#FriendswithUCSF | Daniel and Emily
“Every exchange has a story, and every story brings us closer together!”
#FriendsWithUCSF is a storytelling series dedicated to sharing the experiences of residents participating in the VinUni–UCSF Residency Exchange Program. Through their personal journeys, we celebrate cross-cultural learning, professional growth, and the meaningful connections that strengthen the partnership between VinUni and UCSF.
This week, #FriendsWithUCSF shines the spotlight on Dr. Daniel and Dr. Emily, two future Chief Residents from UCSF who recently completed an inspiring four-week exchange with the VinUni Internal Medicine Residency Program.
During their time in Vietnam, Daniel and Emily fully immersed themselves in the daily life of our residents. They joined clinical rotations across different departments, attended noon conferences and case discussions, participated in bedside procedures, and collaborated with our teams on patient management. Beyond learning about healthcare in Vietnam, they generously shared their own clinical experiences from the United States, offering valuable insights into patient care, medical education, and residency training at UCSF.
Dr. Emily and Dr. Daniel (center) share their amazing case with VinUni residents
One of the most memorable moments for our residents was Emily’s outstanding teaching session. As a future Chief Resident with a passion for medical education, she guided us through a fascinating clinical case that began as a routine health check-up but gradually revealed a diagnosis of lymphoma. Through thoughtful questioning, step-by-step clinical reasoning, and clear teaching points, Emily demonstrated the art of building a differential diagnosis and approaching complex cases with confidence and curiosity.
Dr. Emily leads the case
Dr. Daniel supports her
Reflecting on their experience, Daniel and Emily shared:
“Vietnam has been an incredible experience. The VinUni residents welcomed us from day one, invited us to lunch every afternoon, and truly made us feel at home. We’ve learned so much through our clinical rotations at 108 Military Central Hospital and Vinmec Times City International Hospital, and we definitely hope to return in the future.”
The exchange wasn’t only about medicine. Outside the hospital, we enjoyed many unforgettable moments together. Daniel quickly became a fan of Vietnamese karaoke nights, while Emily embraced the local tradition of gathering after work to relax and connect over food and conversation. These shared experiences turned colleagues into friends and created memories that will last well beyond the exchange. On their final day in Vietnam, Daniel and Emily even surprised us by saying, with perfect Vietnamese humor: “Các bạn VinUni keo nha má!”
Daniel and Emily recently celebrated another exciting milestone — they got engaged just before traveling to Vietnam! Next year, while beginning their roles as Chief Residents, they will also celebrate their wedding in beautiful Italy. Congratulations to both of them, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness together.
Stay tuned as we continue to share inspiring stories from the people behind the VinUni–UCSF partnership!
