementation faces significant hurdles. He pointed out that treatment regimens that effectively blend both approaches are not yet widely approved or applied.
To address this, Dr. Cuong proposed a basic shift in medical education. He envisions training doctors with a balanced understanding of both modern and traditional medicine, suggesting a curriculum with roughly 50% dedicated to each discipline. This,he argued,requires a change in mindset among leaders,managers,and scientists to fully embrace the integration of the two medical disciplines.
The Academy of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam has already begun adapting its training programs to foster a deeper scientific understanding of how modern and traditional medicine can be combined. The goal is to develop specific treatment regimens supported by scientific evidence, providing a solid foundation for convincing scientists, doctors, and regulators of the benefits of integrated medicine.

“It’s a arduous problem because doctors are currently trained in two separate specialties,” Dr. Cuong acknowledged. “But if we don’t start now, we may never find the right time.” He highlighted that countries like China have successfully implemented training models that allocate roughly equal proportions to modern and traditional medicine. Vietnam, he suggested, could benefit from studying these experiences to equip doctors with complete knowledge in both fields.Tue Tinh Hospital, according to Dr. Cuong, is already adopting this integrated knowledge strategy.
Dr. Cuong also stressed the importance of recognizing that no single treatment method is flawless. He advocated for doctors to be adept at prescribing and utilizing methods appropriately, noting that traditional medicine can be particularly effective in treating chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, insomnia, and back pain, where modern medicine may face limitations.
Dr. Cuong proposed a transitional model where modern and traditional medicine doctors collaborate in patient treatment. In this model, modern doctors would utilize contemporary methods while integrating traditional medicine approaches and consulting with traditional medicine practitioners.
Call for Standardized Competency Criteria for Traditional Medicine Doctors
Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Vietnam’s Vice Minister of Health, acknowledged the opportunities and challenges facing the traditional medicine sector amid increasing international integration and health system innovation.
The vice minister urged experts to continue promoting the implementation of legal policies related to training,research,and the application of traditional medicine treatments. The aim is to advance Vietnamese traditional medicine and integrate it further with regional and global practices.

Traditional medicine training institutions will base their curricula on established competency standards for traditional medicine doctors,the scope of medical examinations,and treatment protocols.They will also draw from international experiences to enhance the quality of training for Vietnamese medical doctors. The goal is to implement a professional competency evaluation for traditional medicine by 2027, in accordance with current medical examination and treatment laws.
Dr. Le Manh cuong emphasized that developing a standardized set of criteria is the first step toward a competency evaluation for traditional medicine doctors by 2027. he highlighted the workshop as an opportunity for Vietnam to learn from international experts in developing these criteria.
The conference featured three thematic sessions with approximately 20 scientific reports,reflecting the development,integration,and interdisciplinary application trends of traditional medicine globally. Key topics included competency-based training systems,the combination of modern and traditional medicine in cancer treatment,and non-pharmacological methods like acupuncture and moxibustion.
Dr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, director of the Academy of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam, expressed hope that the workshop would foster discussions on innovative training methods. The aim is to train traditional medicine doctors who meet professional capacity requirements, employer needs, and can adapt to the digital change habitat, enabling them to practice internationally.
“We will also unify the opinions proposed by the National Medical Council on the specific requirements and key professional activities that traditional medicine doctors must achieve in the professional competence evaluation exam,” Dr. Huy stated.

Workshop participants emphasized the need for universities to collaborate with hospitals in developing human resources in traditional medicine, focusing on specialized fields. This collaboration aims to build models and treatment schemes that combine traditional and modern medicine, particularly in oncology and other areas.
Vice Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong called for strengthened research in medical examination and treatment, technology transfer, and the application of modern medical methods alongside traditional medicine. She also emphasized the importance of preserving and developing traditional medicine, medicinal herbs, and traditional medicines, as well as improving international cooperation to promote the image of Vietnamese traditional medicine globally.

Notable reports presented by national and international experts included discussions on acupuncture research in the 21st century, the current status of acupuncture and moxibustion in Japan, the application of Choang acupuncture in migraine treatment, and the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in treating anxiety and depression in Hanoi.These reports provided clinical perspectives and practical applications for effective, safe, and personalized treatments.
Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine Hosts International Seminar on Integrating Modern & Customary Practices: A Q&A
The convergence of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science is transforming healthcare around the globe. In Vietnam, this evolution is taking center stage. Let’s delve into the heart of this movement with a comprehensive Q&A on the recent international seminar hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine.
What was the focus of the recent international seminar hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Conventional Medicine?
The seminar, held in Hanoi, centered on “Inheritance – Creation – International Integration,” aiming to explore the future of traditional medicine. It brought together experts from across asia to discuss advancements, training, and the application of traditional medicine in the modern healthcare landscape.
Who attended the seminar, and what was their main goal?
The event drew nearly 20 leading experts from Vietnam, China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Their primary goal was to share knowledge,promote innovation in the training of medical professionals,and update treatment methodologies,with a significant emphasis on how technology can be integrated within the field of traditional medicine.
Why is integrating modern and traditional medicine significant in Vietnam?
Vietnam recognizes the unique strengths of both approaches. Modern medicine offers advanced diagnostic tools and treatments for various conditions. Traditional medicine, on the other hand, frequently enough excels in treating chronic conditions and promoting holistic well-being. The goal is to leverage the best of both worlds to improve patient outcomes and provide more comprehensive care.
What are the key challenges of integrating modern and traditional medicine?
One significant hurdle is the current training structure, where doctors are often educated separately in modern or traditional medicine. Practical implementation also faces hurdles as treatment regimens that effectively blend both approaches are not yet widely approved or applied. Funding and research also require further investment and examination across both practices
How is Vietnam addressing these challenges in medical training?
Dr. Le Manh Cuong, a key figure in the seminar, proposed a shift in medical education towards a curriculum that is roughly 50% modern medicine and 50% traditional medicine. The Academy of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam is already adapting its programs to support a deeper scientific understanding, aiming to develop evidence-based treatment regimens.
What are the potential benefits in combining these disciplines?
A unified approach ensures that doctors can have insight to all the best methods of care and prescribe effective treatment plans for patients. For example, the seminar noted that traditional medicine can be notably effective in treating chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, insomnia, and back pain. This would allow doctors to be adept at prescribing and utilizing methods appropriately.
What are the best examples of combined traditional and modern practices?
Countries like China have successfully implemented training models that allocate roughly equal proportions to modern and traditional medicine. In Vietnam, Tue Tinh Hospital is already beginning to adopt this integrated knowledge strategy. The goal is to refine treatment and expand it to other areas
What role does technology play in the integration of traditional medicine?
Technology is becoming increasingly importent.The seminar highlighted the integration of technology within the field of traditional medicine.Discussions also centered on using technology for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and research. Technology can also support training, facilitating the spread of knowledge and making it easier to access and use traditional medicine techniques.
What is the role of acupuncture and moxibustion in this integration?
Acupuncture and moxibustion were a key focus of discussion during the seminar. These non-pharmacological methods are increasingly recognized for their effectiveness in treating various conditions, including anxiety and depression. Reports explored current research, application, and potential benefits of these methods.
What are the key plans for Traditional Medicine education moving forward?
Traditional medicine training institutions will base their curricula on established competency standards for traditional medicine doctors, the scope of medical examinations, and treatment protocols. They will also draw from international experiences to enhance the quality of training for Vietnamese medical doctors. The goal is to implement a professional competency evaluation for traditional medicine by 2027, in accordance with current medical examination and treatment laws.
What is the Vietnamese government’s strategy for the integration of modern and traditional medicine?
Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Vietnam’s Vice Minister of Health, urged experts to continue promoting the implementation of legal policies in the area of training, research, and application of traditional medicine treatments. The government emphasizes the importance of preserving, developing, and advancing international cooperation to elevate the profile of Vietnamese traditional medicine.

What is the role of research in advancing integrated medicine?
Research plays a critical role in providing scientific evidence and validation for the effective integration of modern and traditional medicine. Strengthening medical examination and treatment research, along with appropriate technology transfer, is a key focus, as is the application of modern approaches alongside traditional medicine.
How will the shift in training programs affect the care and treatment of patients?
The ultimate goal is to train informed physicians who are equally pleasant with both medical disciplines. This will lead to more comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for patients, incorporating the best of both modern and traditional medical practices. It aims to help treat a variety of conditions and will likely yield positive patient experiences.
What is the significance of international collaboration in this initiative?
International collaboration is crucial for sharing knowledge, best practices, and experiences. The seminar fostered exchanges between experts from several countries, which is essential for expanding knowledge, enhancing training programs, and further refining the integration of the two medical disciplines.

What are the next steps following the seminar?
The seminar’s organizers are optimistic about the future. they will continue on the current path. The training programs, medical examinations, and collaborations will be continuously refined and updated. The key is to have standardized competency criteria for traditional medicine doctors to be put in place by 2027.
Where can patients receive integrated medical services?
Tue Tinh Hospital, directed by Dr. Le Manh Cuong, is one of the first hospitals in Vietnam that is already adopting an integrated approach to applying both traditional and modern medical knowledge. This is a trend that is expected to grow as integrated medicine becomes more commonplace.Additionally, hospitals and medical schools throughout Vietnam will collaborate to support and expand this kind of medical approach.
Conclusion
the international seminar underscored Vietnam’s commitment to healthcare innovation. Through integration, collaboration, and a commitment to research, vietnam aims to build a healthcare system that combines the strengths of traditional and modern medicine, ultimately improving the health and well-being of its citizens and setting an example for other nations.
