In mid-January, Hung completed his residency program with outstanding results among more than 340 trainees. He said he was very surprised, because residency is a program that focuses heavily on knowledge and practice, and previously no dermatology trainee had graduated with excellent grades.
"This is proof of the efforts over the past three years ," Hung shared.
Valedictorian Nguyen Manh Hung - Top 7 outstanding dermatology resident of the 2022-2025 cohort at Hanoi Medical University. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)
Born in 1998, Hung studied science subjects at Dai Tu High School (Thai Nguyen province), intending to pursue economics . However, in his final semester of 12th grade, following his family's guidance, he switched to studying biology to prepare for the science subjects. His initial goal was the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Thai Nguyen University), but with 27.75 points, Hung was accepted into the medical program at Hanoi Medical University.
Aware of the demanding curriculum, Hung maintained a diligent study habit, rereading materials repeatedly to gain a deep understanding of each topic. He considered Pharmacology in his third year the biggest challenge due to its vast amount of information. "It's not just about memorizing, but also applying the knowledge, so I had to study selectively and systematize my learning ," Hung said.
When he first started clinical practice, Hung was initially hesitant around patients, but gradually developed the perspective that each patient is a teacher. "Even with the same illness, the symptoms and treatment approach can differ. Understanding a case completely teaches you so much ," he shared.
Nguyen Manh Hung (third from the left) at the valedictorian award ceremony at Van Mieu National University, 2022.
After six years of university, Hung decided to take the residency exam – a program considered "rigorous," a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for medical students. He chose Dermatology because it is the largest organ in the body, with thousands of diseases and easily confused symptoms, requiring sophisticated diagnostic thinking and a solid clinical foundation.
During his residency, Hung worked directly with the lead doctor to treat patients. The number of patients Hung handled was not just one, but up to 10-20 people per session.
Hung spends most of his day at the hospital. On average, he's on call 1-2 times a week. This experience has taught Hung the role and responsibilities of a doctor and made him more cautious in every decision.
Hung's most memorable experience was successfully treating psoriasis and pemphigus, a rare skin condition, in a family member.
The residency graduation exam consisted of three parts: theory, clinical practice, and thesis defense. Hung scored 9.5 in theory with 114/120 correct answers, 9 in practical practice, and 9.5 in his thesis on the treatment of acne scars. During his studies, he also participated in presenting research on scar treatment and melanoma at professional conferences.
Manh Hung (far left) receives an award at a Dermatology professional conference in November 2025.
Dr. Vu Huy Luong, a lecturer in the Dermatology Department at Hanoi Medical University and Head of the Laser Department at the Central Dermatology Hospital, assessed that Hung was diligent, quickly grasped both theory and practical skills, worked meticulously, and kept up-to-date with his knowledge thanks to his foreign language skills. "The committee hardly had to revise Hung's graduation thesis because there were very few errors," he said.
At the age of 28, being the top graduate from university and also graduating with honors from his residency program is, according to Hung, a testament to his nine-year academic journey. However, he considers this just the beginning.
"Besides knowledge, medical ethics is a core element in becoming a good doctor," said the valedictorian of Hanoi Medical University.
After graduation, Hung plans to continue his studies, seek opportunities for exchange and training abroad, and become a lecturer to participate in training the next generation of doctors. For him, the medical field is not a quick way to get rich, but it offers opportunities for sustained contribution to public health.
"If you want to pursue medicine for economic reasons, you should think twice. But if you want to become a useful member of society and contribute to public health, then the medical field will offer you many valuable opportunities," the young doctor shared.
Le Thu
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/thu-khoa-dau-ra-dai-hoc-y-ha-noi-re-huong-phut-chot-ve-dich-ngoan-muc-ar1001966.html
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