How did you get into medicine?
It was tradition for one member of the family to become a doctor - to take care of everyone.
How many staff do you have on your team?
I am the only paediatric anaesthetist here but I have seven anaesthetic nurses who work with me. They help me prepare, organise medicine, and follow the patient from start to finish.
When I first started there was only me to deal with patients. I was so scared because I was alone. When Orbis came to our hospital in 2006 I had a great opportunity to learn from their volunteers.
The Flying Eye Hospital visited a further four times and we’ve had volunteers come on their own without the plane, so now I have more experience.
My teacher, Andrew Choyce was the first Orbis volunteer I met. I have worked with him many times and sometimes I email him on complicated cases for advice.
How does it feel to now be volunteering with Orbis?
You know, I am so proud about that. It’s my dream come true. In 2006 when the Flying Eye Hospital came to Vietnam, I saw the volunteers and couldn’t imagine that one day I would also be with Orbis.
Now when they call me and need me I say ‘I’m ready!’ Orbis has made me strong and confident and now I can work with them to help others in my position. Orbis and my hospital are my family. We are all joined together.