Join the ACOEM Delegation to Hanoi, Vietnam
Dear ACOEM Friends and Colleagues,
In December of 2024, I will be leading a delegation of members from ACOEM to visit Vietnam. Our delegation will convene in Hanoi on December 1, 2024 and depart Ho Chi Minh City on December 7, 2024. There is an optional extension of the trip that will continue to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap until December 9, 2024. I invite you to join me and other members of ACOEM to learn about the advancements and challenges facing Vietnam in occupational medicine, environmental health, and worker safety.
As you may know, Vietnam has spent the last decade expanding their industrial presence on the global markets and along with this growth have developed and expanded programs for occupational and environmental safety and programs to support workers injured on the job. Given the recent elevation of the relationship between the US and Vietnam, which specifically calls for the expansion of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry, and the supporting sectors, Vietnam has made commitments to ensure that worker and environmental safety are prioritized. Our delegation will meet with our counterparts and visit their facilities to gain firsthand knowledge of the programs in place and the plans for the future.
The planning and implementation for the delegation is under the direction of the Citizen Ambassador Program, an international exchange program of Cultural Vistas. Cultural Vistas, is a non-profit NGO, based in Washington DC, with a long history of implementation for US State Department programs such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, Fulbright Internship programs and J1 visa programs for major US corporations.
Our delegation will continue a legacy of advancing leadership through engaging citizens and forming networks between US and international high-level counterparts. The following topics of discussion have been developed to guide the preliminary schedule of activities. These topics may be further refined to incorporate the specialized interest and expertise of the individual delegates.
Initial Topics of Discussion
- What are the formal processes for ensuring worker safety?
- How are work related injuries and illnesses addressed? (reporting, care, administrative issues)
- What are the return-to-work methods used?
- What is the greatest area of need within occupational and environmental medicine?
- Are there any protections afforded injured workers? (similar to our ADA, FMLA, compensation for loss, etc.)
- How does the occupational medicine physician and specialty in general interface with other medical specialties or organizations?
- Are there employer efforts focused upon total worker health?
The
Preliminary Schedule of Activities outlines our planned professional opportunities and cultural experiences. The interactions, site visits, and experiences have been designed to enhance our appreciation and understanding of the programs and challenges of this region.
I encourage you to invite a travel companion to share this experience with you. A parallel program of cultural and humanitarian activities will be arranged for your accompanying guest while you attend the professional sessions. Following the conclusion of the professional exchange, an optional excursion to Siem Reap, Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat temple, the 12
th-century masterpiece that is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture, will be available. Information for the accompanying guest program and the optional cultural excursion can also be found on the
ACOEM Delegation Communication Site.
As the Citizen Ambassador Program is a private-citizen effort, delegates are responsible for their own program costs. The estimated cost per delegate or guest is $4350 USD (double occupancy). This cost includes the professional program, accommodations, ground transportation, cultural activities, most meals, and other costs associated with participation. It does not include airfare, so that you are free to arrange your flights at your convenience with your preferred airline.
For US citizens, participation in this program may be tax-deductible as an educational expense related to your profession. As each individual’s financial situation is different, please contact your tax advisor for guidance.
Due to the extensive planning involved in coordinating a program of this nature,
I ask that you respond with your intentions regarding this invitation by September 1, 2024. The size of this delegation will be limited to ensure a high quality of professional interaction
. We would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible as to whether you are able to join our delegation or not.
To apply to join us on this rare journey, please complete the
ACOEM Vietnam Application.
You will also be required to deposit $500 to hold your position on the team. If you have questions regarding the delegation, we encourage you to the Citizen Ambassador Programs at
citizenambassador@culturalvistas.org.
I am pleased to be involved in this exciting opportunity, and I hope you will strongly consider participating in this unique event. I am confident that we will all benefit, both professionally and personally through this unique opportunity.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Martin, MD, FACOEM, FAAFP, FIAIME
ACOEM Past President (2022-2023)