Dr. John R. Patro Jr., Associate Dean for Health Sciences in Molloy University’s Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences, recently returned from a professional exchange in Da Nang, Vietnam, where he spent one week collaborating with healthcare leaders, educators, and clinicians to advance rehabilitation practice, healthcare education, and future international partnerships.
The visit marked another milestone in Molloy’s growing global engagement and reinforced the University’s commitment to preparing healthcare professionals equipped to serve diverse communities worldwide.
Throughout the trip, Dr. Patro worked alongside clinicians from multiple hospitals and healthcare organizations, delivering educational programming focused on functional care, early mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based rehabilitation. More than 100 physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals participated in a three-day educational seminar at Da Nang General Hospital, where attendees explored strategies to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing independence and functional recovery throughout the continuum of care. “The conversations were never just about therapy,” said Dr. Patro. “They were about changing culture, building partnerships, and helping healthcare professionals think differently about how we restore lives rather than simply treat disease.”
In addition to the seminar, Dr. Patro visited several healthcare institutions in Da Nang, including Da Nang General Hospital, Da Nang Traditional Medicine Hospital, Son Tra Hospital, and the Rehabilitation Department at Da Nang Hospital. During these visits, he participated in clinical rounds, observed patient care, met with hospital directors and clinical leaders, and provided bedside consultations on early mobility, stroke rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation practices.
The exchange also offered an opportunity to learn from Vietnam’s longstanding traditions in Eastern and traditional medicine. Visits to traditional medicine facilities highlighted the integration of herbal medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic movement, and holistic approaches with modern healthcare practices. These experiences will inform future educational opportunities for Molloy students and broaden perspectives on culturally responsive healthcare.
Beyond the clinical setting, the trip further strengthened relationships that have been developing over
several years. Dr. Patro has previously collaborated with healthcare organizations in Da Nang through international educational initiatives and doctoral capstone experiences involving occupational therapy students.
“One of the greatest parts of returning each year is watching friendships grow,” Dr. Patro said. “Professional partnerships become personal relationships, and that’s where meaningful collaboration truly begins.”
The visit also laid important groundwork for Molloy’s future international programming. During meetings with healthcare leaders and travel partners, discussions focused on developing a faculty-led study abroad program that will bring approximately 30 Molloy students to Vietnam during the 2028 Winter Session. The program, recently approved by the University’s Office of International Education, will introduce undergraduate students to global healthcare systems, rehabilitation, public health, and traditional Eastern medicine through immersive clinical and cultural experiences.
The proposed program reflects Molloy’s mission to educate students prepared to become compassionate leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.
“This experience reminded me that healthcare is a universal language,” Dr. Patro reflected. “While our systems may differ, our commitment to improving patients’ lives is the same. There is so much we can learn from one another, and I am excited to create opportunities for Molloy students and faculty to participate in that exchange.”
As Molloy continues to expand its international partnerships, experiences like these demonstrate the University’s commitment to innovation and collaboration and to preparing future healthcare professionals with a truly global perspective.
