As part of the 2026 summer internship program at Purdue University Northwest (United States), Medicine students from Tan Tao University (TTU) directly experienced the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method – a modern training model applied by many of the world’s leading medical schools. Beyond gaining exposure to this advanced learning method, TTU students also confidently presented, discussed, and debated in English with international faculty and students, gradually affirming the integration capabilities of this future generation of doctors.
Approaching the PBL method – A foundation for training doctors in the new era
During their internship period at Purdue University Northwest (United States), Medicine students from Tan Tao University took part in classes using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Ernest Talarico – Visiting Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Tan Tao University; Professor of Anatomy & Physiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University Northwest.
PBL (Problem-Based Learning) is a problem-based, learner-centered method, as opposed to simply receiving knowledge through traditional teaching formats. In each session, students were presented with real clinical scenarios and worked together in groups to analyze the problem, search for scientific literature, discuss, reason, and propose solutions under the guidance of the instructor.
Through this method, students not only reinforced their professional knowledge but also trained their clinical thinking, critical reasoning ability, communication skills, teamwork, and decision-making – core competencies of a physician in the modern medical environment. This is also a training method chosen by many medical schools around the world to prepare students for the ability to adapt to the challenges of clinical practice.
Learning in an international environment, broadening perspectives on modern medicine
Beyond studying with an experienced faculty team, TTU students also had the opportunity to work alongside many medical students from various countries. This multicultural academic environment helped them access new perspectives on medicine, while also learning study, research, and problem-solving methods from their international peers.
Discussing together, sharing ideas, and solving clinical scenarios in an international environment gave TTU students valuable practical experience, contributing to enhanced adaptability, global thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration skills – factors that are increasingly important in the field of healthcare.
A solid English foundation – A launchpad for TTU students’ international integration
One of the standout highlights of the TTU Medicine student delegation during the internship program was their ability to use English confidently and proactively. In the PBL sessions, the students directly presented their viewpoints, took part in group discussions, reasoned, and debated entirely in English with international faculty and students.
Using a foreign language in an academic environment not only helps students access global medical knowledge sources but also creates a foundation for participating in research, international exchange, and adapting to multinational working environments.
This is also a result of TTU’s training approach, which emphasizes developing English proficiency alongside professional expertise, helping students be ready to integrate internationally from their time on campus.
Nurturing the courage to integrate, spreading the value of community service
For TTU Medicine students, the internship program in the United States was not only an opportunity to access advanced training methods but also a journey of growth in expertise, skills, and integration mindset. Every class hour, every discussion session, and every presentation in front of international peers contributed to helping them accumulate knowledge, build professional resilience, and affirm the capabilities of Vietnamese students in a global academic environment.
The experiences at Purdue University Northwest not only broadened their perspective on modern medicine but also nurtured a spirit of eagerness to learn, adaptability, and a mindset for working in an international environment. This will be important preparation for these future doctors to confidently integrate and be ready to participate in healthcare systems around the world.
Above all, the knowledge, skills, and values accumulated from the program will be brought back to Vietnam by TTU Medicine students, contributing to improving the quality of community healthcare and realizing the University’s training goal: building a team of doctors with solid expertise, international integration capabilities, and a spirit of service to society.
