The guy who once applied for 10 medical university admissions, how is he now?

Once overwhelmed by the huge amount of homework, surprised by the way of studying at university, with his own efforts and patience to overcome difficulties, Dang Van Tot became the valedictorian of the entire course at Hanoi Medical University.

In August 2023, Dang Van Tot (24 years old), received a diploma of excellence in medicine from Hanoi Medical University with a total score of 8.52/10, becoming the valedictorian of the entire 2017-2023 course.

“Being valedictorian was not my goal when I entered university. The motivation for me to spend 6 years pursuing medical studies was my childhood dream of becoming a doctor to treat and save people,” Tot shared.

Dang Van Tot (right), graduated with honors in medicine from Hanoi Medical University.

Dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood

Born and raised in Ly Son island district (Quang Ngai province), where medical conditions were lacking, Tot witnessed cases of people suffering from appendicitis or having to have a cesarean section in the middle of the rainy season and strong winds, unable to go to the mainland for surgery, having to accept a 50-50 risk when performing surgery on the island. Tot dreamed of becoming a doctor and was determined to study hard.

As an excellent student in secondary school, in grade 9, Tot was one of three students from Ly Son island district to receive a full scholarship from the Vu A Dinh scholarship fund. Receiving the scholarship, Tot transferred to study at Ngo Thoi Nhiem High School, Ho Chi Minh City.

Leaving his family, Tot went to Ho Chi Minh City alone to start high school. In the first days away from home, Tot missed his family very much. Tot said: “Sometimes while eating at the dormitory, I suddenly burst into tears because I missed my parents and missed home-cooked meals. Thanks to the support of teachers and friends.”

During high school, Tot was an excellent student for 3 consecutive years, won a gold medal in chemistry at the 30.4 Olympic exam in grade 11 and second prize in the Ho Chi Minh City level in this subject in grade 12. With good academic achievements, Tot confidently registered for the medical major to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor.

Tot's family congratulates him on receiving his diploma.

Tot shared: “In 2017, in the high school graduation exam, I scored 29.25 points in the B00 block, just enough to get into Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, but failed my first choice because I did not meet the 9-point English sub-criteria. I was admitted to my second choice to study medicine at Hanoi Medical University.”

Saying goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and arriving in Hanoi, Tot once again had to get used to a new living environment. Tot felt confused and scared. Understanding his anxiety, his parents went to Hanoi to take Tot to school and find a new place to live.

When Tot settled down in the school dormitory, Tot's parents returned to their hometown. In 2021, Tot's younger brother also passed the medical exam and studied at the same school as Tot. The two brothers decided to move out and rent a room.

Win scholarships all semesters

In his first year of university, being unfamiliar with the way of studying and encountering many difficult subjects such as anatomy, general chemistry, and biophysics made Tot very difficult. Tot sought help from friends, who had won national prizes, to teach him the lessons.

“Each chapter is about 50 pages, I will divide the reading method as follows: I ponder 10 pages within 1 hour. On the second reading, I increase the number of pages to 20 and so on until the end of the chapter. By using the spaced repetition method, I can remember knowledge longer and understand it more deeply,” Tot said.

In addition, to record important content when reading a book, Tot divides A4 paper into 6 small boxes, each box encapsulating the key knowledge of a chapter.

Outside of school hours, Tot (first from left) actively participates in extracurricular activities at school.

Tot also actively participates in the activities of the school's Youth Volunteer Club to promote blood donation. Thanks to participating in the club, Tot reduces stress in studying, builds many new relationships, and practices many soft skills necessary in life.

Having just completed his residency exam, Tot hopes to get good results. Tot's wish is to learn more English to become a good doctor in the future.

Ms. Tran Thi Phuong, head of the medical student block of the 2017-2023 course, commented: “Tot studies hard, diligently, always completes all work and studies no matter what the circumstances. During his time at school, Tot won a scholarship to encourage learning in all semesters. Tot is very deserving of becoming the valedictorian of the entire course.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chang-trai-tung-dang-ky-10-nguyen-vong-vao-cac-truong-dh-nganh-y-gio-ra-sao-185230830001148641.htm