Comrade Pham Dinh Thuat, a student of Long-term Class 52B, System 4, Vietnam Military Medical University (VMMU).

Throughout his studies at VMMU, Thuat has been known as a diligent, hardworking, and eager-to-learn student, always taking the lead in various emulation movements.

After six years of study, Thuat has built an impressive record of achievements: six consecutive years as an outstanding student, five times awarded the “Grassroots Emulation Soldier” title (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024), received the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of National Defense in 2021, honored with the “All-Army Emulation Soldier” title in 2022, and twice awarded the prestigious Odon Vallet Scholarship (2020 and 2023). The Odon Vallet Scholarship is a highly regarded award funded by the Rencontres du Vietnam Science and Education Organization and Professor Odon Vallet of Sorbonne University.

Comrade Pham Dinh Thuat (third from the left, front row) receiving the Odon Vallet Scholarship.

In addition, driven by his passion for science, Thuat has actively participated in research projects at various levels. Notably, his study on “Physical and Mental Health of 5-Year-Old Children in Ha Dong” was published in the Vietnam Medical Journal and won first prize at VMMU’s Student Scientific Research Conference in 2020.

Comrade Thuat presenting his research project at the 2020 Student Scientific Research Conference.

Outside of his regular studies, Thuat actively participates in youth union activities and student movements. At the end of 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic surged across the country, he volunteered to join VMMU’s task force in Ho Chi Minh City, where he provided medical examinations, treatment, and home care for Covid-19 patients.

Not only excelling in medical duties, Thuat also actively engaged in civil affairs, distributing food and essential supplies to quarantined residents and mobilizing donations for medical equipment and medicine. Most notably, during the fight against the pandemic, Thuat, along with Military Medical Team 348 at Military Medical Station No. 9 in Binh Chanh District, successfully delivered a baby at home for a pregnant woman.

Comrade Pham Dinh Thuat (right) and the military medical team assisting in a childbirth during the Covid-19 pandemic response in Ho Chi Minh City, 2021.

As a military doctor, one must not only possess strong medical expertise but also demonstrate excellent leadership and command abilities in both peacetime and wartime. During the final CK52 field exercise, Thuat took on the role of Company Commander of the Regiment’s Military Medical Company, leading the unit in transitioning from regular readiness to heightened combat readiness and executing Mission A. With his keen leadership, Thuat successfully commanded the company to excel in the final CK52 field exercise.

Comrade Pham Dinh Thuat serving as Chief of the Military Clinic during the final CK52 field exercise.

After more than six years of study, VMMU has truly proven to be an excellent training environment, not only fostering strong political qualities in its students but also equipping them with comprehensive medical knowledge. This solid foundation enables them to continue growing within the military, confidently advancing in their medical careers, and wholeheartedly dedicating themselves to the health and well-being of soldiers and the people.

At this point, not only Thuat but also all final-year students of Course 52 are fully confident in becoming military officers and military doctors, ready to take on and excel in any assigned mission.

Article and photos by: NGUYEN NGOC MINH, Translated by: NGUYEN THANH NGA