At just over 30 years old, Dr. Lai Van Khoi is already a symbol of dedication and sacrifice in Vietnam’s medical community. From growing up in poverty to earning national recognition, Khoi’s journey reflects a quiet determination to bring healthcare to those who need it most.

A dream born in hardship

Before merging into Tam Hop commune, Khoi’s hometown was Yen Hop  -  a commune classified as extremely disadvantaged. He grew up witnessing relatives and neighbors fall ill without access to medicine or treatment. Some, with no money for proper care, sought out shamans and spiritual healers in desperation.

Khoi’s own family had little. His parents toiled on mountain farms, earning just enough to feed their five children. Yet even as a boy, Khoi held tight to a vision: to escape poverty through education, to become a doctor, and to one day return to help his people.

That dream never wavered.

After long days helping his parents in the fields, Khoi would study late into the night. In 2007, his persistence paid off  -  he was accepted into the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine.

Despite lucrative career options after graduation, Khoi chose a different path.

He returned home.

“I hesitated at first,” Khoi shared. “But I realized  -  if those of us who are educated don’t return to help our people, who will? My parents fully supported my decision.”

Devotion through action

Khoi began his career at the Northwestern Nghe An Regional General Hospital. There, he joined a volunteer youth group supporting patients overwhelmed by hospital procedures and long waits. The club became essential, and Khoi  -  known for his professionalism and passion  -  was soon appointed Vice Secretary of the hospital’s youth union and head of the volunteer club.

At its peak, the club had over 100 members, assisting up to 1,000 patients a day.

In 2020, Khoi was honored as one of 11 outstanding ethnic minority youth in Vietnam. He received a certificate of merit from the Minister and Head of the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and was chosen as a delegate at the third National Young Talent Congress.

“That recognition gave me the energy to keep pursuing my dream,” Khoi said.

Later, he was appointed head of the hospital’s blood donation club  -  a crucial effort that saved lives of patients with rare diseases or critical conditions.

Khoi’s leadership extended beyond the hospital.

He became the head of the Young Physicians Club of Thai Hoa town, which organized outreach efforts across remote villages and border areas in Nghe An. There, they taught people how to maintain hygiene, prevent disease, and seek timely medical care.

In recognition of his work, Khoi was honored as an exemplary young physician following President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings. He was also one of 20 outstanding young individuals recognized at the fifth National Youth Congress in Ho Chi Minh City (May 19–20, 2018).

Choosing his own path

In 2022, to improve treatment accessibility, Khoi co-founded Tinh Sang Duong Medicinal Cooperative with his two brothers. The cooperative focuses on cultivating and processing herbal medicine, providing ingredients for Khoi’s clinic and preserving local medicinal plants.

He also pioneered acupuncture-thread implantation and successfully treated over 200 asthma patients with the technique. Additionally, he introduced herbal steam therapy and cupping at the hospital’s traditional medicine department with promising results.

Despite his success, Khoi submitted his resignation on November 1, 2023.

“I was torn when I applied to work, and just as torn when I decided to leave,” he said. “But life is about challenges and growth. Even with a different path, I still serve the community’s health.”

Back in his hometown, Khoi now runs two traditional medicine clinics under the cooperative. Together, they serve over 2,200 treatment patients and receive more than 8,000 consultations yearly  -  including patients from 30 provinces and even international visitors.

“‘The road to dreams’  -  that’s the slogan of the 2020 honor ceremony,” Khoi said. “And it has guided me ever since, especially in caring for the poor and underprivileged.”

Tinh Sang Duong Cooperative now spans 20 hectares and strictly follows GACP-WHO medicinal standards. It also partners with local farmers, guaranteeing honey purchases for 15 households and herbal ingredient purchases for 20 others  -  creating a sustainable ecosystem around Khoi’s mission.

Thanh Hai