HUE CITY, Vietnam — For over a decade, Dr. Dung Nguyen, an associate chair of plastic and aesthetic surgery at Stanford University, has been a pivotal figure in elevating Vietnam’s medical landscape through humanitarian missions and skill-building initiatives in Hue City. Since 2015, the Vietnamese-American surgeon has collaborated with local hospitals to provide free reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries while mentoring physicians across the country in microsurgical techniques, a specialized field requiring precision and advanced training.
Reflecting on her career trajectory during a recent visit to Hue, Dr. Nguyen cited her inspiration from a compassionate American female mentor during her student years, who demonstrated that “gentleness, not aggression, can define a physician’s strength.” This philosophy has guided her dual mission: to offer life-altering care to patients, such as breast cancer survivors seeking reconstruction, and to empower Vietnamese doctors. “Aesthetic plastic surgery demands meticulous technique, especially when working with healthy patients aiming to enhance their appearance,” she noted. “It requires both artistic vision and medical rigor.”
For aspiring specialists, Dr. Nguyen emphasizes structured training, advising young doctors to pursue scholarships for research and hands-on experience, and to engage with global networks through conferences and workshops. “Building a sustainable career in this field hinges on continuous learning and mentorship,” she said. Her efforts in Hue, initially supported by local physician Dr. Le Thua Trung Hau, have blossomed into annual programs that attract doctors nationwide. Beyond medical impact, Dr. Nguyen praises Hue’s cultural heritage and tranquility, noting its historical sites like the Imperial Citadel as personal highlights during visits.
Over the decade, Dr. Nguyen has witnessed Vietnam’s gradual progress in aesthetic surgery, though she highlights the need for standardized training programs. To bridge this gap, she aims to establish partnerships with Korean and Japanese experts to conduct specialized workshops and surgical demonstrations. “By aligning with international standards, Vietnam can emerge as a hub for innovative plastic surgery,” she stated.
Her humanitarian work has yielded tangible results: countless patients, including the young breast cancer survivor who regained confidence and found love after reconstruction, have seen their lives transformed. “Surgery isn’t just about physical repair; it’s about restoring hope,” Dr. Nguyen said. Supported by donations of microsurgical equipment from global companies during her latest trip, she remains committed to expanding access to care and mentoring the next generation of Vietnamese surgeons.
Dr. Nguyen, also the director of Stanford’s Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction centers, was recently named a Visiting Professor by Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, a testament to her enduring legacy in Vietnam’s medical community. As she prepares for her next mission, she reaffirms her dedication: “Hue’s warmth and the gratitude of patients remind me why this work is so vital. Every return feels like coming home.”
