26/03/2026
Delegates take a commemorative photo at the seminar celebrating the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Social Work Day (March 25)
Social work as a profession originated in Europe in the late 19th century and has continuously evolved worldwide toward professionalization, aiming to protect human rights and support vulnerable populations. In Vietnam, since the issuance of Decision No. 1791/QĐ-TTg in 2016, social work has significantly expanded across schools, communities, and particularly within the healthcare system. In Thanh Hoa, the presence of social work has contributed to more effective patient support, school counseling, and care for disadvantaged groups.
However, the current social work workforce—especially in clinical healthcare—faces a serious shortage. Many practitioners work on a part-time or non-specialized basis, while advanced intervention skills and crisis management based on the “Bio-Psycho-Social” model remain limited. This gap represents a critical bottleneck that requires urgent resolution.
Facing this challenge, Hong Duc University has taken on a pioneering role. Over nearly two decades, the Department of Social Work under the Faculty of Social Sciences has persistently trained high-quality human resources. With a highly qualified academic team, including one Associate Professor, five PhDs, and two doctoral candidates trained both domestically and internationally, the university has provided thousands of graduates who now serve as key contributors to the provincial social welfare system.
Driven by a strong aspiration to better serve society, the university has made a significant breakthrough by officially launching an independent Social Work major in 2025. This program aims to train a new generation of highly skilled, practice-oriented professionals equipped with knowledge aligned with international standards.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Ba Huyen, President of Hong Duc University, and Dr. Hoang Huu Truong, Director of Thanh Hoa General Hospital, sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Realizing its educational philosophy of “Comprehention – Experience – Practical Experience – Real talent,” on the afternoon of March 24, 2026, the university’s president and the director of Thanh Hoa General Hospital formally signed a strategic cooperation agreement. This memorandum represents a highly practical initiative: the largest hospital in the province will serve as an ideal “clinical classroom,” directly contributing to the development and continuous improvement of the social work curriculum.
Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony
This close collaboration offers invaluable opportunities for students to engage directly in real-life clinical settings, guided by experienced doctors and healthcare professionals while participating in complex case interventions. In return, the enthusiasm and specialized knowledge of Hong Duc University’s students and faculty will support healthcare staff through professional exchanges, joint workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.
This synergy not only enhances the comprehensive support network for patients but also creates a strong foundation for developing high-quality social work professionals capable of meeting the demands of modern society.
Marking a decade of growth in Vietnam’s social work sector, the partnership between Hong Duc University and Thanh Hoa General Hospital stands as a powerful testament to the harmonious integration of knowledge and compassion. It affirms a shared commitment: in the journey to protect life and promote public health, no patient will be left behind.