This is the opinion of a teacher, Dr. Nguyen Quang Bay – Head of the Endocrinology – Diabetes Department, lecturer in the Internal Medicine Department of Hanoi Medical University, and also a resident doctor – intended for the resident doctors of the 50th cohort that is causing a stir on social media.

There have been many discussions about the “resident doctor phenomenon,” but most are just through the “matching” screen, followed by many former resident doctors writing flex posts, without understanding the training methods, the evaluation process of the studies, and even having misunderstandings, leading to excessive praise. Those misunderstandings are:

1. The training is a specialty of medical human resource training in Vietnam: We learn from advanced countries like the US, France, the UK, etc. In essence, this is just a transitional training program because newly graduated doctors are not yet fully competent to practice, so they need additional training, and training by specialty. Anyone with a toothache, eye pain, swollen joints, or goiter… wants to be examined by a specialist doctor, not a general practitioner.

2. Only very excellent people pass the resident doctor exam: Incorrect. Besides the reason of academic talent and exam fate, there are also personal reasons, as not a few friends after obtaining a medical degree will choose to work immediately because they want or have the opportunity to train at a (possibly not large) hospital in their favorite specialty, then after a few years return to study for a master’s or doctorate directly. Great teachers always exist in every hospital. The first PhD in my cohort did not study to be a resident doctor.

3. Studying to be a resident doctor is the only way to become a good doctor: Wrong, because there are many other very attractive paths like studying for a master’s degree, studying Specialty Level I, studying for a PhD, or even finding scholarships to study abroad. But studying to be a resident doctor is also a very good path for those who love it, have the ability, and have the will to strive.

4. The resident doctor entrance exam is extremely difficult: If a talent selection contest has a pass rate of over 50%, then in essence it is only a screening exam. The formula for an exam with good classification is a pass rate of only about 20%.

5. Resident doctors will definitely be successful people: The excellent and the successful are not always the same. Many experts have analyzed that good students, high scorers are often people who follow books, their creativity may not be high, and their adaptability may also not be good.

Is studying to be a resident doctor the only way to become a good doctor, an 'elite doctor'? - Image 2.

6. Just getting into the resident doctor program means they will surely become “virtuous talents”: Usually, resident doctor training programs like ACGME (US) or Australia divide into 5-7 competency levels, where first-year resident doctors are only equivalent to level 0.5 – 1, meaning equal to or lower than the level/competency of 6th-year medical students. Most consider achieving level 5/6 upon graduation as success. Even accepting a competency level of 4/6 for weaker resident doctors. Of course, there are also many friends who achieve level 6/6.

7. Studying to be a resident doctor is the same as studying other postgraduate programs: My friend said that resident doctors should determine they are medical workers, swallow their tears, grit their teeth to endure hardship to study, and to mature. Many exams, many night shifts

Hanoi Medical University

Hanoi Medical University, originally established in 1902 by the French colonial administration, is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most prestigious institutions for medical education and research. It has played a pivotal role in developing the country’s healthcare system, producing generations of leading doctors and health professionals. Today, it remains a cornerstone of medical training and a major referral hospital in Hanoi.

Central Obstetrics Hospital

The Central Obstetrics Hospital is a major medical institution specializing in maternal and newborn care, though its specific history varies by location. Such hospitals are typically established as central referral centers to provide advanced obstetric services within a healthcare system. They play a critical role in managing high-risk pregnancies and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

University of Medicine and Pharmacy

The University of Medicine and Pharmacy is a prestigious institution of higher education dedicated to training healthcare professionals. Its history is rooted in the development of modern medical science, with many such universities being established in the 19th and 20th centuries to standardize and advance medical education. These institutions are fundamental to their national healthcare systems, producing generations of doctors, pharmacists, and medical researchers.

Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU Hanoi) is a prestigious public university system and one of Vietnam’s two leading national universities. It was originally established in 1906 during the French colonial period as the University of Indochina. Today, it is a major center for higher education and research, comprising multiple member universities and research institutes.

US

The United States is a relatively young nation founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global superpower, with a history profoundly shaped by westward expansion, immigration, and a civil war over slavery. Its culture is a diverse blend of influences from around the world, built upon ideals of democracy and individual freedom.

France

France is a Western European nation with a rich cultural history spanning from ancient Gaul through the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, and its modern role as a global center for art, philosophy, and cuisine. It is renowned for iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, which houses masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. The country’s profound cultural influence is also reflected in its language, gastronomy, and contributions to philosophy, science, and fashion.

UK

The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation with a rich history spanning millennia, formed from the union of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its long history includes the Roman occupation, the expansive British Empire, and its development into a modern constitutional monarchy. The UK is a major global centre of finance and culture, renowned for its historic landmarks, parliamentary system, and influential arts and sciences.

Australia

Australia is both a continent and a country with a rich history spanning over 65,000 years of continuous Indigenous culture. Its modern history began with British colonization in the late 18th century, leading to the establishment of a unique national identity. Today, it is known for its diverse landscapes, iconic wildlife, and vibrant multicultural cities.