International Student Seminar Enhances Medical Skills at Purdue Northwest
Dr. Ernest Talarico Jr. felt a sense of pride as Nguyen Thi My Dieu, a Vietnamese student, confidently read aloud a medical case on Thursday afternoon at Purdue Northwest. Dieu, who is part of Talarico’s fourth annual medical seminar, demonstrated significant progress in understanding English medical terms. This boost in confidence is crucial as she and fellow students will soon present their research at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.
During the seminar on July 16, 2026, Dieu engaged with classmates under the guidance of Dr. Talarico, assistant professor of practice in Anatomy and Physiology at Purdue Northwest. “Listen to how she’s picked it up,” Talarico noted proudly.
The group, including students from Tan Tao University in Vietnam and local high schools such as Lake Central and Homewood Flossmoor, tackled a complex medical case involving a man with bilateral cardiomyopathy that progressed to hydrocephalus. This case study served as both a medical and cultural learning experience. The focus on heart disease was particularly relevant for the Vietnamese students, as cardiovascular conditions are increasingly common there.
The presented case involved a middle-aged man struggling to climb stairs, diagnosed with bilateral cardiomyopathy and hemochromatosis. The seminar encouraged students to discuss transplantation ethics and how to address sensitive questions from patients’ families, such as concerns about survival.
As the students delved deeper, the case evolved, resembling a real-life situation where the patient developed a brain infection, indicating transplant rejection. The challenge for students was to determine the appropriate treatment.
Talarico explained, “Today, the students examined EKG and cardiac echo results, knowledge that can benefit Vietnam once the technology becomes available.”
While Vietnam has industrialized medicine, access remains a challenge for many. Talarico, who has been visiting Vietnam for nine years, noted the seminar’s dual role in teaching medicine and facilitating cultural exchange. This, in turn, aims to enhance healthcare quality when students return home.
Heart disease’s rising prevalence in Vietnam correlates with the increasing availability of Western fast food, Talarico noted. For Omar Hijaz, a Lake Central graduate who participated in the seminar, the experience was invaluable as he prepares to begin pre-med studies at Purdue West Lafayette next month. Planning to specialize in orthopedic sports surgery, Hijaz reflected on a transformative trip to Palestine, recognizing the need for medical services in underprivileged areas.
“There was one doctor with no clinic, traveling daily to see patients. After an attack, even more individuals needed help,” Hijaz recalled, affirming his commitment to aiding diverse injuries through his future medical career.
Dr. Talarico continued his engagement with students, sharing anatomical insights with Sophia Pham from Vietnam, enhancing their understanding of the human heart.