STUDENT STORIES

Student tell us in their own words how Tan Tao's scholarship committee has changed their lives and benefited the community as a whole. Without the aid of the USGI, Tan Tao's scholarship base would be reduced resulting in the potential of hundreds of students never being realized.

Le Hoang Duc Toan and Huynh Trong An, second-year students from the School of Medicine of Tan Tao University (TTU MS ), are selected to be contributors in the writing of the chapter Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in the book Management of Complex Cardiovascular Problems edited by Dr. Thach Nguyen and published by Wiley Blackwell, Oxford UK. It is the first time TTU's medical students have participated in the writing of an American cardiology best seller.The responsibilities of Toan and his friend Huynh Trong An are (1) to review the current understandings on stable CAD, (2) to do literature search of any new and important randomized clinical trials (RCT) on stable CAD from 2007 to 2014, (3) to summarize the main changes in the management of stable CAD (comparison between 2007 and 2014). “While reviewing the data, researching the rationale for new changes, and presenting these summaries to the senior editors, these exercises would help the students improve their English and their understandings of stable CAD”,explains Dr. Thach Nguyen. He also elaborates further: “The work of Toan and An is an academic exercise in order to advance their knowledge and skills one level higher. In the US education system, according the Bloom’s taxonomy, there are 6 levels of knowledge and skill (Figure 1). To remember the information received through lectures in classroom is level one. To understand the data, to explain them intelligently, to compare them accurately is level two, one step higher. The works of Toan and An is to climb from level 1 to level 2.”  

Le Hoang Duc Toan was the top-ranking student in the university entrance exam 2013-2014. After becoming a TTUer, he continues to expose his excellent academic ability when achieve GPA A for all the courses.  Before enrolling in TTU, Toan used to be former student of Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, therefore he is very good at information technology.

Toan has been supporting Prof. Nguyen Tri Dung to design the cover of the book “Molecular Histology”. Toan said when he was informed to be chosen: “Although I do not know clearly about that work and I do not have too much knowledge in cardiology to support Dr. Thach Nguyen, I will try my best to do this. In addition, I have a special interest in cardiovascular study. I know, this work is not easy to do. However, it is a big opportunity for me to improve my medical English.” 

Dr. Thach Nguyen said that , September the first 2014,he had to submit to Spinger publisher the manuscript of a chapter about “Treatment of Peripheral artery disease”. Also in September,he had to submit the the manuscripts of fifteen chapters of cardiology, published by WileyBlackwell publisher.

“The participation of students of TTU Medicine School would be a great motivation and pride to the students and local faculty. It is a great PR for TTU too.” Dr. Thach Nguyen also added more “In the US, many students participate in the writing of books. This is a common phenomenon.”

Toan explains about the decision why he decided to enroll in TTU after graduate HCM University of Technology (HCMUT): “ Actually, my dream of becoming a medical school began when I was second year student at HCMUT. Luckily, right after graduation I accidentally know the information about TTU Medicine School (TTU MS) which is newly established and I start to find more formation about TTU MS ”

“I strongly believe in the vision, mission of the School of Medicine and the high-profile of the faculty of TTU MS, I sure that TTU MS will be the place to realize my dream of becoming a doctor. Moreover, after graduating a university I highly appreciate the advanced curriculum which is designed mainly in English of TTU MS; English is necessary for student to find a good job in the global circumstance. Especially in medicine, students have to read many latest medical documents in English.”

“After my first year studying at TTU MS, I find more facts to prove my belief. At TTU MS our studying is facilitated by the latest updated textbook. Our faculty is very enthusiastic and friendly. Although TTU MS is newly established, the infrastructure in all laboratory is well-equipped ”

Toan said that, at TTU he also takes part in many social clubs, sport clubs, and volunteer activities. He loves his friends, faculties and staff who are always in his need, especially when he feels home-sick. 

After graduation, Toan wants to study oversea to update knowledge. Then he will come back to serve his homeland like Prof. Bui Duy Tam – the man he respect the most.

Dr. Thach Nguyen is Vice Dean at TTU Medicine School. Dr Thach Nguyen is also chief of cardiology at St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart Indiana, USA. He is clinical assistant Professor at Indiana University school of medicine and a Visiting Professor at Nanjing Medical University and Xavier school of medicine. He is associate editor-in-chief of the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, Beijing, China, editorial consultant of theJournal of Interventional Cardiology Journal, WileyLiss, Hoboken, New Jersey, United States and Chinese Medical Journal , Beijing - China.Member of the Board of Trustees, Co-Chair, the International Committee of the American Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), Washington DC, USAHe is also visiting professor of Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Military Hospital 301, the Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China and the Nanjing Medical Center, Nanjing China. His studies include new techniques in Interventional Cardiology, appropriate application in techniques and practices of clinical cardiology and other new developments in antiplatelet therapy and pulmonary hypertension.

TTU 's students selected to be contributors in Dr. Thach Nguyen's book