Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, a sixth-year student at Hanoi Medical University, has been named “Student of the Year” - a recognition that celebrates not only academic excellence but also emotional intelligence, leadership, and clinical skill.
The annual competition seeks to honor standout students who embody the values of the university - knowledge, professionalism, and the capacity to adapt and lead in the complex world of medicine.
To win the title, candidates must pass four rounds: preliminary screening, knowledge and debate, talent demonstration, and a final round involving foreign-language communication and simulated patient interaction.
For Quynh Anh, the moment her name was called was overwhelming. “This title is more than just an award - it’s recognition of a long journey of effort and growth. It gives me motivation to keep moving forward,” she said.
Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, a sixth-year student at Hanoi Medical University, wins the Student of the Year title. Photo: Provided by subject
Quynh Anh’s university life reflects a quiet but determined spirit. She previously served as both Deputy Secretary of her Party unit and Secretary of her student chapter. Known for her dedication and reliability, she was nominated for the contest by her peers and advanced to the final four.
“To make it to the finals, I had to step far outside my comfort zone,” she recalled. “I trained myself in public speaking, debating, improved my foreign language skills, and learned to manage my time more efficiently. Most importantly, I learned to trust myself, to take risks, and to speak up.”
In the final round, one of the most emotionally demanding tests required Quynh Anh to take on the role of a doctor delivering bad news to a pregnant woman - only to learn at the end that the case involved a psychiatric patient imagining a pregnancy.
Caught off guard, she admitted to a moment of hesitation. “But thanks to the communication training from my professors and the real-life experience I’ve had during clinical rounds, I was able to stay calm and respond appropriately,” she said.
In just a few minutes on stage, Quynh Anh demonstrated grace under pressure - navigating the encounter with empathy and professionalism, earning high praise from the judges.
To Quynh Anh, a good doctor must be both technically proficient and emotionally attuned.
“Professionalism isn’t just about medical knowledge or clinical skills - it’s also reflected in how we treat people, in our sense of duty and care,” she said.
She believes empathy plays a critical role in medical encounters. “When patients feel seen, heard, and respected, they trust their doctors more, and that trust leads to better cooperation in treatment,” she added. “It’s how we can truly support their healing - not just physically, but mentally.”
A childhood dream, a lifelong pursuit
Quynh Anh hopes to become a compassionate, highly skilled doctor in the future. Photo: Provided by subject
Before entering Hanoi Medical University, Quynh Anh was a standout student at Tuyen Quang High School for the Gifted. A member of the national Biology team, she had already earned several awards - including First Prize in the provincial competition (grades 11 and 12), a Silver Medal in the Coastal and Red River Delta Regional Olympiad, a Bronze Medal at the Hung Vuong Summer Camp, and an Encouragement Prize in the National Biology Olympiad.
Her dream of becoming a doctor was seeded early. “As I grew older, I realized my personality - someone who listens, who cares - fit this profession,” she said. “The alignment between my childhood dream and who I am today gave me the conviction to pursue medicine, even knowing how demanding this path is.”
Among the challenges she’s faced, the toughest was finding balance - especially in the fourth year, when clinical training began. “The schedule was intense: mornings at the hospital, afternoons in class, nights on call, and then exams. It pushed me to my limits,” she shared.
But with guidance from faculty and support from senior students, Quynh Anh adapted. She developed habits like pre-reading before clinical rounds, setting small daily goals to explore new conditions, and proactively asking questions when unsure.
Winning “Student of the Year” has strengthened her belief in the value of consistency and inner growth.
“To become a great doctor, we need both a cool head and a warm heart,” she said. “We must sharpen our knowledge to make the right medical decisions - but we also need to feel deeply, to connect, and to stand by our patients.”
The award, she added, has made her more confident in her chosen path. “You don’t need to be exceptional to start. What matters is taking it seriously, staying committed, and believing in your ability to grow.”
Looking ahead, she is focused on preparing for her graduation exams and the entrance exam for the residency program - determined to pursue her medical journey with care, clarity, and resolve.
Vietnamnet.vn
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