A female doctor from the central province of Phu Yen last week risked her whole career after she refused to take a promotion offered by the province's general hospital – which was to become the head of its Ophthalmology (Eye) Department.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Bang Sam said the reason she said no to the promotion was because she did not feel confident about her ability to perform as department head. Sam expressed her wish to continue to work as a doctor at the Phu Yen Ophthalmology Hospital, where she was working before the promotion.

"As a medical worker, I understand that a mistake in this field can lead to severe consequences for both patients and hospitals alike," Sam said. She added that she didn't feel comfortable taking on a new responsibility that she was not 100 per cent confident about.

The provincial health department, however, did not find her excuses convincing. A disciplinary committee was formed and a decision to fire the doctor has been issued after she refused to be promoted for a second time.

As most people would fight over a promotion at work, Sam's decision could be thought of as a wake-up call for many. While it is certainly a step up in one's career, it is also important to honestly reflect on one's ability to take on greater responsibilities. In that perspective, Sam perhaps should be complemented for her courage to say no instead of being punished.