U.S. RESIDENCY & FELLOWSHIP
FOR VIETNAMESE PHYSICIANS ASSOCIATION®
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The United States Residency and Fellowship for Vietnamese Physicians Association (USRFVPA), or “The Association” in short, is a non-profit organization representing Vietnamese medical graduates (VMGs) in securing ACMGE-accredited residency and fellowship positions in the United States (U.S.).
In 2018, USRFVPA was established in response to the increasing demand for a more well-organized guidance and support structure among Vietnamese medical professionals aspiring to practice medicine in the United States. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by international medical graduates (IMGs), Dr. Duy Chung and Dr. Luan Ngo, as well as other former VMGs who successfully matched into U.S. graduate medical education (GME), formed the Association to share their insights and experiences, hoping to facilitate smoother transitions into GME in the United States for future candidates. Later in 2023, the Association expanded its scope to include international Vietnamese medical students enrolled at LCME-accredited medical schools.
Since its inception, USRFVPA has been the single most outspoken voice of VMGs in the Match. The Association regularly updates its strategic initiatives to align with the latest developments in U.S. GME and immigration policies, ensuring its members receive the most relevant information and effective support regarding Match applications.
We strive to continue to be the major non-profit “labor union” for Vietnamese medical professionals aspiring to further their careers in the United States by upholding our commitments to fostering a strong camaraderie spirit within a well-informed community.
ABOUT THE VMG COMMUNITY
The Vietnamese Medical Graduate (VMG) population represents a highly motivated and academically accomplished cohort of physicians originating primarily from Vietnam’s medical schools. A smaller subset also includes Vietnamese individuals who are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, international medical schools outside of Vietnam or the United States.
The typical VMG member ranges in age from their mid-20s to late 30s, with a nearly equal distribution of male and female participants. They represent a variety of medical specialties/subspecialties, but remain united by their shared aspiration to pursue graduate medical education (GME) in the United States. This shared pursuit is reinforced by a strong culture of solidarity and mutual guidance. Members routinely support one another by sharing U.S. board examination and application experiences, offering peer mentorship, conducting mock interviews, providing emotional support, and organizing collective study or review initiatives.
The Association serves as a centralized platform for this community to thrive by facilitating connection, coordination, and the exchange of accurate, verified information. In doing so, it aims to function as a stabilizing force amidst the complexities of international medical credentialing in the U.S. and the widespread misinformation that often circulates on multiple digital platforms.
CORE VALUES
ETHICS
SUPPORT
TRUST
NON-PROFIT
NEUTRALITY
MISSION
EDUCATION
Providing comprehensive preparatory resources for USMLE exams, application processes, and interview/ranking strategies in the pre-Match, the main Match (NRMP), and the SOAP
NETWORKING
Offering opportunities to connect with other VMGs applicants and current resident/fellow/attending physicians in the United States
MENTORSHIP
Facilitating one-on-one guidance from physicians who have successfully navigated the Match process and possess valuable mentoring experiences
ADVOCACY
Representing and protecting the interests of Vietnamese medical graduates by acting as a de facto “labor union”
GOVERNANCE
“THE TRIARCHY”
In order to uphold its core values and missions, USRFVPA®’s leadership operates under a tripartite organizational structure, designed to ensure checks and balances, community representation, and effective governance.
This structure consists of three principal entities:
Admins & Moderators — the Executive arm of the Association.
Group Experts — the Representative and advisory body within the Association.
Founders — the Judicial and oversight body of the Association.
At the center of this system are the VMGs, who represent both the community the Association serves and the driving force behind its mission and core values.
MAJOR COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A curated archive of shared VMG experiences and verified resources, accessible exclusively within the Association’s platforms to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.
VOICE OF VMG (VoV)
The official podcast of the Association, amplifying real stories and lessons from Vietnamese physicians to inspire professionalism and reflection across the VMG community. (Click here to access)
APPLICATION REVISION
MOCK INTERVIEW PRACTICE SERVICE
A mentorship-driven program, run by the Association, offering residency interview preparation through structured mock sessions and personalized feedback from experienced mentors.
SOAP SUPPORT SYSTEM
A coordinated initiative providing guidance, connection, and emotional support for VMGs navigating the challenges of the post-Match SOAP process.
