Pediatric resident training in Vietnam.

Vietnam has a population of 85 millions, but still has insufficient physicians. The main program is similar to the Philippines, where trainees enter through the national system after high school and passing an entrance examination to gain a place in a university. At this point, there are two options: six-year and a four-year curriculum programs. For the six year training to become a doctor, there are a number of specialties. The other branch is a four-year program to qualify as a bachelor of public health, nursing, or medical technician. At the same time, Vietnam still maintains provincial and rural training systems where trainees can also gain experience in three years and qualify to become a part of the medical and allied medical profession. One of the reasons for this additional path is to achieve the total number of doctors and medical professions required throughout the country. Postgraduate training Once qualified as a MD and having worked for two years, it is possible to take an examination and enter either academic or practical fields; the former belonging to the Ministry of Education and latter to the Ministry of Health. There is also collaboration between these two systems.