OMI Southeast Asia: The Journey Continues

Jul 22, 2025

For more than 30 years, the Open Medical Institute has been a global leader in advancing medical education, uniting physicians from around the world to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and ultimately elevate patient care.

In July 2025, this mission was once again brought to life in Southeast Asia as OMI returned to Vietnam, hosting two dynamic seminars in Hanoi.

From July 20 to 23, 2025, VinUniversity served as a hub for cutting-edge medical dialogue and collaborative learning. In partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), OMI delivered specialized seminars in Radiology and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, tailored to meet the region’s evolving healthcare needs.

Rooted in the Salzburg model, these seminars go beyond typical conferences. They are immersive experiences, designed to engage the next generation of doctors through interactive lectures, case-based discussions, and mutual learning.

The Radiology seminar was led by Dr. David W. Trost from Weill Cornell Medicine, who has been a dedicated OMI lecturer since 1997. Alongside his colleagues Dr. Kathryn Dean, Dr. Alan C. Legasto, and Dr. Grace C. Lo, the faculty presented a comprehensive curriculum spanning 13 lectures on state-of-the-art imaging topics such as head trauma, interstitial lung disease, cardiac CT, pancreatic lesions, and interventional procedures. The seminar also featured a hands-on ultrasound workshop, jointly conducted by Dr. Trost and Dr. Bui Van Giang, a leading radiologist from Hanoi.

Meanwhile, in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology seminar, course directors Dr. Michele P. Lambert and Dr. Alix Seif guided an equally rich and engaging program focusing on the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancers in children. Faculty members Dr. Cassie Kline and Dr. David T. Teachey (both from CHOP) and Dr. Michelle L. Hermiston (VinUniversity) shared their expertise through 14 lectures covering a wide spectrum of conditions, from leukemias and lymphomas to brain tumors, bleeding disorders, gene therapy, and palliative care.

A total of 66 fellows from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in these interactive courses, updating their knowledge and strengthening their clinical confidence. During the fellows’ case presentations, they brought their own clinical experiences to the table. Faculty and fellows engaged in robust discussions, offered constructive feedback, and explored alternative diagnoses and treatment approaches together.

More than just a transfer of knowledge, the seminars in Hanoi represented the spirit of OMI: a shared commitment to excellence, a belief in mentorship without borders, and a growing network of physicians dedicated to improving care in their communities. Expert faculty came not just to teach, but to listen, connect, and build lasting relationships with a new generation of Southeast Asian doctors.

By replicating the Salzburg model in Vietnam, OMI continues to strengthen regional capacity while fostering global collaboration. These seminars demonstrate what is possible when expertise meets enthusiasm, when ideas cross borders, and when doctors come together with a shared purpose.

We sincerely thank our dedicated course directors and faculty, our generous hosts at VinUniversity, and all the participating fellows. Their commitment truly made this possible.

OMI Southeast Asia is not just a program. It is a growing community. And the journey continues!

Want a closer look at our two recent seminars in Vietnam? Explore our detailed seminar reports to see the highlights and key takeaways.