Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan (Viet Nam) comes to USA on a scholarship visit

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, orthopaedic surgeon at the Hospital of Trauma and Orthopedics, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, writes about his scholarship experience: 

"I’m a lucky man when I’ve received the scholarship of the 2013 AAOS-Viet Nam Orthopaedic Association Visiting Scholar and Professional Development Program in Adult Reconstruction.

      The last observership in Mayo Clinic has been the amazing time in my career. This program is my wonderful experience. There are so much more than I would like to see, to understand, and to join. Professor Cabanela and his team are warm-hearted and caring hosts. Words cannot really depict how I felt during this experience.

     I also would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Gurevich, coordinator of AAOS, who helped me with the professional arrangements. This made my stay stress-free and pleasant. Many thanks to Ms Gurevich.

     I have had an opportunity to open my mind, not only in new technique, treatment concepts of joint reconstruction, but also in other aspects such as OR organization, patient education and communication...It's really regret that I weren't able to take the pictures in the OR because of legal rule. I believe they would be the very interesting evidences when I tell to my colleagues about. Prof. Trousdale, prof. Sierra, prof. Taunton and their teams were very enthusiastic to help me during my stay in Mayo Clinic.

     Of some orthopedics meetings, I have had a chance to joint, the “Musculoskeletal Oncology for the Practicing Orthopedist”conference was very interesting. At there, I could see the wonderful cooperation among orthopedists, phathologic physicians and medical imaging specialists.
     The orthopedics lab is also the very interesting place where I wish I have an opportunity to do a research. Prof. Kai-nan An, a very gentle man, introduced me many exciting and sophisticated equipments.  After visiting that place, I have understood a little bit how they have been able to do sophisticated basic science researches with the unique machines.

     Of course, the Mayo's library is a wonderful place for me. I feel regret to spend only short time there, although I tried my best to make copies material of books, papers as many as I can. I do believe that I have a lot to share with my colleagues when I come back to Vietnam.

     Finally, I strongly believe that this scholarship has a profound impact on the recipient’s professional and personal development."