At the 2025 graduation certificate awarding ceremony for new doctors, pharmacists, and bachelors on the morning of August 15 of Hoa Binh University, Mr. Pham Ngoc Hong (from the old Vinh Phuc, now Phu Tho) was introduced by the school as the oldest new doctor to receive his graduation certificate this time.
Before graduating with honors in Traditional Medicine from Hoa Binh University, Mr. Hong graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing and a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from two other universities at the age of over 60.
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Hong said that the doctoral degree he has just received is the third full-time university degree he has achieved.
Previously, at the age of 62, he received his first university degree in nursing from Nam Dinh Nursing University (4-year student). 4 years later, at the age of 68, he received a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Chengdu University (5-year study).
He shared that when he was young, his family was poor and had no conditions to study at university. He served in the army and later opened an eastend medical clinic in Hanoi. When he had the opportunity, he began pursuing an academic path with the desire to gain more knowledge and experience.
"I hope to use the skills I have learned to save the lives of patients. Every time I treat patients with serious illnesses and termiconductors and the patients recover or improve, I feel extremely happy and fulfilled. That is also the motivation for me to continue studying" - Mr. Hong said.
With a lot of practical experience in the field of medicine, Mr. Hong believes that studying and pursuing a doctorate in traditional medicine "is not too difficult". On the contrary, he has the advantage of perseverance and perseverance. During the 6 school years, Mr. Hong said that he only had 1 day off - this is something that few young students can do.
In addition to holding the position of vice principal of the class, he is proud to be one of the most regular students in the school, having only missed one session for 6 years.
"For important majors, taking a day off will be a big loophole, a disadvantage for learners.
Age is not a barrier to learning, just a reason to resist the regime for oneself and not try. There are young people who really want to drop out of school, but when they see me still going to school after my 70s, they say they want to drop out of school, but seeing him still go to school, we don't want to drop out anymore but have to follow him. I was very happy to see that" - Mr. Hong said.
In addition to studying at school, Mr. Hong always maintains the habit of reading books, reading at least 10 pages of professional books per day to accumulate and update medical knowledge.
He shared that his studies have always been supported by his family. His daughter has also graduated with 4 university degrees; studied for a doctorate,...
"I am considering that in the near future I may study more law and will study for a doctorate. The world needs doctors to treat people, the law industry protects people. I want to do both of these things" - he shared about his future plans.
In addition to opening an orthology clinic in Hanoi, Mr. Hong also participates in many social activities.
He was the head of the Hanoi Dongxi Medicine Leadership Club (2012-2014), president of the Tay Ho District Dongxi Medicine Association (2010-2024), and is currently the current permanent vice president and general secretary of the Thang Long Anti-Department Association, Hanoi,...
152 traditional medicine doctors graduated first class
Of the 396 students awarded the graduation certificate this time, 9 students were awarded excellent grades, 155 students were awarded good grades, 206 students were awarded good grades and 26 students were awarded average grades. The total graduation rate reached 84.8%.
Notably, this time there are 152 traditional medicine doctors in the first course of the school graduating, of which the youngest new doctor is 24 years old. New doctor Pham Ngoc Hong is the oldest person at the age of 75.
People's Artist. Associate Professor, Dr. To Ngoc Hung - Principal of Hoa Binh University, said that this is a testament to following the example and studying for life for the health of the community.
"In any circumstances, new students should maintain their will, determination, and faith in life and themselves" - Associate Professor, Dr. To Ngoc Hung sent to new bachelors.
