Brian Jeffrey
A Life-Changing Experience in France
Seven years back, Tran Dinh Dung, a medical student from Hanoi Medical University, interned at the Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery in Strasbourg, France. There, he witnessed the remarkable recovery of a 16-year-old patient suffering from acute liver failure caused by drug poisoning. This patient, who arrived in a coma, underwent a liver transplant just two days after admission and showed significant improvement in two weeks.
This inspiring experience led Dung to envision a more robust organ transplant program in Vietnam, aiming to provide critically ill patients the chance for recovery. Following his internship, he returned home to begin his residency at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, engaging actively with organ transplant teams.
Continued Education and Dedication
In November 2022, Dung returned to France for advanced training in organ transplants. Over the course of a year, he honed his skills at four top transplantation centers. By 2024, he had become a qualified doctor at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, where he participated in all organ transplant procedures, often working tirelessly for days.
Reflecting on his demanding schedule, Dung shared, “After long hours of surgeries extending until midnight, we only had a brief rest before setting off to collect organs from a brain-dead donor. The smooth operation of that transfer reminded me of my time in France, reinforcing my belief in the progress of Vietnam’s transplant capabilities.” Currently, only 5% of organ transplants in Vietnam come from brain-dead donors, and Dung aspires to increase this through better public awareness and access to information.
Progress in Organ Donation Awareness
Du Thi Ngoc Thu, who has led the Organ Transplantation Coordination Unit at Cho Ray Hospital for a decade, emphasized the advancements in organ donation and transplantation in Vietnam. The number of registered organ donors is on the rise, thanks to changing mindsets, especially among the youth, some of whom are registering to donate as soon as they turn 18.
Despite this positive shift, Thu noted challenges persist, as many individuals remain unaware of their options regarding organ transplantation. She expressed her desire for increased public knowledge and registration for organ donation. Many patients often seek medical help only when their conditions worsen, and financial barriers prevent others from getting necessary treatments or insurance.
Future Coordination Improvements
Thu advocates for comprehensive health insurance coverage for organ transplants, enabling patients to afford essential treatments. She also calls for enhanced processes for organ selection and coordination. “The Ministry of Health is currently developing a system to ensure coordination between donation centers and hospitals is effective,” she mentioned, expressing hope for future automation in these procedures.
As of early 2024, Vietnam has performed over 8,300 organ transplants, including more than 7,500 kidney and over 500 liver transplants, with 25 centers authorized to conduct such procedures.
