With the theme “High-Tech Medicine in the New Era,” the expanded DTU Scientific Conference on Medicine attracted a large number of scientists, experts, healthcare workers, and lecturers to participate on September 28, 2024, at DTU. The conference focused on sharing and updating advances in Science and Technology in the fields of Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dentistry, Nursing, and Public Health, aiming to enhance treatment quality, patient health management, and care in the digital age.
The Role of High Technology in Training and Healthcare
The development of science and technology is creating breakthroughs in all sectors of society. Among these, training in the Health Sciences and healthcare activities are achieving significant results today. At the DTU Scientific Conference, leaders and experts provided specific insights into this issue.
Scientists Reporting at the DTU Conference
Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Training at the Ministry of Health, emphasized: “This year’s conference theme on high-tech medicine aligns perfectly with the development orientation of the healthcare sector for the period of 2025-2030, focusing on: Biotechnology, Personalized Medicine, Cell Therapy, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Notably, AI has made significant advancements in medicine, from heart surgery to chip implantation for rehabilitation. We hope that DTU will actively participate in the scientific and technological system of the healthcare sector, both domestically and internationally, to affirm its position and contribute more to this field. The Ministry of Health is ready to support and cooperate so that the university can access major national science and technology programs. As a top 500 university globally, DTU is further asserting itself in education. I hope there will be more collaboration opportunities to develop science and technology in Health Sciences, ultimately aiming to train high-quality human resources that significantly contribute to healthcare and community service.”
A large attendance of scientists, experts, healthcare workers, and lecturers
Directly involved in training in the Health Sciences, DTU recognizes the importance of Science and Technology in enhancing training processes and student capabilities. Professor Tran Huu Dang, DTU Vice - Provost and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, shared: “In recent years, the world has faced many significant challenges as Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly impacts various vital areas of life and production. Particularly in Health Sciences, AI is beginning to replace part of the work of doctors, from heart surgeries to implanting chips for body rehabilitation. This compels us to continuously research, learn, and share experiences to both harness AI's potential and effectively manage this technology in the future. To achieve this, we need to change our mindset and clearly understand the importance of basic and applied research in health sciences. Moreover, close collaboration between universities and research institutes is essential to promote advancements in academia and practical applications. The expanded DTU Scientific Conference in 2024 is held during a special time, marking the 30th anniversary of the university-a significant milestone in the development of the first and largest private university in Central Vietnam. The large participation of delegates further affirms the importance of this conference and the tremendous support of everyone for DTU.”
Notable Scientific Research
The General Session of the Conference recorded many important scientific reports presented by leading experts. Professor Tran Huu Dang, DTU Vice - Provost and President of the ASEAN Diabetes Association, presented on “Pathophysiological Mechanism-Based Treatment: An Essential Foundation for Managing Diabetic Polyneuropathy.” The report highlighted the importance of mechanism-based treatment in managing the peripheral nerve complications of diabetes. Regarding treatment, the IDF 2022 consensus recommends that patients should be treated with three foundations:
• Optimizing blood glucose control and managing risk factors,
• Blocking disease-causing glucose metabolism pathways (Alpha-lipoic acid - ALA, Benfotiamine),
• Treating neuropathic pain symptoms.
Speaker Professor Nguyen Thanh Hai, Vice Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, introduced “Training the Body’s Defense System”- a field that has won two Nobel Prizes. This report opened a new perspective on training the immune system in preventing and treating dangerous diseases. The human body has a “defense” system to protect itself from external agents, known as the immune system. When attacked by foreign agents, the immune system mobilizes the body to produce various types of “weapons” for self-defense. The immune system has a unique ability to “remember” and “recognize” body components for protection, which allows it to be “trained” to enhance the body’s self-defense capabilities against external threats.
Professor Huynh Van Minh, President of the Vietnam Cardiology Association, also presented the latest updates on treating hypertension-a health issue that is becoming increasingly common. Treatment should focus on achieving optimal target blood pressure levels, combining early medication with new groups such as SGLT2i, ARNI, and non-steroidal MRA.
After the General Session, there were in-depth Discussion Sessions with lively analyses and exchanges from delegates, covering topics such as:
• Emergency Medicine,
• Plastic Surgery,
• Cardiology,
• Dentistry,
• Pharmacology,
• Public Health,
Products developed, commercialized, and integrated into teaching
In applied research activities, DTU has researched, produced, and commercialized products to support training and activities in healthcare, specifically:
• 3D Human Anatomy Application in Medicine: awarded first prize at the Vietnam Talent Awards 2017, the Sao Khue Award 2018, and the Silver Medal at the ASEAN ICT Awards 2018;
• eCPR Product: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills support machine, awarded the Sao Khue 2020 title, patented, and commercialized;
• dtu-VENT Ventilator: equipped with all functions of a professional medical ventilator, meeting emergency parameters and treating COVID-19 patients;
• AED-302 Trainer: training skills for defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and has been signed with Wellbeing Services Joint Stock Company for commercialization;
• Online Medical Ecosystem: won first prize at the Youth Innovation 2021, first prize and the Most Influential Award at the Sao Kim Awards 2021, first prize at the VSIC 2021 Social Innovation Challenge, received commendations from the Central Vietnam Youth Union, and the Engaged Scholar 2021 award from VNES - the Vietnamese Community Scholars Network, etc.
• DTU SimSkin Wound Suturing Model: won second place at the SMILE CODE Science Research Competition and is currently being tested in suturing practice courses at the DTU Faculty of Medicine and the DTU Faculty of Dentistry.
(Media Center)