Doctor retired for more than 10 years but still dedicated to 'reviving' hearts

Doctor Pham Quang Huy (born in 1954, from Hai Duong) migrated to the South early. Although he loved technology, his parents guided him to choose medicine to help people and he gradually became passionate about the profession.

Doctor Pham Quang Huy is the one who proposed interventional cardiology techniques at Thong Nhat General Hospital. Photo: Hoang Anh

In 1979, he graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy and worked in Tay Ninh. After 2 years, he was transferred to Thong Nhat General Hospital - one of the leading hospitals in the province, where he has been working to this day.

Pioneer "winning" life for cardiovascular patients

Before retiring, Dr. Pham Quang Huy witnessed many cases of patients with severe cardiovascular disease who had to be transferred to higher-level hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City.

The former head of the Cardiovascular Center (middle) is talking with young colleagues before the surgery. Photo: Hoang Anh

Hospital transfers are not only costly but also waste "golden time" in emergency care, leading to many deaths or severe sequelae.

Concerned with this situation, Dr. Huy proposed to the Board of Directors of Thong Nhat General Hospital to establish a Cardiovascular Center right at the hospital. However, the implementation encountered many difficulties.

"Many people among us discuss that if a heart attack occurs, we should go straight to Ho Chi Minh City, no one stays here. However, for me, the 'golden time' is the most important thing for this disease," Dr. Huy confided.

Dr. Huy's proposal was approved by the hospital's leadership. He and his colleagues began researching and approaching advanced interventional cardiovascular techniques to deploy in Dong Nai.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health implemented a satellite hospital project nationwide, in which Thong Nhat General Hospital became a satellite hospital of Cho Ray Hospital specializing in cardiology. This support helped solve the important "bottlenecks" of expertise and funding.

After retiring, Dr. Huy was invited by the hospital to continue working as a consultant and to support the training of younger generations. Photo: Hoang Anh

At the end of 2014, when the Cardiovascular Center of Thong Nhat General Hospital was established, Dr. Huy retired. However, recognizing his importance, the hospital's board of directors invited him to continue working as an advisor, supporting and training the younger generations of doctors in the field of interventional cardiology.

“Retirement” is just a milestone, the new launching pad is important

Although retired, Dr. Pham Quang Huy continues to devote himself to the cause of saving patients. With his experience and high skills, he has directly participated in many complex cardiovascular interventions, saving the lives of many patients in critical condition.

"Bringing high technology closer to the people, but cannot reduce quality," he shared.

Before surgeries, Dr. Huy always checks the health and asks about the patient. Photo: Hoang Anh

In 2019, the hospital board of directors asked him to continue to take on the position of head of the department, but he refused and proposed someone else to help the Center as well as the specialties and related fields develop.

According to statistics, after 10 years of operation, the department has examined and treated more than 231,000 inpatients and outpatients. Dr. Huy's contribution not only improves the quality of treatment but also significantly reduces the rate of patients having to be transferred to higher levels.

Thanks to the development of the Cardiovascular Center and the efforts of Dr. Pham Quang Huy, the number of heart disease cases requiring hospital transfer decreased from 47.4% to 0.41%, bringing great benefits to patients and the healthcare system.

Not only is he good at his profession, Dr. Huy is also a dedicated teacher, always willing to pass on his experience to the younger generation. He considers the department his second home, where he has been attached for decades.

“I want to be a launching pad for young doctors to go further, helping them confidently take on more complex surgeries,” he shared.

Doctor Huy monitors a surgery remotely via video. Photo: Hoang Anh

Deputy Director of Thong Nhat General Hospital, Dr. Nguyen Tuong Quang highly appreciated Dr. Huy's ability and qualities. He commented that Dr. Huy is not only good at his profession but also a dedicated person, always devoted to his patients.

"Doctor Huy has contributed to bringing many advanced techniques to the hospital, helping to save many patients in time before they were in critical condition," Dr. Quang shared.

According to him, the most admirable thing about Dr. Huy is his tireless work ethic, always putting the patient's interests first.

His enthusiasm and compassion not only inspire young colleagues, contributing to improving the quality of doctors and nurses at the hospital, but also exemplify the exemplary saying of the medical profession: "A good doctor is like a mother."

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bac-si-ve-huu-hon-10-nam-nhung-van-cong-hien-hoi-sinh-nhung-trai-tim-2374622.html