Monmouth University recently co-hosted an international psychiatric symposium with Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital in Vietnam on Oct. 7-8. More than 130 psychiatric care providers from across Vietnam and Southern Asia joined the event, creating a robust platform for sharing knowledge and advancing psychosocial rehabilitation. The symposium covered essential topics such as models of practice, assessment techniques, principles of treatment and discharge planning, and caregiver support strategies.
The symposium is a collaborative effort between Monmouth University’s Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies and School of Social Work, building upon years of experiential learning through the University’s occupational therapy doctoral capstone projects, and social work practicum experiences. Attendees explored key topics such as psychiatric outcomes, assessment strategies, contemporary psychosocial approaches, caregiver support, and discharge planning—critical issues in the field of psychiatric care today.
“Our work with Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital has been instrumental in advancing psychiatric care and community well-being. This symposium reflects our commitment to finding real solutions for mental health challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration,” said John R. Patro Jr., OTD, OTR/L, associate professor and occupational therapy department chair, who led the initiative.
Dean Emerita Robin Mama and Specialist Professor Jamie Nappi traveled to Vietnam to present at the symposium, bringing deep insights from Monmouth’s School of Social Work. Their presentations contributed to a rich exchange of expertise with local providers. Meanwhile, Acting Nursing Dean of the Shannon Clifford, PT, Ph.D., and Andrea Garcia, OTD, MSW, OTR/L, specialist professor and OTD doctoral capstone coordinator, provided significant contributions to the training materials that enriched the symposium’s content.
Patro also extended a special acknowledgment to OTD graduate assistants Julianna Nichols and Alexa Frazzetto for their essential work in organizing the event and supporting Monmouth’s mission to impact global healthcare.
While the event was faculty-led, it reinforced Monmouth’s collaboration with Da Nang in support of its Occupational Therapy (OT) and Social Work (SW) programs, where OT doctoral capstone students and SW practicum students have previously gained hands-on experience. “International partnerships like this create invaluable pathways for our students to apply their knowledge globally, preparing them to lead in an evolving healthcare landscape,” Patro said.
Patro also emphasized that through global initiatives like the conference, Monmouth University continues to underscore its role in preparing culturally attuned, globally-minded healthcare professionals.
The symposium supported Project Team Volunteer of Doctors (TVD), an international volunteer organization dedicated to improving healthcare access and quality in underserved areas.
