When a coffee shop becomes a zero-dong clinic
In a small alley at 54, Yen Lang Street (Dong Da, Hanoi), Mo Pho Coffee Shop is not only a meeting place for those who love art, books and the quiet space. Every Saturday morning, this place puts on a special "short" - becoming the headquarters of the Volunteer Physicians Association, a warm 0 VND clinic.
The restaurant space has been neatly rearranged, familiar coffee tables have become examination tables, consultation tables, and drug distribution areas. Dozens of patients, mainly the elderly and those in difficult circumstances, patiently waited for their turn. The atmosphere does not have the tension and anxiety commonly seen in hospitals, but instead is caring and approachable. The "golden shirt Angels" - the volunteers of the Association - walked gently, some measured blood pressure, some guided procedures, some talked and asked about the health of the elderly.
Among the young volunteers, Mr. Le Van San, a medical student, has been with the clinic for nearly 2 years. For San, this is not only a place to contribute but also a special "road".
"I learned about the Association through my brothers and sisters. As a medical student, I always want to interact with patients more, learn practical experience from experienced doctors and nurses. Participating in activities here helps me have that precious opportunity," San shared.
Each examination has about 10 to 15 volunteers, each person is in charge of a different task, from receiving, measuring vital signs, supporting doctors to giving medicine. Although the work is busy, everyone is happy. For San and young people, the most meaningful thing is not only to practice professionally but also to nurture medical ethics and practice the spirit of helping people.
"Here, I met doctors with very good hearts and patients from many different circumstances. From there, I was able to promote the spirit of helping the community, nurturing more medical ethics for myself. There were times when patients came to the clinic and brought gifts of cakes, even if they were just simple gifts from the countryside. Although that is not my goal, those actions are a great respect, a source of motivation to love the job more and be more passionate about the job I have chosen," San said emotionally.
Small stories and warm gestures in Mo Pho have become a glue that binds together, turning the clinic not only into a place for physical treatment but also a place for healing the soul, a place for medical ethics to be nurtured and spread strongly in the future generation of doctors.
The journey of tireless dedication
If young students bring vitality and enthusiasm, then retired doctors are the "soul", the professional pillar of Mo Pho Clinic. They are experienced doctors who, after decades of dedication to the medical industry, still choose to continue their journey of treating and saving people silently.
One of them is Dr. Nguyen Thi Tho. After retiring for more than ten years, through the introduction of friends, she went to the Volunteer Physicians Association and has been with the Association for the past 3 years.
"Most people who come here for medical examination are in difficult circumstances. They are elderly people, children busy with money, or workers who do not have access to adequate health care. Seeing them like that, I feel very touched and want to use my knowledge to take care of their health as wholeheartedly as possible," Dr. Tho shared.
Every month, Dr. Tho attends a check-up on Saturday morning in Mo Pho, welcoming about 20-30 patients. In addition, she often participates in charity trips to remote provinces organized by the Association. With extensive experience, Ms. Tho enthusiastically advises adults on common diseases, guiding them to the right specialist when necessary.
Like many other patients, Ms. Do Thi Tan (Phuong Liet ward, Hanoi) knows the clinic through an introduction. "I heard from friends that the doctors here examined very well and wholeheartedly, so I came. Today I have an eye exam, an ultrasound, the doctors and volunteers are very attentive," Ms. Tan happily said.
The Volunteer Doctor Association was established in 2016, gathering many doctors and pharmacists who are working or have retired in Hanoi. In particular, all profits from the business of Mo Pho coffee shop are used to raise funds for charity activities, purchase of medicine and medical equipment. The perseverance over the past 9 years is a testament to the hearts of those who always put the public interest first.
When asked if he would continue this job in the future, Dr. Tho did not hesitate to affirm: "Of course! That is a matter of course. Now that I have retired, I no longer have to worry about food and money, and my children have grown up. I have time to spend on society, on those who need me the most."
Her answer is also the common thought of "ageless salaries" in Mo Pho. They, through their silent actions, are contributing to building a better society, where no one is left behind.
