#FriendswithUCSF | Fletcher

“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.

Through the VinUni–UCSF Residency Exchange Program, our residents had the unique opportunity to learn, work, and care for patients alongside visiting residents from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Among them was Dr. Fletcher, a senior Internal Medicine resident pursuing a career in Cardiology, who left a lasting impression on everyone at VinGME.

What made the experience even more special is that Fletcher will serve as UCSF’s Chief Resident in the upcoming academic year—a highly competitive leadership role reserved for residents who demonstrate exceptional clinical excellence, teaching ability, and leadership.

For his final academic session, Fletcher presented a fascinating clinical case involving a young patient with palpitations. Rather than simply revealing the diagnosis, he guided us through the diagnostic process step by step, encouraging us to think critically, build a differential diagnosis, and refine our clinical reasoning as new information became available. The discussion ultimately led to the diagnosis of coronary artery disease-related arrhythmia in a patient with suspected Familial Hypercholesterolemia, showcasing not only the complexity of the case but also the importance of a structured approach to clinical problem-solving.

Dr. Fletcher and his case presentation

When asked about his experience at VinGME, Fletcher shared:

“I had an amazing time. People were enthusiastic to learn, kind in teaching and so much fun to be around! The vibes were on point.”

Beyond medicine, Fletcher also embraced Vietnamese culture with great enthusiasm. He quickly became a fan of Vietnamese mixed dishes (“món trộn”), although he admitted that fish sauce was one local flavor he couldn’t quite get used to—something that brought plenty of laughter to our conversations.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Fletcher for generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for medical education during his time in Vietnam. His case discussion not only enriched our clinical knowledge but also demonstrated a thoughtful, systematic approach to clinical reasoning that will continue to inspire our residents.

Dr. Fletcher and VinUni residents

We look forward to welcoming more outstanding residents from UCSF through the VinUni–UCSF Residency Exchange Program and continuing to strengthen this meaningful partnership in medical education.

Stay tuned as we continue to share inspiring stories from the people behind the VinUni–UCSF partnership!