The journey from being a young girl in a poor village to becoming the first Hmong Specialist Doctor in Tram Tau District is not only her personal achievement but also represents the path and aspirations of a new generation of ethnic minority youth, striving for a brighter future.
At Tram Tau District Health Center one early Monday morning, Dr. Thao Thi Nu is seen visiting and examining patients in the Reproductive Health Department. With a gentle and friendly demeanor and a constant warm smile, Dr. Nu brings a sense of closeness, warmth, and trust to her patients.
Dr. Nu was born in 1990 in Tram Tau Commune, where over 90% of the population is Hmong, and economic and social conditions are still challenging. Thus, completing high school was a significant effort, and going to university seemed like a distant dream."
Dr. Nu shared her thoughts: "Living a life surrounded by only hills and mountains, marked by deprivation and poverty, healthcare was often overlooked and undervalued. I longed to step outside into the broader world, to learn new things and bring them back to my homeland and my people. That desire drove me to pursue the dream, from my school years onward, of donning the white coat to care for the health of my family and community. Poverty and hardship became my greatest motivation to persevere and study diligently.”
In 2008, the young Hmong woman completed high school and was admitted to the undergraduate program at Thai Nguyen University of Medicine. Aware of the program's rigorous demands, she frequently reminded herself to stay focused, ensuring she sought immediate guidance from her teachers and peers whenever she encountered difficulties.
After eight years of dedicated study, the once small, aspiring Hmong girl returned to her hometown as a young doctor, armed with knowledge and a profound commitment to enhancing public health.
Reflecting on her early days working at the Tram Tau District Health Center, Dr. Nu recalls with emotion:”I felt immense happiness, having finally reached the long-held dream. Sometimes, looking at my white coat, I would find myself gently touching it, just to know that this is reality, not a dream. This coat serves as a constant reminder of the significant responsibility I carry towards my community”.
During her career, Dr. Thao Thi Nu observed the significant healthcare disparities faced by ethnic minority communities, with ethnic minority women facing even more severe disadvantages. Motivated by these challenges, Dr. Nu pursued further education in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hanoi Medical University and became the first Mong ethnic female doctor with Specialist I qualifications in Tram Tau District.
Mua Thi May, a resident of Ban Cong Commune, shared her experience: "When treated by a Mong female doctor, the gentle and thoughtful consultation makes us Mong women feel more comfortable and confident. Every visit is met with a warm welcome and attentive care, which reassures us. Dr. Nu treats her patients like family-close, caring, and concerned."
With strong professional expertise, high skills, and a deep sense of responsibility, Dr. Thao Thi Nu has become a "bridge" in narrowing the healthcare gap between mountainous and lowland areas.
Dr. Dinh Thi Minh Luyen, Director of Tram Tau District Health Center, commented: "In recent years, Dr. Nu has consistently worked hard to improve her skills, expand her professional knowledge, and apply new scientific advancements in treating and caring for the people, especially ethnic minority women. Dr. Nu has actively contributed to reducing the need for patient referrals to higher-level medical facilities, lowering treatment costs for local residents, and, most importantly, earning the trust of the local ethnic communities."
Le Thuong
