On October 22, 2008, we flew from Hanoi to Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. To relate to distances in Vietnam, an extremely long country, this was an 850 mile flight. We were invited to lecture at Hoan Mai General Hospital. The members of the party were Dr. Le, myself, and, to my great pleasure, Dr. Tony N. DeMaria, current Professor of Medicine and Chair of Cardiology of UC San Diego. Dr. DeMaria is also a past president of the American College of Cardiology and, at least as significant, if not more, the current Editor of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, one of the most supreme cardiovascular journals in the world.
Aside from the lectures, to be discussed later, we visited two hospitals in Saigon. The first one was Cho Ray. This is a truly unbelievable experience because they have 1600 beds and the average patient census is close to 3000. This means that all too often there are two and occasionally three patients in one bed. We met with the directors of the intensive care unit and emergency rooms in both of these hospitals. At Cho Ray Hospital, there is extreme overcrowding, as already mentioned. Additionally, there are frequently several family members for each patient to help inpatient care and also to bring in food and other supplies. The devotion and extremely positive professional manner of the overworked physicians there is inspiring.
At Hoan Mai Hospital, Dr. DeMaria lectured on the translation of cardiovascular research into clinical practice, an extremely scholarly presentation. I lectured on the latest advances in management of lipids in patients both with known coronary artery disease and at high coronary risk. I also reviewed the COURAGE Trial, which pointed out the value of intensive medical therapy versus stent placement in stable patients with coronary artery disease. The audience consisted of approximately 40 cardiologists, internists, and general practitioners who practice at that hospital.
Dr. Le performed angioplasty and stent placement on at least two patients while we were lecturing. The hospital actually integrated live performance of these procedures with out lectures to the audience, and I would say their reaction was quite enthusiastic.
Aside from the lectures, to be discussed later, we visited two hospitals in Saigon. The first one was Cho Ray. This is a truly unbelievable experience because they have 1600 beds and the average patient census is close to 3000. This means that all too often there are two and occasionally three patients in one bed. We met with the directors of the intensive care unit and emergency rooms in both of these hospitals. At Cho Ray Hospital, there is extreme overcrowding, as already mentioned. Additionally, there are frequently several family members for each patient to help inpatient care and also to bring in food and other supplies. The devotion and extremely positive professional manner of the overworked physicians there is inspiring.
At Hoan Mai Hospital, Dr. DeMaria lectured on the translation of cardiovascular research into clinical practice, an extremely scholarly presentation. I lectured on the latest advances in management of lipids in patients both with known coronary artery disease and at high coronary risk. I also reviewed the COURAGE Trial, which pointed out the value of intensive medical therapy versus stent placement in stable patients with coronary artery disease. The audience consisted of approximately 40 cardiologists, internists, and general practitioners who practice at that hospital.
Dr. Le performed angioplasty and stent placement on at least two patients while we were lecturing. The hospital actually integrated live performance of these procedures with out lectures to the audience, and I would say their reaction was quite enthusiastic.
I am always happy to return to the United States after such trips because it makes me feel very thankful for my blessings in my ability to practice here. I remain inspired by the devoted professionalism that the physicians in Vietnam possess.
