On becoming a doctor

Nguyet Nguyen ‘10 | Scholar

My name is Nguyet (‘Moon’ in Vietnamese), but my family calls me Na so that has been my ‘aka’ since I moved abroad. I graduated from SJI International in 2010.

I fondly remember living only among friends, exploring Singapore, picking up Mandarin, learning the Gamelan, climbing Mount Rinjani, kayaking and camping for the first time in my life-long list! Also meeting a teacher that I reunited with almost 10 years later, half the world away: Ms Dana Farrell at my White Coat ceremony when I started medical school in 2017!

SJII gave me the steer towards my career. I discovered my aptitude in the life sciences and learned the value of service to others. I ‘finished’ school with two new shiny letters behind my name. My biggest personal challenge is to truly keep my eye on the big picture. In school or work, I strive to remind myself of the reason why I do things, keep myself grounded and look beyond immediate obstacles. Having a strong social support system and tapping into my own strength have been helpful throughout.

In Vietnam where I grew up, people sit for entrance exams specific to university programs. For medicine, the exams are in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I chose Biochemistry at UBC Vancouver because I thought it combines two of those three subjects. It does not (lol) but I grew to appreciate the critical thinking process that it taught me. The intellectual satisfaction almost sometimes made up for how hard it is. Undergraduate students often stay away from Biochemistry if they plan to enter medical school; those courses can do a number on one’s GPA!

My most recent research project in medical school looked at how new refugee youths in St John’s, Newfoundland participate in organized activities as a way of developing

belonging in their new home. Newcomer health lies within my interest in health equities. Friends who knew me from high school might be shocked by how far I have travelled towards social sciences since I last spoke to them. Hanging out with the International Scholars at UBCV probably facilitated that first crack to let some light in. Moreover, medical training exposes me to tricky social injustices. I figure that I will be a better physician if I can advocate more effectively for equitable healthcare.

Ah fresh grad, remind me what it feels like? If you want to become a physician, have an honest conversation about what it means to you. The journey is challenging so having a good ‘why’ is half the battle. Care deeply about the world, reflect on your place within it. There are many routes into medical school. In North America, you will need to complete some post-secondary school first. Go outside your comfort zone often. Be patient with your growth and potential detours; things that are worthwhile take time. Work hard but stop to smell the flowers. Let people inspire and guide you, but always remember what you stand for.

“Care deeply about the world, reflect on your place within it.”