On the morning of August 28, Tran Minh Dung received an excellent graduation certificate in Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. With a GPA of 3.75/4, the Hanoi male student became the valedictorian of this year's graduation.
In addition to academic results, Dung achieved a training score of 95/100, holds DELF B2 French certificate, VSTEP C1 English and many scholarships. The male student also has scientific research achievements and actively participates in Youth Union activities.
Previously, at the resident doctor exam of Hanoi Medical University, Dung ranked 38th out of more than 1,000 candidates, achieving 23.49/30 points.
However, looking back at 6 years of university, what Dung mentioned a lot was not just the numbers.
From "headlines" to real patients
Dung is a former student specializing in Mathematics, Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted. His parents are both engineers, but the male student does not choose technology or engineering. Even in the beginning of 12th grade, Dung has not yet clearly defined his future career.
Having considered Pedagogy, after witnessing a few times his relatives having health problems, Dung began to think about the medical profession.
A good doctor not only helps patients but can also impart knowledge to students, just like teachers who come out of pedagogical schools" - Dung shared.
Being admitted directly to the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dung encountered initial disadvantages when Chemistry and Biology foundations were not his strengths.
The male student focused on listening to lectures, carefully reading the curriculum and proactively finding more materials to consolidate his knowledge. Learning with lecturers and practicing in the laboratory also helped Dung gradually catch up with the program.
A bigger challenge appeared after the first three years, when learning gradually shifted from lecture halls to hospitals.
There were days when Dung studied clinical medicine at the hospital in the morning, returned to school in the afternoon, and continued to be on duty or self-study in the evening. At the same time, the male student participated in the School Youth Union Executive Committee and organized many activities, forcing him to make detailed plans to balance time.
But it was the hours at the hospital that made Dung realize that the knowledge in books was only a part of the medical profession.
Approaching patients, you will see many things very different from the bullet points in the book. If you don't spend enough time, enthusiasm and are not guided by teachers, it is difficult for you to do well" - Dung said.
Behind them is not just a prescription
In his final year, instead of choosing to take the graduation exam, Dung decided to write a thesis. The male student regularly met patients, learned about the treatment process and results to collect research data.
Those conversations also brought Dung a different perspective on the job he chose.
Talking to family members or patients helps me understand that behind them is not just a prescription, but a long story and the hopes of the family" - Dung shared.
According to Dung, that experience helped him become more deeply aware of the responsibility of a doctor.
In parallel with completing the program at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dung is preparing for the resident doctor exam at Hanoi Medical University. With the 38th position, the male student hopes to be able to choose the desired major at the "Match Day" major selection day on September 9.
After the valedictorian milestone, Dung believes that the journey to become a good doctor is still very long. The male student sets a goal to continue to achieve good results in the journey ahead and, with his love for French, wishes to have the opportunity to study and experience the medical and cultural environment in France in the future.
