Speak Out OCTOBER 2019 V3 DIGITAL EDITION

Leah Paice working with her colleague, Dr Hoi, Head of the Rehabilitation Department at Da Nang C Hospital.

Powerful partnerships in Vietnam

I t is an exciting time for the field of speech therapy in Vietnam! Trinh Foundation Australia are collaborating with the Australian Volunteers Program – part of the Australian Aid Program - to support the development and implementation of the first Master and Bachelor qualifications in Speech and Language Therapy in Vietnam. Presently there are three Australian volunteers based in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, assisting Vietnamese universities to develop curriculum and clinical education materials which will support speech therapy students throughout their degrees. Jemma Thompson is based with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City for eight months. Her role involves close collaboration with the university to develop their clinical education program for the Master of Rehabilitation Techniques (Speech and Language Therapy). This includes liaising with local hospitals and speech therapy clinics who will support student training opportunities. “Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting and chaotic city, but I have managed to feel a part of the local community in my neighbourhood. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to support our profession during a period of rapid development in Vietnam. I feel that I have become a more well-rounded clinician with a deeper perspective on the challenges that clients and therapists face within a developing context”. Leah Paice is based with Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy in Da Nang for 12 months. Leah’s role involves working closely with Vietnamese speech therapists in a local hospital and university to develop their capacity to support student clinical placements throughout the Bachelor of

Rehabilitation (Speech and Language Therapy). “I am fortunate to be based in a beautiful, laid-back city for my assignment, with easy access to the beach. I have really loved the opportunity to develop close relationships with colleagues at my university and hospital. I find it particularly rewarding being able to work with therapists who are at the forefront of a new profession in Vietnam, and who are motivated and enthusiastic to deliver speech therapy services to their community. Personally, this role has allowed me to gain many skills that I would not have had the opportunity to develop in my previous clinical positions in Australia. Primarily, the opportunity to gain experience in an academic setting”. The Master and Bachelor courses will welcome their first cohort of students in the second half of 2019. Much of the curriculum will initially be taught by Australian speech pathologists, with Australian clinical educators also required to support clinical placements for the students. Volunteer clinical educators are sought to support clinical placement programs over the coming years. Clinical educators will receive pre-departure, in-country support and interpreter support. Visas, flights and a daily stipend will also be provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for speech pathologists who are seeking a challenge outside of their current roles. Vietnam has a vibrant and unique culture and volunteers will be rewarded not only with the chance to experience this culture, but with many unique professional opportunities. Leah Paice and Jemma Thompson Australian Volunteers Program

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October 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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