Recently, the importance of research capacity development has been rediscovered as a vital approach to help strengthen health systems for improved global health. The University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City (UMP) in Vietnam in collaboration with the Department of Public Health at the Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (PHFMU) developed an epidemiology training course for mid-career Vietnamese physicians. We trained a total of 128 participants over four courses since 2004. In order to balance basic and advanced course content for first-time and returning participants, we encouraged active participation of past graduates in teaching Course IV in 2009. Not only did this provide further training opportunities for advanced learners, it also increased project ownership by Vietnamese participants. Although more rigorous evaluation is needed, we believe that this summary of our past activities presents a useful example for others undertaking similar initiatives. To further upgrade the project in Vietnam, institutional support is required to nurture a strong scientific emphasis as well as self-sustainability in research capacity development.