Palau Minister of Health Dr. Emais Roberts and E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University Superinten-
dent Dr. Yuan Kun Tu
In keeping with what appears to be a 'two-China' policy in cultivating its relationships with Taiwan and the gigantic People's Republic of China, the Republic of Palau's Ministry of Health has signed a memorandum of understanding in support of a joint medical internship program with Taiwan's E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University.
The MOU was signed by Republic of Palau Minister of Health Dr. Emais Roberts and E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University Superintendent Dr. Yuan Kun Tu.
The MOU outlines a pilot internship program that would allow medical students graduating from I-Shou University to complete their internship requirement at the Belau National Hospital. The medical interns will be practicing under the guidance of attending physicians from both Palau and E-Da Hospital. The attending physicians will rotate on a monthly, two-week basis and will provide expertise in different medical specialties. In addition to supervising the interns, the attending physicians will also offer medical consultation to patients in Palau.
E-Da Hospital and I-Shou University are located in the Dashu District of Kaohsiung, Republic of China—Taiwan. Both institutions are supported by the E United Group, a group that operates a number of businesses in Taiwan spanning from the manufacturing industry to educational institutions. The group supports the improvement of Taiwan’s community through projects that promote better living quality, learning opportunities, and health services. E United Group was established by its chairman, Mr. I-Shou Lin.
Officials said the MOU between ministry and E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University is a step towards improving the quality of healthcare services offered to Palau’s community. By encouraging the internship of local as well as international medical students, Palau opens an opportunity to utilize the expertise of accomplished medical professionals as well as improve its understanding about the continuous advancements in the medical field.
Two Palauan medical graduates, Ms. Samantha S. Olkerill and Ms. Rilang Roberto, will be the first participants of the pilot internship program. Ms. Olkeriil and Ms. Roberto graduated with high honors (valedictorian and salutatorian respectively) from I-Shou University last month. They will begin their internship at the Belau National Hospital this August.