From “rookie” to effective assistant on the operating table: The story of a male medical student at Dai Nam University

There are journeys to maturity that do not require too many flowery words. Just quietly observe a 5th year student assisting in an appendicitis surgery at Ha Dong General Hospital, and you will understand: how far dreams, passion and seriousness can take young people. That is the story of Pham Van Minh - a student of the Faculty of Medicine, Dai Nam University, who is continuously trusted by teachers and doctors at a large hospital to assist in surgery, even though he is still in school.

Pham Van Minh – 5th year student of Faculty of Medicine, Dai Nam University

Met the right "fate" called white blouse

While many young people are still struggling to find their way, Pham Van Minh soon realized his passion for the medical profession. “I chose the medical profession as a matter of fate. I want to understand the human body, understand diseases to help others, and do something useful for the community. ” Minh shared calmly.
The decision to choose Dai Nam University was a turning point that helped Minh get closer to his dream. The reason why he chose Dai Nam University was quite simple: Minh got to study in a friendly environment, the training program was close to reality and especially the opportunity to practice right from the first years.
“Dai Nam is not too stressful but very serious. I always receive attention from teachers, clear guidance and early practice opportunities. That is what makes me trust and stick with it,” Minh said.

The first days in the hospital

A practical session, observing reality of Minh and teachers at the hospital

Trusted by teachers and doctors - A solid stepping stone for a medical career

The most memorable turning point for Minh was the first time he directly assisted in surgery at Ha Dong General Hospital. Although it was just a simple operation like inserting instruments, for Minh, it was an important milestone, helping him deeply feel the responsibility and pressure of the medical profession.

“ There was an appendicitis surgery that I will always remember. The doctor explained the procedure to us in detail while performing it. I only stood there to assist, but I felt myself clearly growing in maturity and confidence through each surgery ,” Minh shared.

Minh Phu operated with the teachers at Ha Dong General Hospital

Specialist Doctor 2, Bui Dac Duy - Head of the Department of Digestive Surgery, Ha Dong General Hospital - commented: "I am impressed with the learning spirit and serious attitude of Dai Nam University students. They have a good knowledge base, solid practical skills and especially politeness and openness to learning. These are factors that will accompany them for a long time in their career". For Minh, every time he is entrusted with a task - no matter how small - is a time to hone his mettle.

Study for a job – not just for exams

Unlike the theory-heavy training model, Dai Nam Medical students study in a “practical” program with a close combination of theory and practice. Students have early access to hospitals, practice in a modern Preclinical Center with advanced medical models and equipment, and then practice at strategic partner hospitals such as Ha Dong General Hospital, Xanh Pon General Hospital, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Hospital, Hanoi Lung Hospital...

That is also the training philosophy: "To become a good doctor, you must learn from real patients, real cases, and real mistakes that you will never forget."

Minh (far left) and medical students from Dai Nam University participated in dental examination for students of Quang Trung Primary School, Ha Dong with Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Hospital.

The "future doctor" and students of Dai Nam Medical Faculty went to practice in the community at Binh Minh Commune Health Station, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi (now Thanh Oai Commune).

Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Duc Hanh - Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dai Nam University - emphasized: "We always believe that students must be exposed to the profession from a very early age. Knowledge can be learned gradually, but skills and abilities can only be formed through practical experience. In addition to strong investment in the preclinical center, the school also focuses on foreign language training with a budget 4 times higher than other majors, helping students confidently integrate and access international medical knowledge."

A long journey, but not alone