Double valedictorian of University of Medicine and Pharmacy chose oncology as a way to solve a difficult problem

(Dan Tri) - Phung The Thong, one of the three first-year students of the residency program at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), has just been honored for achieving excellent results with the highest score of 3.77.

Entering the oncology field is like solving a difficult problem.

Previously, in 2021, Thong also excelled as the valedictorian of the entire University of Medicine and Pharmacy with a score of 3.59 after 6 years of studying General Medicine.

Sharing with Dan Tri reporter, Thong said that while many friends choose surgery or dentistry because of economics , he chose oncology to continue studying for nearly 4 more years.

This is one of the difficult majors, with many opportunities for development in Vietnam and in the world . Cancer is also a disease that deeply affects the people, is a difficult problem of the world so I decided to choose.

Phung The Thong was honored at the graduation ceremony this morning (Photo: Ngoc Trang).

According to the male student, that was the first year the school opened a residency program, the competition rate was high, and the entrance exam was very strict. Therefore, after the exam, only 3 people met the requirements to continue pursuing the residency program.

Thong said that at first, when he chose this major, his family did not support him because it was a difficult field, and patients could easily be exposed to radiation or chemicals when undergoing treatment. His father advised him to reconsider whether he should spend another 4 years pursuing this difficult field.

However, from my internship experience at Bach Mai Hospital, the knowledge that my teachers imparted, and especially the stories of patients who fought this disease for many years, I persevered with my choice.

“Once, I met a patient of about 12 years old from Cao Bang (old) at Bach Mai Hospital who was fighting leukemia, his eyes staring blankly out the window. He was from a mountainous area, from an ethnic minority family. His parents discovered his illness quite late. His story was heartbreaking.

I think if I can solve the difficult problem of cancer, helping people like the baby above is also a challenge. That is the reason why I persevere and have no regrets,” the male student shared.

According to the male student, pursuing a career in oncology is like solving a difficult problem (Photo: Ngoc Trang).

More in the hospital than at home

Phung The Thong, born in 1997, is from Vinh Phuc (old), now Phu Tho. In 10th grade, he was admitted directly to the specialized biology class at the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences (Hanoi National University).

“At this time, most of you choose specialized biology classes with the aim of entering the medical field. I am one of them,” Thong said.

Up to now, for more than ten years, I have been away from home, studying alone in Hanoi. During my time studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thong received 12/12 scholarships. "My scholarship money was just enough to cover my tuition fees," Thong said.

Thong and family at the graduation ceremony (Photo: Ngoc Trang).

According to the male student, studying to be a resident doctor is very hard. Besides working all day and night, we still spend most of our time studying at the hospital.

Although I am very busy with my schedule and studies, besides studying at school and at the hospital, I join the volleyball club, the cultural and artistic club...

Sharing his study tips, Thong said that first of all, you need to know how to choose a goal to pursue, try to overcome obstacles and especially learn from the experiences of those who have gone before, learn more from documents from friends or abroad. Before going to class, I often review the lesson carefully, and ask the teacher if I don't understand anything.

Sharing about whether he is impatient when his friends have graduated and he is still studying, the male student said he does not feel regretful and will continue to pursue his passion if he has the opportunity to study in the future.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/thu-khoa-kep-truong-dh-y-duoc-chon-nganh-ung-thu-nhu-giai-bai-toan-kho-20250730163323546.htm