American Professor Honored by Ministry of Science and Technology

July 12, 2007

On July 11, the Ministry of Science and Technology held a ceremony to present Prof. Dr. Judith Ladinsky, an American citizen, with a Campaign Medal for the Cause of Science and Technology, in recognition for nearly 30 years of work to develop science and technology cooperation between the people of Vietnam and the United States.  Dr. Ladinsky has received a total of five medals from the President of Vietnam, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Women’s Union.

Judith Ladinsky is an associate professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Director of the Office of International Health Affairs in the University of Wisconsin Medical School.   Dr. Ladinsky is also the Chairwoman of the non-governmental organization U.S. Committee for Scientific Cooperation with Vietnam and Laos.  Dr. Ladinsky lifetime achievements include expanding primary health care and economic education throughout Vietnam, administering 1,800 TOEFL exams for Vietnamese students interested in studying abroad, and medical technology transfer and training in surgery, eye care, mammograms and nanotechnology.  She has conducted extensive research on a variety of health care topics in Vietnam, most recently on malaria, diabetes and Japanese encephalitis.

U.S. Embassy Environment, Science, Technology and Health Officer Nathan Sage attended the medal ceremony on behalf of Ambassador Michael W. Marine.  Mr. Sage noted Dr. Ladinsky’s tireless efforts to help the Vietnamese people.  Mr. Sage stated, “This is Prof. Ladinsky’s 101st visit to Vietnam since 1980.  Through her long-term commitment, dedication and contributions to the Vietnamese people, U.S.-Vietnam relations have improved on both sides of the Pacific.”