VIETNAMESE DOCTORS WHO WANT TO COME TO THE US HAVE TO LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND AND CAN ONLY WORK WITH HANDWORK?
1. Life of foreign doctors in America
Previously, during my residency course, I had the opportunity to study with a doctor from Mexico.
He was much older than us. I still remember when we first entered residency, we were around 27, and he was over 40 because he previously studied medicine in his hometown and had worked there for a long time. He also just moved his family to America more than 5 years ago.
He said that when he first arrived, his family’s life was quite difficult because they had to pay a large amount of money to file documents and settle down in America. No matter how much money the whole family has saved over the years, they will put it there.
Furthermore, the salary of both husband and wife is not much because they can only do manual work to make a living, so the children do not have many choices in terms of educational environment.
He shared that he was very excited to go to America, but after coming to America, he was very sad and fell into depression. He felt a huge shock.
Back then, when he was in Mexico, he was at least a doctor who was respected by everyone and his family’s life was much more comfortable. His wife is also a civil servant and has a position in society. The family also has a fairly stable income, although not rich, but not too poor either. Now that he came to America, he didn’t have a degree, so he was forced to work for others.
And then he determined that he must succeed in America, not only must he earn a lot of money, but he must also earn for himself and his family a place in American society, so that his wife and children no longer have to endure hardship and discrimination.
He spent nearly 5 years learning, taking advantage of all resources and relationships to enter residency and become “classmates” and colleagues with him. us.
Many years have passed, he is now a family doctor in America, thanks to that the whole family’s life has changed a lot.
His wife no longer has to work hard, but can stay home and wholeheartedly take care of the family and children. His children are now also studying at famous private schools in the city, no longer attending public schools and having to endure discrimination from their classmates like in the old environment.
2. Life of Vietnamese doctors in America
The other day, I went to a conference and had the opportunity to meet him and his family. Seeing everyone happy and prosperous, I think of my fellow doctors in Vietnam.
I know there are many Vietnamese doctors who have come to the US to settle or are planning to settle in the US, and they also have a lot of worries.
Life in Vietnam, although it does not have many material conditions like in the US, at least you can still work in the medical industry, still be able to develop your medical career, and still be able to pursue your passion.
- “ Going to America Then, I have to give up everything. Even if I become a doctor in Vietnam, I have to go to America and rub people’s feet!”
- “ Going to America to become a doctor is very difficult!”
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But do you know, every year there are still thousands of IMG doctors who are successfully accepted into medical residency programs in the US, and then become full-time doctors in the US. According to data from NRMP, in 2024, there were 9045 IMGs received. The number increases by 657 compared to 2023 (equivalent to 7.8%), and is expected to increase in the future.
If others can do it, then why can’t you?
Life is a series of choices, and today’s choices will determine the future of you, your family, your children, and your entire family.
Indeed, if my friend had decided to settle down with a normal life of a manual worker, there would not be a person today – a good doctor, loved by patients, respected by colleagues, and respected by society.
Personally, I know that doctors from Vietnam are very good and very hardworking, so there is no reason for us to be inferior to other foreign doctors.
As long as you are determined and have the right guidance, I am confident that you will succeed in the US – as a doctor.
If you are a Vietnamese doctor who wishes to live and work in the US as a full-time doctor, and wishes to For guidance, please send me a message for advice and support.
If you are cherishing the dream of becoming an American doctor, hopefully these shares will be somewhat useful to you.
Please comment “yes” if you like this article!
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
