Trang told VietNamNet that she was delighted that six years of persistent effort had paid off.

“Throughout my studies, I did not pay much attention to grades or becoming the top graduate. But in every course and every exam, I always tried my best to achieve the highest score possible. When it comes to studying, I do not feel good if I do not give it my all,” Trang said, describing herself as a perfectionist in everything she does.

In the admissions season six years ago, the former Chemistry-specialized female student from Chu Van An High School for the Gifted (Hanoi) achieved a total score of 27.95 in Group B (math, chemistry, biology), gaining admission to the Odonto-Stomatology program at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, which set a benchmark score of 27.2 at that time.

Trang revealed that, six years ago, she chose the medical field following her parents' guidance, which also matched her personal interests and her background as a chemistry-majoring student in high school.

“When I was in high school, after undergoing a tooth-related surgery and meeting doctors with a completely professional working style, I became more interested in this job. I realized that I was suited for medicine. I am a careful, meticulous person who pays attention to details, and the medical field demands those traits as well,” Trang said.

Trang always has a clear study plan. She learns progressively and does not wait until close to exams to prepare.

“From the very first lectures, I always record key knowledge. That way, as the exam day approached, I already had a systematic body of knowledge in my head and only needed to review rather than search from scratch,” Trang said.

Trang believes that the results she achieved today come from genuinely dedicating a lot of time to studying.

“I had college years of hard working and intense focus on learning,” Trang said.

To easily grasp knowledge and keep up with the teachers' pace in class, Trang spends time reading and researching materials sent in advance by lecturers before each session.

For new topics, she searches for additional information online so that in class, it is easier to understand and absorb what the teachers lecture.

“Now, search engines, especially AI, are highly developed, supporting me greatly from explaining knowledge to summarizing lessons and saving time,” Trang shared.

When working on group projects, with the trust of her peers, Thu Trang was often assigned the role of group leader.

According to Trang, for group work to achieve the best results, creating cohesion and sharing among members is crucial. “As a team leader, besides coordination, I always try to connect everyone to build and contribute ideas together, so that everyone sees their role in the collective,” she said.

Trang won academic encouragement scholarships in nine out of 12 semesters.

Besides earning the IELTS 7.0 certificate, Trang was also very active in scientific research and co-authored a study on the impact of anatomical factors on closed sinus lift outcomes at the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology in 2025.

After six years of studying medicine, Trang realized that she has changed quite a bit, particularly becoming more aware of medical ethics and caution in the profession and field she pursues.

“Only caution can help minimize potential complications that could affect patients,” Trang said.

In addition to professional expertise, Trang believes communication skills are extremely important.

“If patients lack trust, remain full of questions, or feel uncertain, they will be worried, uncooperative, or even fail to follow the outlined treatment schedule. To earn that trust, a doctor's communication and sharing skills play a key role,” Trang explained.

She considers the title of valedictorian and the Summa Cum Laude degree a beautiful memory, yet only an initial result. On the journey ahead, she must continue to strive.

Trang said that she is preparing for the residency exam at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, expected to take place on September 12–13. If unsuccessful, she will register for an internship at a hospital in Hanoi and prepare to take the practicing certificate exam.

Thanh Hung