24-year-old Thai Anh Thu, from Hanoi, received her medical degree in traditional medicine with honors last week, achieving a GPA of 3.4/4. Combined with an excellent conduct record, Thu was recognized as the top graduate of her class and will be honored at Hanoi's top graduates ceremony in October.

"I learned about this after the graduation ceremony, so I was very surprised and happy," Thu said.

Thai Anh Thu. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thai Anh Thu. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thu grew up in a family of four siblings, all of whom were selected by coaches at a young age for professional athletic training. Thu was chosen for Hanoi's gymnastics team in 2nd grade.

With her parents' support to improve her health, Thu enrolled in the Hanoi Sports and Gymnastics Gifted High School. Initially, she trained morning and afternoon, only attending supplementary academic classes in the evening.

"Back then, everyone wondered why our parents let us run in the sun, do strength training, and perform dangerous aerial maneuvers," Thu recounted. "But thanks to their decision, I gained discipline and perseverance – qualities that are advantageous in any profession."

She remembers teachers coming to the dormitory every evening to teach. Thu and her classmates used folding tables placed on their beds. In later years, as the school's facilities improved, so did the learning environment. The young athletes maintained three evening and two morning academic sessions per week, prioritizing their training for the rest of the time.

From 7th grade, Thu transitioned to diving and swimming, partly due to a shortage of athletes in those disciplines and partly due to her desire to try something new. Although she hadn't achieved competitive success, Thu envisioned a future as an athlete or enrolling in the University of Sports Pedagogy, like her older siblings.

Towards the end of 11th grade, Thu reevaluated her career path. Inspired by the work of doctors and confident in her learning abilities, she expressed her desire to pursue medicine to her family and teachers.

Having prioritized athletic training over academics, everyone thought it would be challenging for Thu to change direction. Moreover, most students at her school opted for the social sciences track for their high school graduation exams. Thu had to study independently to take the natural sciences track exams, focusing on math, chemistry, and biology to apply for medical school.

"I was fortunate to have a physics teacher who encouraged and supported me, guiding me on how to grasp the fundamentals. Then, I self-studied math and biology, and took extra classes for chemistry," Thu explained.

Upon acceptance into the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy's traditional medicine program, Thu was overjoyed.

Thu during her time with Hanoi's gymnastics team. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thu during her time with Hanoi's gymnastics team. Photo courtesy of the subject

At the academy, Thu's self-discipline, perseverance, and resilience from her athletic background helped her adapt. However, the extensive medical curriculum proved demanding.

"Concepts like traditional medical theory, yin and yang, and the five elements are abstract and require genuine interest to grasp. Memorizing the location of acupuncture points, their functions, and the techniques is also complex," Thu noted. "Furthermore, students in this program must simultaneously study Western medical knowledge and undertake clinical practice."

To keep up, Thu focused intently during lectures and reviewed her notes at home. She prioritized understanding over rote memorization and maximized her clinical practice time for knowledge acquisition and practical application. This approach helped her maintain good grades from her first year.

Thu also contributed to her school team's third-place win in the 2020 Northern Regional English Olympics and holds an HSK 3 Chinese language certificate. Leveraging her athletic prowess, she helped her class win gold medals in school events.

While her studies were progressing well, her family faced financial difficulties. At one point, Thu considered taking a year off to work. With encouragement from family and friends, she continued her studies, working part-time at convenience stores and cafes to cover expenses.

Le Ba Duy, a specialist in the Department of Political Affairs and Student Management, praised Thu's dedication and initiative in her studies, which earned her scholarships for six consecutive years. Thu also served as a class officer throughout her six years of study and actively participated in volunteer activities like providing free medical check-ups and medications, and assisting with the Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

"These contributions demonstrate her sense of responsibility, organizational skills, and empathy – qualities crucial for a traditional medicine practitioner," Duy commented.

Thu and her family at her graduation from the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thu and her family at her graduation from the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy. Photo courtesy of the subject

Currently, Thu is preparing for the residency exam at the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy. Reflecting on her journey, she has no regrets about leaving her athletic career behind. She believes that "professions choose people," and traditional medicine chose her.

"I want to dedicate myself to this profession and continue learning if possible," Thu stated.

Duong Tam