'The Torchbearer' at Nguyen Phuc Traditional Medicine Hospital

My journey into Traditional Medicine.

Born and raised in a poor family in the studious Tan Ky district of Nghe An province, Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong was an outstanding student from a young age, excelling in provincial-level academic competitions. To this day, he remains a shining example of academic achievement at Nguyen Trai Secondary School in Tan Ky and Hermann Gmeiner High School in Vinh. After graduating from high school, he was admitted to the Bachelor of Science program in Physics at the University of Science, Hanoi, and received a scholarship to study at Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia.

However, during his studies, he realized his desire to be involved in a job that could directly and practically help the community.

By chance, he decided to switch to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). After graduating and returning to Vietnam, Dr. Thuong enrolled in the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine. After graduating from the undergraduate program, he went on to win a postgraduate scholarship at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China.

After many years of study, Dr. Thuong did not hesitate to choose to return and contribute to his homeland. Wishing to work at a specialized Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital to utilize his accumulated experience and knowledge to treat illnesses and save lives, Dr. Thuong chose Nguyen Phuc Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of the TTH Group to work as the Head of the General Internal Medicine Department.

"The driving force" in building the Department of General Internal Medicine.

As Head of the Department of General Internal Medicine, Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong is not only the department's administrator but also a key figure connecting the members, fostering mutual respect and support among them, creating a strong team. With the goal of improving professional quality, Dr. Thuong and the staff regularly hold training sessions and professional exchanges to develop the best treatment plans for each patient.

The focus of the Department of General Internal Medicine is on internal medicine conditions such as headaches, insomnia, musculoskeletal disorders, etc. As the leading figure, Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong continuously maintains and develops traditional values, combining them with advancements in science and technology to improve the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment.

He always shared his experience and mentored young doctors, helping them gradually improve their expertise. Dr. Thuong always reminded his younger colleagues: "Only with a compassionate heart in the profession can you maintain the trust of your patients."

Under his leadership, the Department of General Internal Medicine at Nguyen Phuc Traditional Medicine Hospital became one of the hospital's pillars, adhering to the motto "Deep in traditional medicine, broad in Western medicine." Dr. Thuong always encouraged his colleagues to research and explore new treatment methods, and to develop highly effective herbal remedies.

"A good doctor is like a loving mother."

Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Thuong always sets aside time to listen to and understand each patient. The image of him attentively inquiring about patients' well-being, advising on treatment methods, and guiding them on how to care for their health at home has become familiar. This unwavering dedication instills confidence and motivation in patients, helping them feel secure in their treatment and healthcare.

For this dedicated doctor, the special patients and their tragic lives always left him with much to ponder, helping him grow professionally and keeping his love for the profession alive. One unforgettable memory for Dr. Thuong is from his fifth-year university days. During the summer break, he visited his hometown and examined his sister's friend. She had suffered from persistent left-sided migraines for years, and the pain was unbearable with every change in weather. Dr. Thuong carefully examined the patient, and using the experience he had learned from his mentor, Associate Professor Dr. Le Luong Dong, he prescribed a modified version of the "Xiao Yao Tan" herbal remedy, consisting of five doses. After finishing just one dose, the patient called to say, "It's a miracle cure! I just took it and my head feels so much lighter!"

For him, each cured patient is a source of immeasurable happiness…In his journey of healing and saving lives, each patient is a story, each treatment is an act of giving love; further motivating him to persevere on the path he has chosen.

Not only is Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong dedicated to his medical mission, but he also actively participates in charitable activities such as providing free medical examinations and dispensing medicine in remote areas. This is an effort to fully fulfill the mission of a physician, caring for the health of the people and contributing more to the community.

A love for Traditional Chinese Medicine that shines brightly forever.

Sharing his concerns about his profession, Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong is always deeply worried that Vietnamese Traditional Medicine has not developed to its full potential. Looking at other countries with developed traditional medicine, where people receive care from highly qualified doctors and medical professionals using Traditional Medicine, many difficult cases such as cancer and cirrhosis are successfully treated through a combination of Traditional Medicine and modern medicine.

“The development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contributes to the advancement of the agricultural and pharmaceutical industry, allowing the vitality of herbs, the sweat of farmers, and the hearts of doctors to be distilled into healing remedies for patients. To achieve this, the country needs many changes in human resource training, scientific research, and policies for the TCM sector. But for doctors, daily honing their skills, training the next generation, and affirming the value of TCM is already contributing to this process,” Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong reflected.

The journey ahead is still full of challenges, but with a passionate heart and skillful hands, Dr. Dinh Thanh Thuong continues to dedicate himself tirelessly every day, writing the most beautiful chapters in his medical career; bringing hope for a healthy and happy life to even more people…