PROJECT TEAM OF VOLUNTEER DOCTORS (TVD)

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PROJECT TVD is a US based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health care of the people of Vietnam. In addition to providing direct patient care, we also elevate our Vietnamese colleagues’ ability to help their own patients through the latest in medical education.

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An organization started in 1999, Project TVD began by 3 physicians from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) to lecture in Danang, Vietnam. Organized by Dr. Tung Van Dinh, the former director of Danang General Hospital, Project TVD continues today by his children; honoring this legacy-the name of the Project includes his initials.

The project is the combined efforts of the children of Dr. Tung Van Dinh, with the support of their families and their mother, Mrs. Tonia To Dinh, as well as dozens of physicians and allied health providers.

Since a modest beginning in 1999, Project TVD has recruited physician friends and colleagues to donate their time and expertise to Danang. For a week annually, they work alongside their Vietnamese colleagues to improve the knowledge of local healthcare professionals and provide direct patient care to indigent patients. This is an all-volunteer activity; the physicians volunteer their time, and pay for all of their expenses. Commonly, physicians combine the work week with several days of vacation in Vietnam or surrounding countries of Southeast Asia. In efforts to recruit physicians, it helps that Danang is located along the coast and is home to the internationally famous “China Beach.” From Danang, several UNESCO World Heritage sites are also nearby.

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THIS YEAR

· 25 TVD members from the specialties of: Anesthesia, Ophthalmology, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery, Family Medicine, Cardiology, Thoracic Surgery, Internal Medicine/Palliative Care, and OB-GYN (Gynecologic Oncology, Urogynecology, and Maternal Fetal Medicine.)

· Over 50 surgeries procedures/patients treated

· 450 overall attendees at our multiple seminars (including remote)

· Over 100 high risk pregnancy ultrasounds were done by 2 maternal fetal medicine specialists

· Held the first seminar on palliative care in Da Nang, Vietnam to introduce this important topic to clinicians in the region

· Performed the first breast reconstruction using TRAM flap in Da Nang and taught local plastics surgeons this technique, which is the preferred method for breast reconstruction after mastectomy

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