A Heart Full of Gratitude

This spring REI hosted our first exchange fellow for 2025, Dr. Dung Dao, who was in the US from April 2-24, 2025. He was hosted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by the SSM Health/Hough Ear Institute. His fellowship included direct observation of ear and skull base surgery in the operating room, clinical evaluation of patients with various temporal bone pathology, as well as temporal bone dissections in the laboratory. His hosts focused specifically on cochlear implant surgery, postoperative CI programming and preoperative evaluation of patients with sensorineural hearing impairment who may be CI candidates.

Dr Dung Dao working with Dr Kent Dyer

Read what Dr Dung Dao has to say about his experience in his own words here.

Dear Mr. Moore,

As I reflect on my time during the observational fellowship focused on cochlear implantation, I am filled with deep gratitude and appreciation for everyone who made this journey so special.

First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank REI and the REI-Inc Representative Office in Vietnam for the generous support that made this fellowship possible. Being able to observe and learn for the second time, after my first observational fellowship in 2012, in such a high-level clinical environment has been a truly invaluable experience for my professional growth. Your investment in my education will have a lasting impact on my work and on the lives of the patients I will serve.

Dr Dung Dao with Dr Rick Kopke and his family sharing a meal

To Dr. Richard Kopke and Janet, I am especially grateful for welcoming me into your home with such kindness and warmth. Your hospitality made my time away from my own family not only comfortable but truly joyful. You made me feel part of your family.

Dr Dung Dao fly fishing

I also wish to express my thanks to everyone who cared for me during this term — Dr. Kent Dyer, Dr. Stan Baker, Dr. Michael McGee, Dr. Richard Kopke and staffs at the HEI, Heart for Hearing, SSM Health, who took time to show me the beauty and culture of this place beyond the hospital walls. I feel so fortunate to have experienced not just professional growth but also unforgettable moments outside of work. Attending an NBA basketball game at Paycom Center, going fly fishing, witnessing a rodeo, and even exploring a personal collection were incredible highlights that gave me a deeper connection to the culture and spirit of this wonderful community. These experiences brought so much joy and balance to my stay, and they are memories I will cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you all for your generosity, your thoughtfulness, and the sincere care you showed me throughout this fellowship. I leave with new knowledge, new friends, and a heart full of gratitude.

With deepest appreciation,

Dr. Dao Trung Dung.

Dao Trung Dung, MD, PhDDeputy Head, Department of ORL, Bach Mai HospitalPrincipal Lecturer, Hanoi Medical University