Vinh Dao

His Story

Dr. Vinh Dao (Vinny) received his PharmD degree from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2005. He has 14 years of clinical experience in both acute and ambulatory settings. He initially maintained a pharmacy practice that provided care for TBI, polytrauma, spinal cord injury, and stroke patients at the Minneapolis Veterans Health Care System (MVAHCS). In 2014, Dr. Dao transitioned to the MVAHCS Comprehensive Pain Center where he continues to focus on pain management, opioid stewardship, and opioid use disorder.

His areas of specialty include acute, chronic, perioperative, and malignant pain as well as complex headache management and palliative care. He currently serves as the MVAHCS PGY2 Pain Management and Palliative Care Residency Program Director and as guest lecturer for the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy. He maintains an interest in all things related to pain management and has been published in peer reviewed journals.

Describe the facility where you work (eg. Is it a teaching hospital? Health Center? 

The Minneapolis VA Healthcare System is part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23 that primarily services the upper Midwest region. The MVAHCS is comprised of a large tertiary care hospital and satellite clinics that supports a multitude of inpatient and outpatient services. The MVAHCS promotes patient-centric care which incorporates collaboration between specialty care, primary care, and mental health services.

Recent Significant Projects

Dr. Dao has recently served on the Board of Pharmacy Specialties Pain Pharmacy Role Delineation Study Panel. He continues with numerous initiatives involving pain and headache management and opioid stewardship at MVAHCS and within VISN 23. Additionally, he has been involved in projects that have enhanced the availability of therapeutic options to manage pain across multiple settings. These projects include intravenous ketamine, intravenous lidocaine, botulinumtoxin A, and treatment pathways for perioperative pain management in patients utilizing partial opioid agonists or antagonists. He remains an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare for both patients and providers.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

Dr. Dao is in his inaugural year with the ASHP Pain Management and Palliative Care Section Advisory Group. He has participated in roundtables and invitational forums and looks forward to further collaboration with ASHP members. 

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

Dr. Dao became involved in ASHP in order to collaborate with professionals and pharmacists who share similar interests and areas of specialty. He welcomes the opportunity to learn from others that practice in a variety of settings and lend his own expertise to improve pain management and patient outcomes. He values teaching and education and hopes to work with the ASHP residency accreditation program.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area 

Failure is an opportunity to learn and excel. Do not let others define your potential and limits. Respect others and insist on respect in return. Do not be afraid to seize opportunities for learning and growth. A connection with your patients is the first step towards an effective patient-provider relationship.

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague?

ASHP provides excellent opportunities and products to enhance your professional growth and help build your practice.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

ASHP tirelessly advocates for the profession to promote opportunities and sustainability.