Clinical Internship Opportunities In The United States – Tan Tao University

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The Medical Clerkship Program in the United States at the School of Medicine – Tan Tao University is currently the only short-term clinical internship program in the U.S. available to medical students in Vietnam. The program offers a unique opportunity for students to directly explore the U.S. healthcare system, access an international standard training environment, and observe the clinical reasoning and professional conduct of American physicians.

Through this experience, students expand their academic horizons, strengthen their career orientation, and build a solid foundation for growth in the context of globalized medicine.

Program overview

  • Program Objectives
  • Academic Value and International Orientation
  • Practice Facilities and Training Environment

The U.S. Medical Clerkship Program is a distinctive and specialized educational initiative of Tan Tao University. Developed based on the strategic vision of the Founder and the Board of Trustees, the program aims to provide students of the School of Medicine with access to advanced medical training environments that meet international standards.

This summer internship in the U.S. (one-month duration) is designed to provide students with intensive academic and clinical experiences within a modern medical education system. By engaging with U.S. medical training, practice, and healthcare management, students have the opportunity to enhance their professional competencies, broaden their academic mindset, and develop career skills in a globalized world.

This foundational experience helps guide and support students in building long-term career paths, whether in Vietnam or internationally. Notably, many students, after completing the program, have gone on to pursue international licensing examinations (USMLE), participate in residency programs, and practice medicine in the United States.

Dr. Tran Trong Nhan, a graduate of the Class of 2020 from the School of Medicine, Tan Tao University, has matched into a Pediatric Residency program in Alabama.
Dr. Tran Trong Nhan, a graduate of the Class of 2020 from the School of Medicine, Tan Tao University, has matched into a Pediatric Residency program in Alabama.

Why Should You Join the U.S. Medical Clerkship Program?

  • Access to Modern Healthcare: The United States is a global leader in medical research and technological application. By participating in this program, students gain access to the latest equipment and cutting-edge techniques.
  • Enhance Professional Expertise: Working in a professional environment at U.S. hospitals will help you hone your clinical skills, independent thinking, and teamwork abilities.
  • Expand Your Network: You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-leading medical experts, building lasting relationships within the international medical community. This is a vital stepping stone for your future career development.
  • Improve Language Proficiency: Working and communicating daily in English will effectively elevate your professional and conversational language skills.
  • Boost Career Opportunities: Internship experience in the U.S. serves as a significant advantage whether you return to your home country or choose to pursue a medical career in the U.S. after graduation.

Note: Participating in a medical clerkship in the U.S. requires thorough preparation and a specific financial commitment. You should research all information and plan carefully before deciding to join.

Selection process and internship placement

Academic Activities

Since 2016, Tan Tao University has sent over 100 students from various cohorts to participate in clinical clerkships in the United States. Beyond experiencing a world-class healthcare system, students also have the chance to engage in research and cultural exchange activities, integrating into a diverse global environment.

Below are the activities our students participate in during their clinical practice in the U.S.:

  • Workshops on patient approach, history taking, physical examination, and medical records.
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions.
  • Clinical rotations and internships.
  • Scientific research activities.
  • Presenting research findings at medical conferences.
  • Cultural integration and networking events.
Professor Dave, MD – Program Director at Saint Mary’s Medical Center, pictured with TTU students.
Professor Dave, MD – Program Director at Saint Mary’s Medical Center, pictured with TTU students.

Patient Approach, History Taking, and Medical Record Documentation Classes

These classes guide students on how to approach patients and introduce themselves in English with the highest level of professionalism. Additionally, the curriculum highlights critical communication pitfalls to avoid within a diverse and multicultural healthcare environment.

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Medical student Le Nhan Tam (Class of 2014-2020) practicing patient communication during a clinical session with a physician at the hospital.
Medical student Le Nhan Tam (Class of 2014-2020) practicing patient communication during a clinical session with a physician at the hospital.

Clinical rotations in inpatient and outpatient departments

Full participation in hospital activities in the United States—including inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and operating rooms—provides students with a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system.

Medical student Duong Danh Nguyen Hien performing a physical examination and history taking.
Medical student Duong Danh Nguyen Hien performing a physical examination and history taking.
Medical students Mai Quang Minh and Le Bao Huy conducting a patient examination.
Medical students Mai Quang Minh and Le Bao Huy conducting a patient examination.
Medical students Mai Quang Minh and Le Bao Huy participating in coronary angiography and intervention for a patient with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
Medical students Mai Quang Minh and Le Bao Huy participating in coronary angiography and intervention for a patient with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
Medical student Luong Thanh Phuoc auscultating a patient’s lungs. Having the opportunity to perform physical examinations is a key advantage for students during their clinical clerkships in the United States.
Medical student Luong Thanh Phuoc auscultating a patient’s lungs. Having the opportunity to perform physical examinations is a key advantage for students during their clinical clerkships in the United States.

Short-term training programs during medical school

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Associate Professor Ernest Talarico, PhD – Instructor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Visiting Professor at the TTU School of Medicine – guiding TTU students during a practical session at the Indiana University School of Medicine Anatomy Lab (USA).
Associate Professor Ernest Talarico, PhD – Instructor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Visiting Professor at the TTU School of Medicine – guiding TTU students during a practical session at the Indiana University School of Medicine Anatomy Lab (USA).
Associate Professor Ernest Talarico, PhD – Instructor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Visiting Professor at the TTU School of Medicine – pictured with students at the Indiana University Anatomy Lab.
Associate Professor Ernest Talarico, PhD – Instructor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Visiting Professor at the TTU School of Medicine – pictured with students at the Indiana University Anatomy Lab.

Academic enrichment and professional clinical sessions

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Scientific research activities

Students will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, engage in critical debates, and present their research ideas. Furthermore, selected students will have the chance to collaborate on scientific research projects alongside distinguished Professors.

Students visiting, observing, and providing perspectives on Professor Thach’s research on Cavitation Theory (within coronary arteries) at the University of Chicago Physics Laboratory.
Students visiting, observing, and providing perspectives on Professor Thach’s research on Cavitation Theory (within coronary arteries) at the University of Chicago Physics Laboratory.
Presenting medical theories to support Level X engineers in developing medical training games.
Presenting medical theories to support Level X engineers in developing medical training games.
Le Xuan Minh Phuc, representing the Tan Tao University research team, presented their findings at the American Heart Association (AHA) conference and was honored with the Paul Dudley White Scholar Award—named after Professor Paul Dudley White, MD, the founder of the American Heart Association.
Le Xuan Minh Phuc, representing the Tan Tao University research team, presented their findings at the American Heart Association (AHA) conference and was honored with the Paul Dudley White Scholar Award—named after Professor Paul Dudley White, MD, the founder of the American Heart Association.

Cultural integration and extramural activities

Touring Indiana University with international students and exploring the U.S. Medical Education System.
Touring Indiana University with international students and exploring the U.S. Medical Education System.
Visiting-a-U.S.-Congressional-office-to-learn-about-U.S.-healthcare-policies-and-sharing-perspectives-on-the-differences-between-the-Vietnamese-and-American-medical-systems
Visiting-a-U.S.-Congressional-office-to-learn-about-U.S.-healthcare-policies-and-sharing-perspectives-on-the-differences-between-the-Vietnamese-and-American-medical-systems
Students joining Indian-American physicians at an Indian cultural festival.
Students joining Indian-American physicians at an Indian cultural festival.

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