Project Pioneer PAs in Vietnam
An initiative to pave the way for the first generation of Physician Assistants (PAs) in Vietnam 🇻🇳
Welcome to Pioneer PAs in Vietnam!We are a group of medical students and young physicians with one shared mission:
To bring the Physician Assistant (PA) model closer to Vietnam’s healthcare system.Why did we begin this journey?
•    Vietnam is facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially at the grassroots level.
•    Doctors and nurses are consistently overworked.
•    The PA model has helped many countries solve these issues effectively.We believe that a workforce of Physician Assistants trained with solid clinical knowledge, compassion, and adapted to Vietnam’s reality:
→ Help reduce the burden on doctors, enhance the quality of care, and expand access to healthcare in the community.Pioneer PAs in Vietnam began as a small idea - and we’re growing into a collective effort toward building a strong, sustainable mid-level healthcare workforce that stands alongside physicians to strengthen Vietnam’s healthcare system.
1. What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a medically trained mid-level provider who works under the supervision of a physician to support patient care.
PAs are trained to:
•    Take medical history and conduct basic physical exams
•    Assist with diagnosis and follow-up care
•    Perform minor procedures and provide patient counseling
•    Document clinical information and collaborate across departmentsIn countries like the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Singapore, the PA model has proven highly effective in reducing physician workload, shortening wait times, and improving access to care across populations.2. Vietnam is facing a healthcare workforce shortage
According to the Ministry of Health (2023), Vietnam has around 14 doctors per 10,000 people, which is below the global recommendation (WHO).
Doctors in major hospitals may see up to 60–80 patients per day, leaving very limited time per consultation.
In many regions, both doctors and nurses are overwhelmed due to workforce shortages.3. How can the PA model help?
•    Reduce physician workload, especially in routine clinical tasks
•    Shorten examination times and improve hospital workflow
•    Expand access to care in rural and underserved areas
•    Allow nurses to focus on patient care within their scope
•    Strengthen health education and long-term follow-up support4. Why train PAs in Vietnam?
•    Shorter training time compared to physicians (2–3 years)
•    Cost-effective and utilizes existing hospital infrastructure
•    Ideal for those passionate about clinical work but not pursuing medical specialization
•    Supports a flexible, modern, multi-tiered healthcare systemPAs are not a replacement for physicians.
They are well-trained collaborators who work closely with doctors to improve the quality and accessibility of care.
Project Implementation Roadmap2025–2026
Project initiation: Conduct research on Vietnam’s healthcare system, develop branding, and begin engaging the medical community.2026–2029
Curriculum development: Design a national PA training framework, curate educational materials, and build a team of instructors and advisors.2030–2031
Pilot preparation: Finalize program design, connect with partner hospitals, and draft official collaboration proposals.2032–2034
Pilot implementation: Launch Vietnam’s first PA training program, with continuous monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes.From 2035 onward
Expansion and institutionalization: Scale the program nationwide, standardize curriculum, and work toward establishing the Vietnam Association of Physician Assistants (VAPA).
Are you a doctor, medical student, educator, healthcare administrator,
or simply someone who cares about the future of healthcare in Vietnam?We’d love to hear from you!
Pioneer PAs in Vietnam welcomes all ideas, perspectives, and opportunities for collaboration
as we work together to build a PA model that is practical, impactful, and compassionate for Vietnam.Get in touch with us:
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Pioneer Physician Assistants - PAs in Vietnam
https://www.facebook.com/pioneerpavn/
• LinkedIn: Phuong (Stella) Quach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaphuongquach/Want to join the team?
→ [Sign up here] https://forms.gle/f38MxzZBi7buCXfBAWe look forward to walking this journey with you.