Dr Ngoc Hoang Ha, a general surgeon was the recipient of the RACS 2024 John Buckingham Travel Grant. She used the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into surgical education and training on an international scale. 

The grant is designed to help surgical Trainees expand their knowledge and share insights about surgical science, practice, and education worldwide. It enabled Dr Ha to attend the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Congress in San Francisco in October last year.

“I am incredibly grateful for the grant,” she says. “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from a different healthcare system and bring back ideas that can improve what we do in Australia.”

Bringing back global insights
With five years of experience in the RACS Trainees’ Association (RACSTA), Dr Ha focused on understanding how surgical training in the US compares to Australia. “I wanted to see how their trainees felt about their programs and what we could learn from them.”

At the Congress, she engaged with American trainees, educators, and the chief board examiner to gain a comprehensive perspective. “In Australia, we have an overarching College, which oversees specific training programs. But in the US, training programs are linked to universities and hospitals, with more than 300 different programs—it is a completely different system.”

A striking difference she noticed was the absence of pre-vocational training. Doctors enter directly into a surgical program immediately after internship. 

“There are pros and cons to both systems,” Dr Ha says. “Their approach offers a clear, structured path for trainees, whereas Australia’s pre-vocational years create more well-rounded doctors. Early exposure to various specialties in our resident and service/house registrar years broadens our skills and knowledge.” 

She plans to share these learning with RACS to help refine training programs in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Innovating conference organisation
As the RACSTA section convener of the 2023 RACS Binational Conference that was held in Adelaide, Dr Ha was eager to learn how international events are run. “I wanted to bring back new ideas to make our conferences more engaging,” she says.

Observing the US emphasis on trainee involvement and research, Dr Ha now aims to incorporate these elements into Australian events. “Their focus on teamwork and trainee participation was inspiring.”

Advancing breast surgery
Her passion for breast surgery began during her surgical training in Adelaide, where she was drawn to the field’s wide-reaching impact. “As a woman and a young mother, I understand the profound impact breast surgery can have. My goal is to provide the best care for my patients,” she says.

Motherhood has further deepened her empathy for patients. “It’s not just about the surgery—it’s about walking with my patients through their journey.”

After years in Adelaide, Dr Ha relocated to Perth for Breast Surgery ANZ training.

Balancing training, surgery, and family
Now embarking on her first post-Fellowship training in breast surgery, Dr Ha encourages future Trainees to explore grants and scholarships.

“There’s no harm in trying,” emphasising the importance of pursuing opportunities that align with personal passions.

Her current role combines Breast and General Surgery, focusing on cancer care and mastering oncoplastic techniques. "Learning these techniques is at the heart of my post-Fellowship training. I have already learned so much working alongside skilled surgeons who are eager to teach—the experience has been incredible so far."

Outside of her professional life, Dr Ha cherishes time with her family, raising her three-year-old daughter with her husband and exploring beautiful Western Australia.