The happiness of a female doctor in the highlands.

Joy from… the cries

Naturally gifted in science subjects, Nguyen Thi Khuyen decided to pursue a career as a doctor even while still in school. However, it wasn't until her practical experiences at medical school that she knew exactly what she wanted to do: an obstetrician. She confided, "I absolutely love the feeling of bringing a child into the world, cradling them in my arms, and handing them over to their mother. That joy is special and hard to describe. Even now, after many years in the profession, it remains just as wonderful."

Ms. Khuyen (far right) has always been one of the outstanding figures at the Quy Chau District Health Center. Photo: CSCC

It was her special affection for children that motivated Ms. Khuyen to strive for higher goals in her career choice. After her first year studying Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing at Nghe An Medical College, Ms. Khuyen retook the entrance exam and was admitted to Thai Nguyen Medical University. Upon graduating, Ms. Khuyen was hired to work at the Quy Chau District Health Center. Balancing work, study, and family care, the following years of her career required much sacrifice and effort.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen. Photo: CSCC.

Recounting her higher education days, Ms. Khuyen couldn't hold back her emotions: “In 2013, when my child was 18 months old, I took both my child and my mother to Hue to pursue a preliminary obstetrics program at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In 2014, when my child was over 2 years old, I left home again to study for a Specialist Level 1 degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. For those two years, I had to leave my child at home for my husband to take care of…” At this point, Ms. Khuyen choked up. She never forgot the agonizing days of missing her child, the times she boarded the bus to return to school but never dared to look back at her husband and child even once. As someone who loves children, she understands better than anyone the hardship her children faced having to live away from their mother for such a long time. Even now, when Ms. Khuyen no longer has to study far from home, her two children still have to get used to being independent because their mother often has to work night shifts or travel to work for many days at various locations.

Specializing in cesarean sections, Ms. Khuyen shared: "The most worrying cases are difficult ones, such as those involving fetal distress or rupture of a previous incision. Many years ago, during an emergency surgery for such a case, our entire surgical team was heartbroken because the fetus had entered the mother's abdominal cavity and could not be saved. For those of us in this profession, welcoming a child into the world in silence, without hearing the cry of a newborn, feels incredibly heavy and haunting."

Ms. Khuyen (far right) participated as a judge for the excellent nurse and midwife competition. Photo: CSCC

As a good doctor,many achievementsHowever, Khuyen's colleagues jokingly say to each other that she will never get rich. With 80% of her patients being ethnic minorities, Khuyen has often felt heartbroken witnessing the pitiful and dire circumstances of her patients. Due to poverty, long distances, and limited knowledge, many patients arrive at the hospital when their health is already critical, with both mother and child in dangerous situations. Unwilling to stand idly by, Khuyen always proactively offers to help, doing everything possible to save patients' lives. Sometimes she pays for transportation to higher-level hospitals out of her own pocket, sometimes she buys porridge and medicine for poor patients, and sometimes she mobilizes colleagues and other patients to donate money to help... Never thinking about getting rich from her profession, she only hopes that each day passes peacefully because she can help or save someone's life.

Happiness plays many roles.

From her career choices and the sacrifices she made to pursue her passion, Ms. Khuyen has received happiness that only those in the profession can experience. This includes the joy of saving a child's life, the sincere gratitude of the villagers, and the gifts of land and crops from the local people… “Many times I didn’t understand the ethnic language, I didn’t know what they were saying to me or about me. But through their firm handshakes, affectionate smiles, and heartfelt hugs, I understood that they were happy. That was enough to make me happy,” Ms. Khuyen confided.

Dissatisfied with her achievements, Ms. Khuyen challenged herself with demanding research topics that took years to complete. She shared: “Usually, I choose a research topic at the beginning of the year and divide it into categories to implement gradually throughout the year. Currently, I am working on the research topic ‘Studying the current state of attitudes and practices regarding breastfeeding among obstetric patients.’ In reality, during my work, I witnessed many ethnic minority people who lacked a proper understanding of the importance of breast milk. In many places, people still maintain the outdated custom of chewing rice or grains to feed newborns, which wastes the mother's colostrum and is detrimental to the child's health. The process of examining patients is also when I conduct surveys, collect data, and guide and disseminate knowledge to patients about caring for and nurturing their children with breast milk. The first result of these studies is that the awareness of the people has been raised, and the health of the children has improved.”

Ms. Khuyen won first prize in the Doctor's Professional Knowledge Survey competition organized by the Quy Chau District Health Center. Photo: CSCC

In addition to her professional duties as Head of the Reproductive Health Care Department, Ms. Khuyen also holds various other roles within the organization, such as Deputy Secretary of the Party Branch and Committee Member.Trade Union Executive CommitteeWhen asked about her secret to balancing time and work across all her roles, she said: “There will be times when I have to sacrifice some roles to prioritize others. However, once I start something, I need to focus completely on it. Besides that, I feel fortunate to have the companionship, encouragement, and support of my colleagues, family, and everyone around me. That is both a source of happiness and motivation for me to strive every day.”

“Among the important people in my life, my husband is the most understanding and supportive friend. Both sets of grandparents live far away and can't offer support, and he travels 20km daily to school, yet he always proactively offers to take on household chores, care for the children, and encourage me to continue my studies. Behind my small achievements, there is always his silent sacrifice, and I am grateful to him for that,” Ms. Khuyen expressed emotionally.

The small family of Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

Having been associated with the Quy Chau District Health Center since graduating, Ms. Khuyen is always proud of her "common home" – a place where she can dedicate herself fully. Sharing about the union's activities, especially the women's affairs at the Quy Chau District Health Center, Ms. Luong Thi Phuong Anh – President of the Quy Chau District Labor Union – said: “Although it is a specialized unit with many professional tasks and limited time, the District Health Center always leads in various activities. To avoid affecting work, union activities are often organized outside of working hours or on holidays, and are enthusiastically participated in by union members. In addition, one of the noteworthy aspects of this unit is the spirit of solidarity and mutual support among everyone. Such an environment will be a 'nursery' for many more 'Ms. Khuyens'.”

Diep Thanh