Leadership capacity building in Vietnamese Universities in health sciences: an impact of the 2018 and 2020 academic leadership courses

Leadership development in medical education is essential to address the evolving challenges in healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This study evaluates two Academic Leadership Courses (2018 and 2020) in Vietnam aimed at building leadership capacity among faculty in health sciences. The courses, collaboratively developed by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), The Partnership for Health Advancement in Vietnam (HAIVN), and Novartis Vietnam, were structured around Kotter’s 8-step model. They included workshops, mentoring, and project-based personal action plans (PAPs). A follow-up alumni survey was conducted in 2025. A total of 44 leaders participated across both cohorts. PAPs addressed institutional reforms in curriculum, governance, and accreditation readiness. The 2025 survey (n=23) reported increased confidence (91%) and application of leadership strategies (83%). Participants identified both institutional impact and barriers, such as resistance from existing leadership. The findings highlight that structured leadership courses can strengthen institutional reform and leadership skills in LMICs. Sustained mentoring and national-level coordination are recommended to maximize long-term impact.