69th Anniversary of Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27, 1955 - February 27, 2024): REBIRTH

TP - I think about the "angels in white" who carry the mission of saving lives, and looking back at the path they've traveled, it's been a journey no less difficult. That long, arduous journey, as if there were no other way, like a dream that youth must fulfill, shows that we must walk our own path. It's a path with a final destination they've reached, or nearly reached, that is by no means empty or hopeless...

To dedicate oneself to the place where one was born...

I want to tell the story of a young man in a white lab coat, always harboring the aspiration to dedicate himself to his birthplace and to bridge the gap between young Vietnamese people and their international peers, even though that journey is not easy, constantly facing fierce challenges and failures that become valuable lessons.

Overcome your limitations - venture out into the wider world.

Dr. Ngo Quoc Duy receives the Golden Globe Award in 2023.

“Excuse me, ma’am, I have a thyroid cancer surgery scheduled. Please wait until I finish the operation, and I’ll call you back,” the young doctor said in a hurried yet warm and resolute voice. He quickly hung up after my reply, probably burying himself in another surgery. Dr. Ngo Quoc Duy has been in such a hurry so many times. And each time, I hope to hear his joyful voice again after each operation. Head and neck cancer is a difficult and specialized field that Dr. Ngo Quoc Duy, Deputy Head of the Head and Neck Surgery Department (K Hospital), is passionate about and determined to pursue to the end.

Doctor Duy performs surgery on cancer patients.

This young man focuses on applying new techniques in the treatment of head and neck cancers, especially thyroid cancer, as it is a common cancer that is increasingly affecting younger people. In the treatment of thyroid cancer, open surgery is the classic method. However, it often leaves a scar on the front of the neck, affecting aesthetics. Under the guidance of his mentor, Professor Dr. Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital, young doctor Ngo Quoc Duy has performed endoscopic thyroidectomy through the oral vestibule on many thyroid cancer patients, not only increasing survival time but also achieving the best aesthetic results. Dr. Duy was also honored to be invited by Professor Angkoon Anuwong from Thailand – a pioneering surgeon in this technique worldwide – to give a presentation and directly participate in teaching other surgeons around the world.

Dr. Ngo Quoc Duy is one of the 20 nominees for the Outstanding Young Vietnamese of 2023 award. Duy also won the Golden Globe Award for Science and Technology in 2023.

Always remembering his father's teaching that willpower leads to success, Dr. Duy has never stopped striving. To date, Duy has published numerous scientific articles, including those in prestigious international journals. On his journey of seeking knowledge, his creativity and tireless work in the operating room have earned him recognition as a global surgeon by the World Head and Neck Cancer Association. Furthermore, under the guidance of Professor Dr. Le Van Quang, Dr. Ngo Quoc Duy is also one of the top 10 people in the world with the best video demonstrations on endoscopic thyroid surgery. His technique of transvestite cervical lymph node dissection in the treatment of thyroid cancer was selected as one of the top 10 best techniques at the US International Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) 2021 and published in a prestigious international Q1 journal.

Dr. Duy further shared that he truly feels very fortunate and honored to be a student of Professor Quang. Professor Quang not only imparts knowledge and surgical techniques but also inspires his students to constantly strive to provide the best possible treatment for patients. In addition, he teaches communication skills, life skills, and interpersonal relationships, helping generations of students to continuously improve themselves.

Speaking about his student, Professor Quang recognized him as someone with logical thinking, intelligence, and creativity. “Duy is particularly diligent in learning and enjoys listening to critical feedback. This is a crucial factor in his ability to develop his creativity and continuously improve his skills. Duy is also a doctor with excellent foreign language skills and the ability to write high-quality international publications, which helps him access advanced medical practices around the world to broaden his knowledge and grow further.”

Passion and perseverance lead to success.

Duy's journey of overcoming challenges in his profession, from his time as a student to becoming a highly skilled surgeon, has taught him that perseverance and proactiveness open wider doors of opportunity. Medical research, especially in clinical settings, presents many difficulties. Since research is often conducted on patients, ensuring ethical conduct in medical research is crucial and sometimes challenging. "Always strive your best, persevere in pursuing your passion to achieve the best results"—that's the advice Ngô Quốc Duy gives to young people.

Having dedicated many years to cancer patients, Duy has experienced both successes and failures. For him, failure is an opportunity to reflect, to correct shortcomings, and to continuously improve his skills. "If passion is the road to success, then perseverance is the vehicle that takes you there" is a motto Duy deeply cherishes. "Without passion, it's easier to give up. When you work with passion, you're enjoying the work, not just toiling. But passion without perseverance is also difficult to succeed. This is especially true in scientific research, which is fraught with difficulties and hardships," Duy told me, as if questioning himself.

In our conversations, I always sensed a positive energy radiating from this kind-faced young man. Listening to him passionately recount difficult cases and the plight of impoverished patients, it was easy to recognize that alongside his professional responsibilities, he also possessed a deep love for his patients. The sharing of this young man, born in 1989, made me understand that throughout his long career, Duy has always held immense gratitude towards those who have helped make him the doctor he is today.

“You know, at K Hospital, there are so many patients, and each patient, each case, has taught me a lesson. They are my teachers, alongside the professors in the lecture hall and in the hospital, helping me grow. There are many things that aren't in books, but doctors have to learn from patients.” Listening to Duy's heartfelt words, I felt deeply moved by his gratitude to his teachers. Perhaps that's only found in those who have vowed to dedicate their hearts to the rhythm of their fellow human beings, pouring their minds into life – the rebirth of life.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/69-nam-ngay-thay-thuoc-viet-nam-2721955-2722024-tai-sinh-post1614284.tpo