Ngo Thu Ha, 24, from Phu Tho, recently graduated from Hanoi Medical University's Faculty of Medicine with a GPA of 8.42/10. She will receive her medical degree with honors at the end of August.

Six years ago, Ha was the national top scorer in the B00 exam group, achieving a total score of 29.8 in Math, Chemistry, and Biology. However, she hadn't set her sights on becoming the top graduating student.

"After finishing my final exam in June, I was thrilled to learn I had the highest GPA. While it's a small achievement, it reflects my hard work," Ha said.

A Hanoi Medical University representative stated that in decades, Ha is the rare case of a student who topped both the university entrance exam based on high school graduation scores and the graduating class. According to the university, this achievement requires not only talent but also persistent effort.

Ngo Thu Ha. Photo courtesy of the subject

Ngo Thu Ha. Photo courtesy of the subject

Ha is a former student of the Math specialization program at Hung Vuong Specialized High School in Phu Tho. Although no one in her family is in the medical field, Ha dreamt of becoming a doctor since childhood, after experiencing a high fever and receiving dedicated emergency care from a doctor during their lunch break.

Despite being the national top scorer, Ha faced initial challenges in university. The coursework was vastly different from high school. Foundation subjects like Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Anatomy demanded in-depth knowledge of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, requiring Ha to reinforce her understanding.

"For Biophysics, I even had to review my high school Physics textbooks to refresh my fundamentals," Ha recalled. "Fortunately, my strong Math background helped me grasp the natural science subjects more quickly."

Ha joined the university's Active Learning Student Club. She believes that studying in groups facilitates faster progress than self-study, allowing her to connect with seniors and peers who share her learning style. Each member brings unique strengths, sharing and guiding each other for better comprehension.

Ha also employs the "Active Recall" learning method. After reading a chapter, she closes the book and tries to explain the concepts from memory until she can do so fluently.

The extensive medical curriculum necessitates frequent review. Ha uses a flashcard app on her phone. With her self-made flashcards, she can review the material anytime, anywhere.

Another unique aspect of medical studies is the requirement for both theoretical and clinical exams. Sometimes, the questions cover material not found in the university's textbooks. Therefore, Ha consults various domestic and international resources recommended by her professors, including classic texts like Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology and Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.

With this approach, Ha consistently achieved top marks and earned several academic scholarships from both the university and businesses.

Ha during a clinical training session at the hospital. Photo courtesy of the subject

Ha during a clinical training session at the hospital. Photo courtesy of the subject

Her 5th year was the most demanding, juggling classes, clinical rotations, hospital shifts, and final exams. This period also involved preparing for the residency exam, the most competitive exam for medical students, adding to the pressure.

Ha persevered with her study methods from the first year, maximizing every opportunity to learn.

"During night shifts at the hospital, I made time to interact with patients, learning about their symptoms and treatment. They are often more open at night, providing valuable learning opportunities," Ha explained.

Her experiences at the hospital further fueled her motivation. She remembers her emergency room shifts at Bach Mai Hospital, encountering many patients in their 60s and 70s who came alone, requiring extensive support from the medical staff, from paperwork to assisting with diagnostic imaging.

"These encounters remind me of the importance of honing my professional skills and cultivating compassion and empathy," Ha shared.

Her advisor for the past three years, Ms. Dao Thi Ngoan, praised Ha's excellence in both academics and personal development, considering her the most outstanding student in the faculty. Ha consistently topped the list for merit-based scholarships.

"Initially, I thought she was a bright but quiet student. However, I gradually realized her quietness reflected a sharp mind," Ms. Ngoan commented. "Ha isn't overly boisterous, as medical studies demand significant time and effort. But she strategically chooses extracurricular activities that allow her to contribute meaningfully."

Ha also excels in languages, holding the DEFL B2 French certificate (equivalent to level 4/6). As a student in the first graduating class of the revamped medical doctor training program with its rigorous requirements, Ha's consistent performance is, according to Ms. Ngoan, truly admirable.

Currently, Ha is in the final stages of preparation for the medical residency exam next week. She aims to be in the top 50 to secure her preferred specialization.

Duong Tam