Choice starts from a scar
At Match Day 2026 - the registration date for the 51st course of resident doctor training major of Hanoi Medical University, Dr. Nguyen Minh Nhat's decision surprised many people present.
Nhat is the first candidate to choose the neuroscience major. But for young doctors, this decision does not stem from the psychology of chasing after a major that is of interest to many people or wanting to receive applause.
I don't have the psychology of choosing a "hot" or "hot" major. This is simply my dream" - Nhat shared.
Behind that choice is a story that lasts since Nhat was in middle school. Pointing to the scar behind his neck, the young doctor said that this is a trace from the time he was treated for a myeloma.
This scar is because I had a spinal cord tumor before. That is the reason why I decided to study medicine and pursue a major in Neurology" - Nhat said.
According to Nhat's account, abnormal signs began to appear from around 6th grade and gradually progressed. He was weak, his limbs were numb; writing became difficult, his handwriting was scribbled, and one leg was weak. Nhat's family took him to many places for examination, but the process of determining the disease was not easy.
Dr. Lieu (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Lieu, leading expert in Neurology - PV) was the one who examined and saved my life. If I was a month late, I could be paralyzed or my condition would be even worse" - Nhat recounted. This is also the person who the young doctor called "the second father".
Nhat still remembers the afternoon his parents took him to see Dr. Lieu. He was the last patient in the examination session that day. That meeting not only contributed to changing his health condition but also opened up a new direction for the middle school student.
From his own upheaval, Nhat decided to pursue medicine. "On my first year of school, I chose medicine and at that time, it was a profession. To this day, for me, it has become a career" - Nhat shared.
Searching for two answers in the boarding journey
Nhat said that the story of having a previous illness is not the only reason why he chose neuroscience.
During his studies, the times he was exposed to teachers and doctors at Hanoi Medical University Hospital and Bach Mai Hospital continued to nurture his passion for this major.
I feel very excited, really don't know how to explain it. I feel happy, happy and lucky" - Nhat said.
Young doctors recognize that choosing a major at Match Day is not a destination, but just a milestone on a very long journey of learning.
“I think this journey has no destination. The limit is just my strength, passion and desire. I know I am still young, so I really want to learn a lot from the teachers” - Nhat shared.
In the journey from a patient to a doctor, Nhat said he never thought about giving up. Besides the desire to pursue a medical career, the support and respect from his family is an important support for him. His family respects his dreams and choices.
“That is the happiest thing, which made me never think I would quit my job” - Nhat said.
Entering the resident doctor training program, Nhat wishes to dedicate his youth to studying and working at the hospital and becoming a true resident doctor.
On that journey, he raised two questions that he himself must find answers to: Do I have enough professional capacity to treat diseases and do I have enough heart to trust and entrust patients?
That's the only thing in my head today. I haven't thought about working at any hospital yet" - Nhat said happily.
