Global health initiatives highlight the dedication of medical professionals to improving care beyond borders. Dr. James Bower, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Tri Dinh, chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mayo Clinic in Florida, have significantly contributed to Vietnam's healthcare. Their work, alongside a recent editorial portrait photography project documenting their efforts, reflects the power of medical education and collaboration in under-resourced areas.
Dr. James Bower: Building Sustainable Care Systems
Dr. James Bower’s involvement in global health began over two decades ago, starting with his work in Ethiopia. His goal has always been clear: not just to deliver care but to help build sustainable healthcare systems. Dr. Bower’s focus on teaching local physicians rather than providing temporary care reflects a long-term vision. As part of the Mayo Clinic Global Health Program (MCGHP), he has expanded his efforts to Da Nang, Vietnam.
In September 2023, Dr. Bower and a team of Mayo Clinic physicians formalized a collaboration with three hospitals in Da Nang. This partnership is based on knowledge exchange, with Mayo Clinic staff offering training to local healthcare providers. “Our goal is to teach, not to practice,” Dr. Bower explains, emphasizing the importance of empowering local medical professionals to deliver high-quality care long after the team leaves.
Dr. Tri Dinh: Returning to His Roots
For Dr. Tri Dinh, the connection to Da Nang is deeply personal. Born in the city, Dr. Dinh’s father was a well-known obstetrician and former director of Da Nang General Hospital. After leaving Vietnam in 1975, Dr. Dinh’s return in 1999 marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to improving women’s healthcare in his hometown.
Through Project TVD, named in honor of his father, Dr. Dinh has focused on bringing continuing medical education (CME) to Vietnamese physicians. His efforts have significantly impacted areas such as cervical cancer screening and establishing systems that provide early detection for women in the region. Dr. Dinh’s work exemplifies the sustainable, educational approach that defines Mayo Clinic’s global health initiatives.
Editorial Portrait Photography: Documenting Commitment in Global Health
During the Mayo Clinic training trip to Da Nang, I had the opportunity to photograph Dr. Bower and Dr. Dinh, capturing their work through editorial portrait photography. These images aimed to tell a simple yet powerful story of their dedication, showing them not just as physicians but as individuals deeply invested in improving healthcare in Vietnam.
Through these portraits, we can visually document their collaborative efforts and the impact of their medical mission. Editorial portrait photography provides an intimate way to portray this work, offering a glimpse into the meaningful connections formed between the Mayo Clinic physicians and their Vietnamese counterparts.
The Mayo Clinic Global Health Program (MCGHP), launched in 2012, has expanded its focus to foster sustainable healthcare improvements in underserved areas, with Da Nang, Vietnam, as one of its key sites. Led by Dr. Bower, the program emphasizes teaching and mentorship over direct medical care, ensuring that local communities can continue to benefit long after the Mayo Clinic teams depart.
For Dr. Dinh, this collaboration builds on his years of independent work in Vietnam. His efforts to bring knowledge and medical education to local physicians have now been amplified through the resources of Mayo Clinic Global. The program also allows for exchanging knowledge with Vietnamese physicians who visit Mayo Clinic in the U.S. for further training.
A Shared Mission
Both Dr. Bower and Dr. Dinh highlight the universal nature of healthcare. Despite the differences in resources and medical practices, physicians in Vietnam and the U.S. share the same mission: to provide the best care possible for their patients. This shared purpose has led to meaningful collaborations that transcend borders and create lasting change.
Conclusion: The Power of Visual and Medical Collaboration
The partnership between Mayo Clinic and healthcare institutions in Da Nang exemplifies the potential of global health initiatives to create long-term improvements. Through both medical expertise and editorial portrait photography, we can document the stories of those working to make a global impact.
The portraits of Dr. Bower and Dr. Dinh stand as visual testaments to their commitment. These images, paired with their medical mission, offer a lasting narrative of global health efforts and the human connections that drive them.