The meeting aimed to review the outcomes of ongoing professional collaboration, discuss future development directions in thoracic surgery and respiratory rehabilitation, and explore new opportunities for cooperation between Vietnamese and French specialists.

Promoting Professional Exchange and Technology Transfer
The Second Vietnam–France Thoracic Surgery Week took place from November 3 to November 7, 2025, with the participation and coordination of the Respiratory Center, Rehabilitation Center, and Oncology Center of Bach Mai Hospital.

The program was designed to strengthen academic exchange, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance treatment capacity in thoracic surgery and respiratory rehabilitation.

During the event, Vietnamese and French experts jointly conducted advanced lectures, multidisciplinary consultations, and direct surgical support for complex cases. The activities combined both theoretical and hands-on sessions, enabling medical professionals to update their knowledge and gain access to modern treatment approaches aligned with international standards.

The French delegation included:

Dr. Madalina Grigoroiu, Vice President of AFVP and Head of the delegation
Dr. Codin-Theodor Saon, Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Delphine Natali, Specialist in Pulmonology and Interventional Respiratory Medicine
Ms. Anne Bisserie, Respiratory Rehabilitation Specialist
Representing Bach Mai Hospital, the meeting was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co, Director of the hospital. Participants also included Dr. Ngo Gia Khanh, Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Dao Vu, Deputy Director of the Rehabilitation Center; Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Chief of the Hospital Office; and physicians from the Department of Thoracic Surgery.

Both sides expressed their appreciation for the positive outcomes achieved during the week, particularly the progress made in thoracic surgery techniques, postoperative care, and respiratory rehabilitation

 
Enhancing Multidisciplinary Approaches to Patient Care
On behalf of AFVP, Dr. Madalina Grigoroiu expressed her admiration for the high professional standards and collaborative spirit demonstrated by the medical team at Bach Mai Hospital. She also acknowledged the well-organized and scientifically structured program of the event.

Dr. Grigoroiu highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among surgeons, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists in improving postoperative recovery outcomes.

She also shared practical clinical experiences aimed at minimizing surgical trauma and shortening recovery time after thoracic surgery. In addition, she emphasized the crucial role of training respiratory rehabilitation therapists, a field that is gaining increasing attention in Vietnam’s healthcare system.

Dr. Grigoroiu expressed her desire to continue working closely with Bach Mai Hospital to establish structured multidisciplinary consultation protocols, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and the overall quality of patient care.

New Cooperation Directions for 2025–2026
During the discussions, both sides agreed on key cooperation priorities for the 2025–2026 period, focusing on four main areas:

Postoperative rehabilitation
Multidisciplinary consultations
Lung cancer screening
Robotic thoracic surgery
In addition, the two sides discussed plans to collaborate in lung transplantation, with the participation of expert Dr. Jérôme Le Pavec in the coming year.

AFVP will also work with Bach Mai Hospital to implement specialized training courses and expert exchange programs, aiming to develop a sustainable model of medical cooperation between Vietnam and France.

 
Expanding Long-Term Vietnam–France Medical Cooperation
Speaking at the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, expressed his sincere appreciation for the valuable support and expertise shared by the French specialists.

He also revealed that the hospital’s leadership is planning to organize French language training programs for healthcare professionals, particularly medical residents, to facilitate participation in specialized training programs in France. This initiative is considered a strategic step toward strengthening the Vietnam–France medical partnership at Bach Mai Hospital.

Looking ahead to the 115th anniversary of Bach Mai Hospital (1911–2026), the hospital plans to host a Vietnam–France Scientific Conference, an event of special significance closely linked to the hospital’s historical development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co expressed his hope that AFVP experts will continue to accompany the hospital in strengthening the long-standing medical collaboration between the two countries.

He also agreed with Dr. Grigoroiu on the importance of developing respiratory rehabilitation training programs. Bach Mai Hospital has assigned Bach Mai Medical College to establish a specialized department dedicated to training highly qualified professionals in this field to serve both the hospital and the national healthcare system.

A Promising Future for International Medical Collaboration
The Second Vietnam–France Thoracic Surgery Week concluded in an atmosphere of openness, friendship, and promising prospects for future collaboration.

The event not only strengthened professional ties between Vietnamese and French medical experts but also opened new directions for training, research, and technology transfer, contributing to the advancement of Vietnam’s healthcare system as it continues to integrate with regional and global medical communities.