Silently saving lives

(Baonghean.vn) -Following President Ho Chi Minh's teaching, "A good doctor is like a loving mother," over the years, the medical staff in Nghe An have dedicated themselves to caring for the health of patients with affection, enthusiasm, and a spirit of devotion. Silently saving lives, some doctors and medical staff have devoted their time to continuously improving their knowledge and conducting scientific research with many practical topics and initiatives; with their hearts and enthusiasm, some doctors and medical staff have served the people "selflessly and affectionately"...

In 2012, out of 2,880 surgeries performed at Vinh City General Hospital, approximately 200 were performed by Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Deputy Director of the hospital. With 15 years of experience, this surgeon himself cannot remember how many times he has wielded a scalpel to save lives. His work in treating and caring for patients, as well as his studies and research, have kept him constantly occupied.

Appointed head of the surgical department in 2007 and then deputy director of the hospital in 2009, despite the added administrative responsibilities, Dr. Truong's daily routine has remained almost unchanged – operating room, research, and whenever he has free time, he trains and guides young doctors in transferring techniques, as well as visiting and advising patients. At the City General Hospital, Dr. Truong is currently considered the leader of the surgical team, especially in laparoscopic surgery… Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong (34 years old, residing in Ben Thuy Ward, Vinh City), currently being treated in the surgical department, said: “I was in a traffic accident during Tet (Lunar New Year), was hospitalized, and operated on by Dr. Truong. My health has gradually improved. During my treatment here, Dr. Truong visits me and other patients every day, carefully and meticulously advising us on medication and guiding us on beneficial exercises and how to maintain our health after discharge…”



Doctor Nguyen Hong Truong provides guidance on exercise techniques to protect patients' health.

For Dr. Truong, engaging in conversation and empathizing has a positive impact, leading to better recovery for patients. When patients are mentally stable and optimistic, their bodies produce healthier cells. However, what is even more important for a doctor is the unwavering determination to overcome illness and save lives. And to achieve this, there is no other way than for each doctor to constantly learn and explore. They learn from their teachers, colleagues, and from each case, then draw their own conclusions and gain experience. Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong shared: "Medical ethics is not just about kind words and beautiful gestures; besides the spirit and attitude of serving patients, their families, and colleagues, it also requires professional knowledge. It demands that every doctor and medical professional continuously learn at all times and in all places, especially by being at the forefront in adopting and applying scientific and technical advancements. Therefore, medical ethics requires both excellent professional skills and a spirit of dedication to the patient. I myself believe this is how I strive and train myself to serve the people…"

Quietly contributing to society – Dr. Nguyen Hoang Cat, Deputy Director of the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Nghe An province, is such a person. In him, one sees a physician passionate about scientific research, with an unceasing spirit of hard work and creativity, driven by the ultimate desire to cure diseases and save lives. For over 30 years of medical practice, he has pursued his specialty in Hematology and Blood Transfusion. Since 1996, he has had 10 highly-regarded scientific projects at the grassroots level. Most of these projects, after being applied in practice, have contributed to improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases, especially saving on chemicals and supplies. Notable works include: “The situation of blood donor screening at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital”, “Sufficient supply of quality blood - an urgent need”, “Evaluating the effectiveness of the fixed health counseling and blood donation center at Vinh University”, “The situation of blood collection in Nghe An”, “Cell chemistry in the diagnosis of acute leukemia” and “Screening for abnormal antibodies”… All of the above works have yielded positive results in caring for, protecting, and improving the health of the people. Currently, he is working on the project “Assessing the current situation and gradually improving the quality and safety of blood transfusion for patients in Nghe An” - a project focusing on measures to improve the quality of blood and blood products to reduce early or late complications due to transfusion of pathogens or immune reactions.



Doctor Nguyen Hoang Cat,Deputy Director of the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Nghe An Province

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Cat shared his thoughts: “I am very passionate and dedicated to my work in blood testing, because blood is the lifeline for patients in their most critical moments. Donating and storing every drop of blood, conducting in-depth research and understanding blood-related diseases to save patients' lives is the happiness and pride of doctors…” Speaking about the Outstanding Doctor, “Shining Example in the Medical Field” of 2012 – Dr. Nguyen Hoang Cat, his colleagues all agree that: Dr. Cat's outstanding qualities are his daring spirit, creativity, and boldness in applying advanced techniques. He has successfully implemented many advanced and modern techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases, cancer, respiratory and digestive diseases, especially blood products; he is enthusiastic and dedicated to his work, always humbly learning from colleagues to complete his tasks well; he constantly cultivates his moral character; and he wholeheartedly treats patients. Actively striving for the cause of caring for, protecting, and improving the health of the people. And alongside that, paying attention to training young cadres to develop and improve the quality of human resources.

Having once worn a white lab coat, many doctors and medical staff in the province, after retiring, actively work as health workers in villages and hamlets. They volunteer to become the extended arms of grassroots healthcare without receiving any allowance or compensation. Twenty years after leaving his leadership position at the Nghe An Malaria Control Center, Dr. Nguyen Que Triem retired and settled in Block 5, Ha Huy Tap Ward, Vinh City – during which time he participated in the ward's Red Cross Society and the group of former doctors and medical staff. In his humanitarian work, he regularly visits and examines disabled and elderly people living alone in the area. His house has become a first-aid station for those who have had accidents (while waiting for an ambulance) or a place where people come for health advice. Dr. Nguyen Que Triem enthusiastically participated in campaigns to encourage families in the neighborhood to maintain hygiene, promote vaccination, and prevent malnutrition.

Similarly, former military doctor Thai Khac Nhu, residing in Block 7, Tan Ky Town, has spent 10 years working in village health services. Always enthusiastic, dedicated, and persistent in his quiet work, former military doctor Thai Khac Nhu has made positive contributions to disseminating national health programs, disease prevention methods, and improving the health of the people…

In Nghe An province, one can see many noble doctors like them, who have been striving every day in every small action "for the benefit of the patient..." and to "practice their profession with the eternal respect of everyone..." (excerpt from the Hippocratic Oath).

Thanh Chung - Thu Hien