Choosing "to the people"
Recognizing the important role of grassroots health care - the "extended arm" of the health sector in providing primary health care for people, Dr. Tran Minh Hai (28 years old) "assigned" to the District 8 Medical Center (HCMC) to work when he had just graduated (August 2024).
"Like many other families, my parents expected that after graduating, I would work in major hospitals in the city. However, after a period of practical training at a general hospital associated with a health station, and being directly examined by people, I found that grassroots health care is the place for me," said Dr. Hai.
Working in grassroots health care not only helps people get closer to the people but also has the opportunity to come into contact with many diseases. This is a good opportunity to practice skills and improve professional qualifications. Continuously practicing ultrasound skills, imaging diagnosis... helps young doctors like Dr. Hai gain more skills.
"Regarding medical centers, I also prepare for the psychology of having doubts about whether doctors in grassroots health care have high professional qualifications and experience or not.
However, after more than half a year working here, I have noticed that the unit has many veteran doctors who have worked in major hospitals. For difficult cases, we are also supported by veteran doctors in diagnosis to better care for the people and gain the trust of the people," said Dr. Hai.
Thanking words add motivation
"What makes me feel happiest is seeing patients smile when they are healthy again. The sincere thanks from the people are the biggest motivation for me to continue to stick with this job," Dr. Hai confided.
Not only receiving recognition and trust from local people, young doctors like Mr. Hai at District 8 Medical Center also received encouragement and enthusiastic support from the unit's leadership as well as from doctors and nurses who have worked at the facility for many years. From there, it helps young doctors quickly integrate and affirm their own abilities.
"When I return to the health station, the unit's leadership always listens and closely follows the young doctors, and every quarter will always ask questions and listen to the thoughts and aspirations of the young doctors. Especially, when we want to study professional fields and receive more in-depth training, the unit's leaders always create conditions and prioritize young people like me," said Dr. Hai.
Speaking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Hoang Van Cuong - Director of District 8 Medical Center said that in the past, recruiting civil servants faced many difficulties, however, since the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health had many solutions to help increase resources for grassroots health care, such as the practical training program at the general hospital associated with the health station, creating opportunities for doctors to better understand grassroots health care.
Since then, many young doctors have proactively chosen to work in grassroots health care after completing their practice program and having a practice license.
"The solutions of the city's health sector have helped access grassroots health care and invite new graduates to receive grassroots health care. Currently, recruitment is relatively easy for most positions, including general practitioner. However, the requirements for nursing and midwifery are still limited" - Mr. Cuong assessed.
