28-year-old Phung The Thong, from Phu Tho (formerly Vinh Phuc), received his medical residency certificate on the morning of 30/7.

Among the first three medical residents to graduate from the Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Thong achieved the highest results, earning honors with distinction.

Professor Le Ngoc Thanh, the university's president, believes Thong's and the other residents' and students' achievements demonstrate their perseverance and adaptability, especially given the difficulties they faced during clinical training due to Covid-19.

"From the moment I chose to study medicine, I knew it would require perseverance," Thong said. "University is already demanding. Medical residency is far more so. Therefore, I'm very happy with my results."

Phung The Thong on his graduation day. Photo: Duong Tam

Phung The Thong on his graduation day. Photo: Duong Tam

Thong was a biology student at the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Since moving from Vinh Phuc (formerly) to Hanoi for high school, Thong dreamt of becoming a doctor. He was directly admitted to the Hanoi University of Pharmacy thanks to a bronze medal in the Biology Olympiad at his high school.

Studying his chosen field, Thong excelled. He set goals and plans for each stage, embraced challenges, and actively sought advice from experienced professionals.

During his clinical training, Thong maximized each learning opportunity, interacting with numerous patients, formulating questions about phenomena and problems, and diligently searching for answers in both domestic and international literature.

Medicine demands theoretical study, clinical practice, overnight hospital shifts, and year-round exams. Yet, Thong balanced his demanding schedule with sports and cultural activities. He was a member of the university's volleyball club.

In 2021, Thong graduated with honors from medical school with a GPA of 3.59/4.00, becoming one of 90 top graduating students honored by Hanoi. That same year, the Hanoi University of Pharmacy launched its medical residency program, and Thong immediately applied.

"The medical residency exam is very rigorous and highly competitive," Thong said.

Before that, he had trained for about three weeks at the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology at Bach Mai Hospital.

The image of a 12-year-old ethnic minority girl from Cao Bang suffering from leukemia, leaning against a window in pain, deeply affected Thong. His teachers shared stories of similar cases and new treatment methods.

While acknowledging the challenges of cancer treatment, Thong also saw its potential and decided to pursue it.

"My father was worried because he thought I was frail and that studying oncology would expose me to chemicals and radiation," Thong recounted. "But after I explained my aspirations, he supported my decision."

Thong at the medical residency graduation ceremony on the morning of 30/7. Photo: Ngoc Trang

Thong at the medical residency graduation ceremony on the morning of 30/7. Photo: Ngoc Trang

Residency was considerably more challenging than medical school. Now a doctor, Thong had greater responsibilities and a deeper understanding of his field.

"Instead of having teachers guide me through every step like during clinical rotations in medical school, for the past three years, I've directly examined and treated patients under the supervision of the attending physician," Thong shared.

Although often able to finish his work during regular hours, Thong would stay late to talk with patients. He believes empathizing with their suffering is essential for effective treatment, especially since cancer patients endure prolonged battles with both physical and emotional pain.

Training primarily at two major hospitals, Bach Mai and K, and encountering complex cases further solidified Thong's commitment to oncology.

Oncology has three main branches: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Thong chose to specialize in radiation therapy and will begin working at a public hospital in Hanoi in early August. He plans to work there for at least 5 years before pursuing further education.

"A few weeks ago, a breast cancer patient I treated sent me a thank-you message and flowers for supporting her throughout the past three years. The treatment has been successful," Thong shared. "Small gestures like that motivate me to continue in this field."

Duong Tam