Youngest Female Associate Professor in Medicine 2025: The journey of persistent efforts of a young doctor

SKĐS - Recently recognized as the youngest female Associate Professor in the Medical field in 2025 and the youngest Associate Professor at Hanoi Medical University, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam is recognized for her outstanding contributions in research, teaching and clinical practice, especially in the field of chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes.

The pride of being the 'youngest' and the journey of choosing a career

Sharing with reporters of Health & Life Newspaper, newly appointed Associate Professor Nguyen Ngoc Tam looked back on his 15-year journey in the medical profession with caution, humility and enthusiasm.

Before being appointed to the title of Associate Professor, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam was a lecturer at the Department of Geriatrics, Hanoi Medical University and Deputy Head of the Department of Endocrinology - Musculoskeletal System, Central Geriatric Hospital.

Recalling the moment of being recognized as Associate Professor, Dr. Tam said: "When I was recognized as Associate Professor in 2025, my first feelings were emotion and gratitude. This is a special milestone, recognizing my persistent efforts during my work. This achievement is not only mine but also thanks to the guidance of teachers, the support of school leaders, departments, hospitals, and the companionship of family and colleagues."

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam - the youngest female Associate Professor in the medical industry in 2025.

According to her, the title "youngest" is both a source of pride and a positive motivation for the road ahead. "I am very aware of people's expectations for me and consider it a motivation to continue training, working seriously, and contributing more to training, research and treatment."

As a native of Hung Yen (formerly Thai Binh ), Dr. Tam entered Hanoi Medical University with the desire to become a good and useful doctor. The time studying as a resident physician - an environment considered as a strict "forge" - opened up a long-term career orientation.

It was also here that she found the major that she later devoted her whole heart to: "The journey of learning for a doctor is a lifelong arduous journey. I was attracted to the major of Geriatrics during my time studying and writing my thesis at the Central Geriatric Hospital. Working with elderly patients made me realize that this is a difficult major, not only clinically but also in understanding the patient's psychology. It was that complexity that helped me realize that I could continue to learn and contribute more. Moreover, the guidance and mentoring of teachers, seniors, and colleagues gave me more motivation and determination when choosing this path."

The decision to stay at the Department of Geriatrics and the Central Geriatric Hospital when the field was still quite new became an important turning point in Dr. Tam's career.

Pursuing a difficult major and trying to balance multiple responsibilities

In parallel with studying diabetes, the female Associate Professor devoted much of her enthusiasm to a series of basic studies on geriatric syndromes - an urgent issue in the context of Vietnam's aging population. "The series of studies that I devoted much of my energy to are works on very important geriatric syndromes such as sarcopenia, fragility syndrome, falls, etc. The studies we conducted have provided basic data, from which the Central Geriatric Hospital has completed the screening process for geriatric syndromes. For me, the greatest value of the research lies in the fact that each result can be applied to clinical practice, helping patients receive better treatment and care."

According to Dr. Tam, choosing Geriatrics did not come from pressure but from the desire to contribute to the elderly care system - a group with increasing needs. "I came to Geriatrics not because it is an "easy" major. The elderly are not old adults, but a special group that needs a comprehensive, individualized screening, management and treatment strategy."

The female Associate Professor frankly stated that the elderly care system in Vietnam is still lacking in consistency, from human resources to management models and long-term support services. This is also the reason why the Geriatrics sector needs more young doctors with expertise and enthusiasm.

Taking on the position of Deputy Head of Department at a young age is a big challenge. "It is not easy to complete the task well and gain the trust of colleagues. I am fortunate to work in an environment with a close relationship between the institute and the school, always receiving support from the leadership in teaching, medical examination and treatment and research."

To balance clinical, research, teaching and management, Dr. Tam said: "I learned how to allocate time reasonably, clearly prioritizing each stage. And most of all, I always receive great encouragement from my family."

In teaching, Dr. Tam accompanies students of the advanced program of Hanoi Medical University. "They are active, eager to learn and have language advantages. I hope not only to impart knowledge but also to orient and inspire them to love their profession and be passionate about research."

At the end of the conversation, the youngest female Associate Professor in the medical industry in 2025 said: "Be persistent in pursuing your passion and practicing the ethics of a physician. When you study, work and research with all your heart, you will reap success."

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nu-pgs-tre-nhat-nganh-y-2025-hanh-trinh-no-luc-ben-bi-cua-mot-bac-si-tre-169251124073151509.htm