Radiology in South Vietnam.

Abstract

During the past several years many articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines, and scientific journals concerning the work of American physicians in South Vietnam. Very little has been written, however, about the medical practice of the Vietnamese physicians. The author has had the privilege of working in the radiology departments of several Vietnamese hospitals and visiting others during a ten-month stay in that country. From these associations it has been possible to learn something of Vietnamese radiology and to become personally acquainted with a number of the radiologists. Radiologic practice depends upon availability of electrical power and equipment and in Vietnam is generally restricted to urban areas. Saigon is a city of nearly 2 million people (one-third of whom live in the sister city of Cholon) and is the focal point of almost all South Vietnamese medicine. One of the two medical schools in South Vietnam is in Saigon; the other is in Hué. Medical school education in South Vietnam requires six years of study for graduation, and classes are conducted in French. The faculty of the medical school in Saigon includes a radiologist who lectures to the medical students. The medical student, however, has little practical exposure to the specialty. All Vietnamese medicine is regulated in some manner by the Ministry of Health. The physicians have an association known as Y-SĨ—DOĀN, or Society of Physicians, and for membership an individual must have an M.D. degree, or the equivalent, and pay both a membership fee and dues. A physician must apply for a license or permission to have a private practice. Radiology in South Vietnam is not organized as a specialty, and no radiological society exists. The level of training among the physicians in the specialty varies from on-the-job experience to short-term preceptorships and formal residencies in the United States or France. Several of the radiologists in Saigon received training in another closely related specialty such as gastroenterology and, for various reasons, later began practicing radiology. In view of the varied backgrounds, there is no uniformity of training or experience. The availability of medical supplies in all of Southeast Asia historically presents a great problem, but the present conflict in South Vietnam has made the problem particularly acute. Radiographic film usually is purchased from the central government supply, and the radiologist uses whatever type and brand are available. Diagnostic and therapy machines are obtained from various sources (United States Aid programs, private purchases, religious societies, the Ministry of Health, etc.). Because of financial and transportation difficulties, many old machines are still in use. Maintenance of the machines is as great a problem as acquiring them initially. No trained repairmen are available, and there is no reliable source of parts.