September 16, 2025Sep 16 Photo courtesy of VN Express Vietnam's medical residency program is known for its intense demands and pressures. Residents, including Hoang Van Chuong and Le Thi Bich Ngoc, experience extreme workloads, often working 24-hour shifts with limited rest. The impact on health and personal lives is significant, as seen in Chuong's hair loss and weight challenges, as well as Ngoc's emotional and physical exhaustion. Residency is a critical path for top medical graduates in Vietnam, offering intense training under leading professionals. The program is highly competitive and requires passing a daunting entrance exam. Chuong exemplifies the pressure, having prepped with 720 questions spanning various specialties. This process shapes residents' skills rapidly, although personal sacrifices are immense. Residents face criticism and stress, with Chuong handling over 150 patients and enduring night shifts that often merge into the next day. Le Quynh's experiences with her husband Nguyen, another resident, highlight the personal toll: demanding schedules often lead to exhaustion at home. Ladyboys like Le Thi Bich Ngoc also navigate this pressure, balancing the rigors of emergency care with minimal rest. Looking Ahead, those in residency programs strive to balance work and life, often deferring personal milestones like marriage and parenthood. Chuong and Ngoc aim to leverage their experience towards promising medical careers, despite the challenges faced. Moving forward, these dedicated individuals are hopeful, though the residency experience remains a test of endurance and dedication. Key Takeaways Vietnam’s medical residency is competitive and demanding. Residents face severe personal and professional pressures. Despite challenges, residents view the experience as essential. Related Stories GULF Donates Defibrillator to Ubon Ratchathani Military Hospital Bangkok Cosmetic Horror: Doctors Jailed as Woman Left in Coma Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-16
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