There is one thing I realized after many years of studying, working and observing in the US healthcare system:
Here, being professional is very important.
But just being good at the profession is not enough.
Especially for us Vietnamese, who are often taught to be hard-working, humble, industrious, and less complaining – sometimes the very things we think are “good virtues” accidentally cause us to be misunderstood in the American environment.
Below are 5 “hidden laws” that I wish someone had told me sooner.
1. Silence is not always understood as humility
Vietnamese people often think:
“I just keep doing my job well.”
“No need to say much.”
“Don’t brag.”
But in the American medical environment, if you stay silent for too long, others may not understand it as modesty.
They may think you don’t have an opinion.
Not confident enough.
Not proactive.
Or don’t understand the problem.
In meetings, in rooms, in clinics, you don’t need to say much.
But you need to know when to speak up.
A good question.
A timely comment.
A clear update.
Sometimes that’s enough to let others see you’re present, thinking, and contributing.
2. Doing well is not enough. You have to know how to show others what you are doing
In American healthcare, there is so much more than just “have you done it yet.”
Which is:
– Do you keep everyone updated?
– Did you take clear notes?
– Do you notify in advance when there is a problem?
There are people who work very hard, very responsibly, but work silently alone.
Only when something goes wrong will others know.
When it comes time to evaluate their abilities, the boss doesn’t remember everything they’ve done.
When they need an opportunity, no one really sees their capabilities.
In America, professional communication doesn’t have to be fancy.
It is part of competence.
You don’t need to show off.
But you need to help others understand: “What am I doing, how far have I gotten, what do I need, and what is the next step?”
3. “I don’t know” does not make you weak. Pretending to know is dangerous
In the medical environment, no one knows everything.
A physician, nurse, pharmacist, resident, assistant, or anyone in the system will have times of uncertainty.
It’s important not to always have the answer right away.
It is important that you are honest and secure enough to say:
“I’m not sure, but I’ll look into it.”. (I’m not sure, let me find out more)
“Let me double-check.” (Let me check again)
“I want to make sure I’m giving the right information.” (I want to make sure I’m sharing the right information).
In Vietnam, many people are afraid to say “I don’t know” because they fear being judged as poor.
But in American healthcare, pretending to know can quickly lose trust.
A professional is not someone who always knows everything.
A professional is someone who knows his or her limits, knows how to double-check, and knows how to put patient safety above personal ego.
4.Feedback is not hate
This is a huge culture shock for many Vietnamese people.
When I receive feedback, I can easily see my hometown.
It’s easy to see the denial.
It’s easy to think: “Maybe they don’t like me.”
It’s easy to want to withdraw into yourself.
But in the medical training and working environment in the US, evaluation is normal.
Giving feedback doesn’t mean you’re bad.
Giving feedback does not mean you have failed.
Giving feedback doesn’t mean people hate you.
Many times, sharing your bad things is a sign that people still want to invest in your development.
The important thing is not whether you are criticized or not.
It’s how you react.
– Are you defensive?
– Are you silent and sad?
– Or do you ask again to clarify, acknowledge, and improve?
A person who accepts feedback often goes much further than a person who always needs to be praised.
5. Kindness is good. But don’t let yourself become the person who always carries it all
Vietnamese people are often afraid to refuse.
– Anyone who asks will help.
– Anyone who lacks a brother can do it for them.
– Anyone who needs anything tries to do it.
– Afraid that saying “no” will be thought of as selfish, annoying, and not a team player.
But in the American medical environment, if you don’t know how to set boundaries, you can easily burn out.
And sometimes, people don’t mean to take advantage of you.
They simply see:
“This person always takes jobs.”
“This person never says no.”
“Just give it to her/him and that’s it.”
Kindness is a strong point.
But being kind does not mean sacrificing yourself to the point of losing your health, losing your time, or losing your voice.
You can remain professional while still setting boundaries:
“I can help, but I may need more time.” (I can help but I need more time)
“I won’t be able to take this on today.” (I can’t take this job today).
“Let’s clarify the priority so I can focus on what matters most.” (Please clarify priorities so I can focus on what’s most important.)
In American healthcare, burnout doesn’t just come from workload.
Many times it comes from not knowing how to protect our own energy.
Working in the American medical environment is not just about learning professional knowledge.
It’s also about learning how to communicate.
– Learn to be present.
– Learn how to receive feedback.
– Learn to set boundaries.
– Learn how to let your abilities be seen properly.
Vietnamese people have many strengths: hardworking, industrious, responsible, and persistent.
But to go far in the American system, you don’t just need to do well.
I need to understand the rules of the game.
Not to lose yourself.
But so that our best is not misunderstood, not overlooked, and not eroded in silence.
What do you think about these shares? Please comment to let me know.
Please share if you find it useful!
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
