Building Nations Through Relationships: Reflections on Hosting Exchange Fellow Visiting Scholars

by Dr. Walter Lee, MD MHS, Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences Duke University Medical Center

The Exchange Fellowship Program represents a cornerstone of REI's mission to build people who build nations. This fall, I had the privilege of hosting two exceptional physicians from Vietnam: Dr. Quynh Anh Nguyen from the Department of Otolaryngology at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, and Dr. Huu Ngoc Minh Phan from the Department of Otolaryngology at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Their four-week fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, from October 13 to November 6, 2025, exemplified the transformative potential of this program.

Both doctors came highly recommended by Ms Lien Tran, REI's Vietnam Representative, for their exceptional character, demonstrated leadership and commitment to sharing knowledge with others. I had the opportunity to meet them during previous visits to Vietnam and immediately recognized their potential as fellowship candidates. However, the path to hosting them required navigating the uncertain terrain of U.S. visa applications. Remarkably, both physicians successfully completed their J-1 visa interviews without complications, and by October, their journey to North Carolina was underway.

Professional Impact and Cross-Cultural Learning

The fellowship program creates value that extends far beyond the visiting scholars themselves. At Duke University Medical Center, Drs. Nguyen and Phan engaged with teaching faculty and residents, sharing clinical perspectives shaped by Vietnam's healthcare landscape. These exchanges challenged assumptions and broadened understanding on both sides. Both also gave grand rounds to our faculty and trainees that were well received by over 50 participants! For my colleagues, exposure to different healthcare systems and practice patterns enriches their professional development in ways that textbooks cannot replicate. For the visiting scholars, immersion in an academic medical center in the United States provides insights into research methodologies, patient care systems, and educational approaches they can adapt upon returning home.

This reciprocal learning represents one of the program's most significant strengths. Professional growth requires not just technical skill development but also the ability to understand and navigate diverse perspectives—something these cross-cultural exchanges cultivate naturally.

Beyond the Hospital Walls

The Exchange Fellowship Program also creates opportunities for visitors to experience dimensions of life that shape who we are as individuals and professionals. During their stay, Drs. Nguyen and Phan attended the North Carolina State Fair, where they encountered

American agricultural traditions, local crafts, and the region's enthusiastic approach to deep-fried cuisine. They also attended Sunday services at my church and witnessed a baptism ceremony, gaining insight into the faith community that has been integral to the foundational values in my own life.

Both Drs Nguyen and Pham were also able to spend a few days visiting the REI Headquarters in Colorado Springs. During this time, they got to hear from REI leadership, share their experiences and also meet with otolaryngologists and their practices.

These experiences outside of medicine serve an important purpose. Understanding what motivates and sustains healthcare professionals in their work—their families, communities and values—provides context that enriches professional relationships and builds authentic connections across cultures.

Family Involvement and Lasting Connections

My family's participation in the fellowship program has proven meaningful for all involved. My wife and children have developed relationships with colleagues I've worked with in Vietnam, and subsequently been invited as Exchange Fellows, transforming distant professional connections into tangible friendships. Three of my children have accompanied me on trips to Vietnam, where they reconnected with previous J-1 fellows we had hosted and met their families. My youngest daughter, Naomi, already looks forward to her future opportunity to visit Vietnam and see Drs. Nguyen and Phan again in their home country.

This intergenerational dimension reminds us that REI's work extends beyond individual projects or professional exchanges—it builds networks of relationships that can span decades.

An Invitation to Participate

For those who believe in REI's mission, I strongly encourage you to consider participating in the Exchange Fellowship Program. Hosting visiting scholars provides them with comprehensive exposure not only to medical practice but also to the broader context of how we integrate our professional calling with our values, families and communities. The experience proves transformative for everyone involved, creating impacts that resonate for a lifetime.

The investment of time and hospitality required to host fellows yields returns that cannot be measured solely in professional terms. It builds the kind of deep, authentic relationships that form the foundation for sustainable international collaboration—and ultimately, for building nations having lasting impact beyond what we can see.