AAO-HNSF Humanitarian Travel Grant Report: Vietnam National Cancer Hospital
Michael S. Chow, MD, and Antonios N. Varelas, MD, share their experiences of participating in a humanitarian outreach trip.
Michael S. Chow, MD, and Antonios N. Varelas, MD
National Cancer Hospital K1 is a hub within the capital of Vietnam and is responsible for the management of the most aggressive head and neck oncologic disease in the country. It is home to a phenomenal oncology team that provides outstanding care to thousands of patients each year and encompasses a wide breadth of pathology.
During our visit, we hosted a multidisciplinary tumor board and lectured on several topics, including management of oral cavity malignancy, free tissue transfer in complex head and neck reconstruction, and facial reanimation. We spent half of the week with the head and neck division and the other with the otolaryngology service. Our primary focus was teaching and demonstrating reconstructive techniques and free tissue transfer, which was not frequently performed at their institution.
This incredible experience was made possible by the AAO-HNSF Humanitarian Travel Grant, KLS Martin, and the Virtue Foundation. We also would like to extend our gratitude to our gracious hosts at National Cancer Hospital K1. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to partake in such important work and hope to continue this kind of international collaboration throughout our careers.