Professor Thach Nguyen and the journey to make the American dream come true for Vietnamese students

Phan Bao Lam and Professor Thach Nguyen (right) in the United States.

Journey from simple dream

Nguyen Hoang Toan, a 5th-year student, was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City. He has nurtured the dream of becoming a doctor since childhood with the desire to contribute to the community. After learning about Tan Tao University (TTU), Toan was attracted by the internship program in the US and decided to entrust his future here.

Toan shared: “After 4 years of studying at TTU, the biggest difference I have gained is my English ability. Thanks to the specialized subjects, especially the USMLE, I not only understand international research but also realize the importance of bringing Vietnamese medicine to the world .”

Meanwhile, Phan Bao Lam, a student from the same class from Lam Dong , came to the medical profession from an emotional turning point. In 2020, the Covid-19 epidemic broke out, and the image of resilient doctors and nurses on the front lines fighting the epidemic urged Lam to embark on this path. “That was the moment I realized this was the path I wanted to take, to contribute to protecting people's health,” Lam confided.

Nguyen Hoang Toan and Professor Thach Nguyen (right) in the United States.

The Doors of American Medicine Open Wide

Toan and Lam's dream of doing an internship in the US has come true, thanks to the program designed and led by Professor Thach Nguyen.

Toan burst into tears when he held his US visa in his hand: “This opportunity requires both solid knowledge and good English. A month of internship in the US helped me become much more confident in communication and better understand the modernity of world medicine.” Here, Toan participated in Problem Based Learning classes with Professor Talarico, went to clinical practice at hospitals and clinics, learned how to think independently and discuss in English. “What I learned the most was a comprehensive view of the patient,” Toan said.

For Phan Bao Lam, the trip brought him the opportunity to intern at two major hospitals: St. Mary and Methodist in Indiana. He not only had direct contact with patients but also attended many international medical conferences and seminars. “I got to present my research to experts, listen to the latest reports and connect with colleagues from around the world. These were invaluable experiences that not every student has,” Lam emotionally shared.

Phan Bao Lam (left) with a doctor in the United States.

Dedicated, inspirational teacher

Throughout this journey, the role of Professor Thach Nguyen is extremely important. With more than 40 years of experience in the field of cardiology in the United States, he is not only a pioneer but also a direct inspirational teacher.

Toan shared: “Professor Thach supported all procedures from visa to accommodation. He always reminded us to be confident and bold in presenting in English, taught us how to extract information from patients and most of all, to be dedicated to the profession.” Toan was especially impressed when he first followed his teacher into the coronary intervention room. “Despite his age, his operations are still extremely skillful. He is a role model for me to learn from.”

Lam always remembers the teacher's simplicity and closeness: "At first, I thought he was very difficult to approach, but when I came to America, I saw that he was very attentive and took care of the students in every meal and sleep. He often joked: 'If you study badly, you have to pay me back double'. That saying always motivated me to try harder.

Nguyen Hoang Toan during an exchange and study session in the United States.

Aspiration to reach out to the world

Returning from the US, both Toan and Lam shared the same aspiration: to continue studying and working at major medical centers. Toan wanted to specialize in a specific specialty and study abroad long-term, while Lam cherished the dream of both researching and practicing in the US.

“The trip changed me a lot. I feel more mature, more confident and understand that to go far, you need solid knowledge, good foreign language skills and determination,” Lam affirmed.

The story of Toan and Lam is a clear demonstration of Tan Tao University’s vision in training medical students according to international standards, and also a testament to the dedication of teachers like Professor Thach Nguyen. These two young men today, with their aspirations to contribute and integrate globally, are becoming typical images of the young generation of Vietnamese doctors: dynamic, courageous and ready to devote themselves to the cause of human health care.