Phuong Anh, Phuong Nhi, and Huyen Linh studied together from grades 10 to 12 in the Biology 1 class at High School for Gifted Students under HUS (Vietnam National University, Hanoi). 

Their connection began earlier in ninth grade, when the three students from different secondary schools met at a biology tutoring class preparing for city-level and gifted high school entrance exams.

In 11th grade, all three were selected for the national excellent student contest team. Huyen Linh won first prize and subsequently joined the international Biology Olympiad team, earning a bronze medal and direct admission to Hanoi Medical University. Phuong Anh and Phuong Nhi secured second prizes at the national contest before preparing for graduation and university entrance examinations. The three reunited at Hanoi Medical University upon admission to the general medicine program.

After six years of study at Hanoi Medical University, all three graduated with honors and recently passed the university's competitive medical residency selection process.

At Match Day 2026, the residency specialty registration event at Hanoi Medical University, Phuong Anh chose plastic surgery, Phuong Nhi selected dermatology, and Huyen Linh opted for internal medicine.

"When we learned that all three of us passed the 51st medical residency intake, we felt an indescribable emotion. That joy doubled along with our immense pride because each of us understood how hard the other two had worked," Phuong Anh said.

Linh was born into a family with a strong medical tradition: her grandfather was a cardiologist, her father works in emergency resuscitation, and her mother specializes in internal medicine. From a young age, Linh listened to stories about the medical field, gradually developing a passion, admiration, and desire to pursue a medical career. As she grew older, she recognized the profound significance of medicine in directly assisting people during their most challenging moments.

Meanwhile, Nhi grew up in a family spanning multiple generations of dermatologists. Her father served as her primary inspiration through his daily work ethic, seriousness, and dedication to the profession.

Phuong Anh did not come from a medical background. Her choice stemmed from personal interest and encouragement from her two friends.

"In 12th grade, my two friends encouraged me to study medicine. They often said I was skillful with my hands, enjoyed drawing, and possessed an eye for aesthetics, making me suited for plastic surgery. 

"At the time, it seemed like a playful comment between teenagers, but after years of study and participating in humanitarian surgical missions for highland children, I chose to become a plastic surgery resident doctor. Through my two friends and their families, I gained shared experiences and realistic perspectives on the medical profession," Phuong Anh noted, acknowledging the significant influence her friends had on her career decision.

Three friends, three specialty choices

Despite their close academic bond, the three friends have distinct personalities. Huyen Linh is gentle, playful, and enjoys K-pop. Phuong Nhi is introverted, reserved, and mature. Phuong Anh is extroverted, and passionate about sports, makeup, and drawing. All three noted that these differences allow them to complement and support each other across various aspects of life.

"As we grow older and busier, we no longer meet daily, but whenever one of us encounters a problem, the other two are always ready to listen and help unconditionally," Huyen Linh said.

The three friends regularly shared study materials, explained complex topics to one another, or simply conversed to relieve stress. Upon entering Hanoi Medical University, they maintained a study group to discuss challenging academic concepts and complex clinical cases.

"We competed with each other, but in a healthy way. Seeing friends work hard motivated us to try harder, not to outdo them, but as a benchmark to gauge our own efforts," Phuong Nhi said.

Their greatest satisfaction lies in each person securing her preferred specialty.

After nearly a decade together, the three friends are embarking on distinct paths within their medical residency training. However, the three new doctors maintain that they will continue to support each other as they pursue medicine to treat and save patients.

The three resident doctors aim to successfully complete their residency training, building knowledge and practical experience to serve patients effectively.

Thanh Hung