Professor Nguyen Anh Tri: A scientific journey from the heart of a physician.

Born in the windy, sandy countryside of Quang Binh, Professor, Doctor, and Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri chose to dedicate himself to hematology and blood transfusion, becoming a scientist, physician, National Assembly representative, and poet with a compassionate heart.

Born in 1957 into a scholarly family in Hai Loc commune, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province, Professor, Doctor, and Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri 's ancestral home is Lien Minh commune, Duc Tho district, Ha Tinh province – a region rich in a tradition of learning, a place that has nurtured many talents for the country. His childhood was spent amidst the smoke and fire of war, the roar of airplanes overhead, and the cracked fields under the scorching Lao sun and sandy winds. This very environment instilled in him a spirit of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication – qualities that have stayed with him throughout his professional and personal life.

It all started with a choice no one else made.

After graduating from Hanoi Medical University, Nguyen Anh Tri chose a path few had taken: hematology and blood transfusion. At that time, this field was still very unfamiliar, lacking in many aspects and demanding considerable sacrifice. But he didn't choose the profession for its ease. With the intuition of a physician and the vision of a scientist , he saw the great mission of blood – a special resource intrinsically linked to life. From that seemingly solitary choice, he embarked on a challenging yet brilliant journey of development for the field of hematology and blood transfusion in Vietnam.

Professor, Doctor, Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri bid farewell to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion amidst the emotion and regret of many staff members.

Under his leadership, the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion has continuously developed. He laid the foundation for a safe blood transfusion system, a national blood bank, and, most notably, initiated groundbreaking movements such as the Spring Blood Donation Festival and the Red Journey – a nationwide blood donation campaign full of humanity, contributing to changing societal perceptions of voluntary blood donation.

For these achievements, he was awarded the title of Hero of Labor during the đổi mới (renovation) period and People's Physician by the State – a well-deserved recognition for a man who dedicated his life to others.

Representatives of the people always listen and act.

After retiring in 2017, instead of resting, he continued to be involved as a Member of Parliament in the 14th and 15th terms. In parliament, he not only spoke strongly on health issues but also demonstrated a broad vision in education, culture, planning, and human development.

National Assembly representative Nguyen Anh Tri speaks at the National Assembly session. Photo: National Assembly Electronic Information Portal.

With a dedicated and responsible approach, he always took the time to meet with and listen to constituents, wrote handwritten letters reflecting their concerns to relevant authorities, and followed up on every case. Whether as a doctor or a people's representative, he always focused on people – with respect, attentiveness, and empathy.

MEDDOM – a “living memory” of Vietnamese scientists

One of his quiet but profound contributions was the founding of the Center for the Heritage of Vietnamese Scientists (MEDDOM) in 2008. In a context where the intellectual heritage and history of science have not received adequate attention, he proactively conducted thousands of meetings, interviews, and collected valuable materials from veteran scientists – many of whom are now in their twilight years.

The Heritage Park of Vietnamese Scientists was founded by Professor, Doctor, Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri.

From a bold idea, MEDDOM has now become a massive living archive, with millions of pages of documents, artifacts, letters, diaries, manuscripts… not only preserving the history of Vietnamese science but also telling the stories of unsung but great people. Extending that dream is the Heritage Park of Scientists in Hoa Binh – a space that is both educational and commemorative.

The artist of life

In him, one sees not only the figure of a scientist or administrator, but also the profound soul of a poet. Poetry, memoirs, and music – for him, these are not just hobbies but ways of expressing, sharing, and preserving the human emotions. He has composed over 300 poems, published four poetry collections, and held three major concerts named after himself – where he wrote about his mother, his homeland, his comrades, and the human condition in the times.

Professor, Doctor, Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri at the "Homeland" music night - performing songs he composed.

Those simple, sincere lyrics are not technically sophisticated, but rich in emotion and full of human feelings. In his poetry, readers can sense a doctor who once held a patient's hand in their life-or-death moments, a National Assembly representative who is concerned for the people, and a son who always looks towards his roots and homeland.

A beautiful life, a great soul.

Professor, Doctor, Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri during the final briefing at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion

Professor, Doctor, and Hero of Labor Nguyen Anh Tri is one of the rare individuals who harmoniously blended intellect, heart, and action. His life was one of dedication and unwavering resilience, yet incredibly approachable. He didn't create fantastical things from imagination, but rather practical solutions for life, models with widespread impact, and cultural and intellectual legacies of lasting value for the future.

When asked what made him happiest in his life, he just smiled gently and said:

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing what I believe in, living true to myself, and contributing to this country."

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/giao-su-nguyen-anh-tri-hanh-trinh-khoa-hoc-tu-trai-tim-thay-thuoc-post268761.html