The first headmaster of HMU was Alexandre Yersin who was the co-discoverer of the bacillus responsible for the bubonic plague or pest, which was renamed in his honour (Yersinia pestis).

The site was also shared with the College of Science of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

HMU is considered the most prestigious medical university in Vietnam, known for its highly competitive entrance exam.

For a long time, it has been the only university that did not apply affirmative action (also known as priority by regions) during the national university entrance exam – this is a system that rewards extra points for students coming from rural or otherwise disadvantaged regions.

This Vietnam university, college or other higher education institution article is a stub.