Student members
In addition to providing healthcare services to patients in Vietnam, one of VHC's primary objectives is the education and development of our student members. Each year, students dedicate themselves to fundraising, procuring supplies, and attending weekly training sessions to prepare for all aspects of our mobile health clinic. These trainings equip students with essential skills, such as measuring blood pressure, taking medical histories, and interpreting for healthcare professionals. Since VHC’s inception, over 500 students have volunteered with us, with more than 50% successfully pursuing careers in healthcare.
VHC also fosters leadership by empowering former volunteers to become student officers, where they play a critical role in training new members. Each year, despite the challenges and demands, our student officers shoulder significant responsibility to ensure the success of the clinic, creating a rewarding experience for both volunteers and health professionals alike.
Applications for the Summer 2025 cohort have closed. The next student member recruitment will be Fall 2026.
To receive notifications about application openings, upcoming info sessions, and other events, please subscribe to our email list here or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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What are the roles and responsibilities expected of healthcare professionals?1. Physicians (MD, DO, ARNP, PA-C) - Primary care providers will assess acute care needs, provide education and treat with proper therapy based on an in-house drug formulary list. 2. Nurse (RN) - Nurses will be the first point-of-contact for the patient to gather medical history and triage based on primary chief complaints. 3. Pharmacist (PharmD) - Pharmacists help create the drug formulary, maintain adequate inventory, and dispense medications based on the doctors’ therapy goals while counseling patients on how to properly take their medications. 4. Dentist (DDS, DMD) - Dentists will be providing dental education and emergent dental treatments for patients experiencing tooth pain. 5. Optometrist (OD) - Provide primary level of eyecare including refraction and assessment of ocular health. Donated prescription and reader glasses will be available for immediate dispensing to optimize a patient's vision. Sunglasses are given to every patient during the mission to educate the population about UV protection. 6. Physical Therapist (DPT) - Therapists will demonstrate stretches, exercises and techniques to improve the body’s strengths and flexibility to decrease the risk of work-related injuries.
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How much does it cost to participate as an HP and what does the cost include?A trip deposit is required to cover in-country costs, which includes, but are not limited to hotel accommodations, food, transportation, and team excursions. For one week participation, the trip deposit is $1000. For both weeks, it will be $2000. Airfair is separate.
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Do I need to be located in Seattle, WA or licensed in the state of Washington to be an HP?No, we have had HPs from all over the US volunteer with VHC. We have a lot of experience with coordinating meetings and keeping our HP volunteers up-to-date via online tools such as email, zoom or google meet. However, we do hold HP-specific events in Seattle such as formulary management discussion, round-table clinical best practice discussion as well as mock clinics. We strong encourage our HPs to attend these events if they can.
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When would I need to commit to be a healthcare professional by to confirm my participation?As there are a limited number of available positions per component so the sooner you are able to commit, the better for us to solidify our healthcare team to provide you with all the logistical details and training involved with the other providers. We strongly suggest that you submit the questionnaire as soon as you know that you are able to commit to our clinic dates.
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Can I bring a spouse or child along with me if I am supporting the clinic as an HP?Unfortunately the space on our team is limited. However, we are happy to evaluate your request on a case by case basis. Please let us know during the registration process and we can provide you with more details.
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How often do healthcare professionals meet, and are meeting attendance required?Our healthcare professionals typically meet at least twice prior to clinics in Vietnam to discuss formulary management and mock clinic training. These meetings are strongly encouraged in order for you to have the latest updates for the trip and to ensure you have the support you need as a healthcare professional.
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Will I need to bring any of my equipment or will everything be provided?VHC welcome all healthcare providers to consider bringing their own equipment or supplies they may find suitable for such practice setting. Our team will consult with you to evaluate the need and appropriateness of the equipment you plan to bring. VHC does provide some clinical equipment to support each specialty. Please note VHC may help assist the transport of equipment but is not responsible for any loss or damage of the equipment.
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Do I have to book my own flights for the trip?Each HP is responsible for booking their own flight. VHC is happy to connect you with our travel agent to support you with your booking.
From our alumni:
Anthony Luu
Member: 2.0 | Leader: 3.0, 4.0
"I joined Vietnam Health Clinic in 2010 as a student volunteer and for the first time during my college career, I felt a sense of purpose and belonging. I was surrounded by driven, like-minded students with similar career aspirations and the support we provided each other not only helped us produce successful mission trips, but also success in our own personal and professional endeavors. I have made many life-long friends through the organization and for that, I am grateful."
Michelle Tran
Member: 4.0 | Leader: 5.0
"Vietnam Health Clinic offers no epiphanies--you likely won't save lives and you probably won't figure out the rest of your life in two weeks. Instead, you'll work hard, sweat a lot, and laugh loudly with a team that will slowly become some of your best friends. You'll gain new appreciation, insight into new perspectives, and serve a population you will never forget."
Belle Ngo
Member: 6.0 | Leader: 7.0
"It is a complex and multifaceted task to make a lasting impact on a community, but VHC has the passion, drive, and teamwork to continually evolve. Working with such a dedicated and tenacious family has greatly informed my goals as an aspiring physician and has not only unlocked new opportunities, but also provided me with fresh perspectives."