Born in 2002, being the only female among the 10 individuals awarded the title of Outstanding Young Face for 2024 National Military Youth, Senior Sergeant Bui Viet Ha, a student in class DH54C, System 4 of Vietnam Military Medical University (VMM), is also the youngest person.

“A shining example in study”

Highly praised and unanimously selected by Awards Council for the title “Outstanding Young Face of 2024 National Military Youth” are exemplary representatives of the military’s youth in various fields. Out of10 faces, the only “beauty” is Senior Sergeant Bui Viet Ha, the Secretary of the DH54C Youth Union (System 4, VMMU).

As the youngest awardee, born in 2002, Senior Sergeant Bui Viet Ha is a shining example in academics, having received the title “Grassroots-Level Emulation Soldier” in four consecutive years (2021-2024) and “National Military Emulation Soldier”.

In addition, Viet Ha actively participates in scientific research. She and her teammates formed a research group, presented research ideas to instructors, and carried out projects.

In 2022, Viet Ha participated in research and presented “Research on the impact of employers on adjusting the medical training program at VMMU” which was evaluated as highly practical and won an Encouragement Prize at the Academy-level Student Scientific Research Conference. In 2024, she continued to participate in “Research on the effect of VAC suction on patients with chronic wounds and ulcers” and won another Encouragement Prize.

Along with her dream of becoming a military doctor, Ha also has a special passion for mathematics. Viet Ha has made constant efforts and won a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal in the National Student Mathematics Olympiad in two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). This is not only the result of diligent hours spent studying but also a test of thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in all situations.

Ha said: “Mathematics has helped me train logical thinking, which is especially useful when entering the path of scientific research and medicine later.”

Desire to become a Military Doctor

Unable to hide her pride and happiness being one of the 10 outstanding young faces of the military selected this time, Senior Sergeant Bui Viet Ha said: “Since I was in school, I have nurtured the desire to become a military doctor, not only to treat illnesses but also to be ready in the most difficult places, protecting the country with my comrades. Therefore, the day I stepped into the gates of VMMU, I began a new journey- a challenging but also very glorious journey.”

During her clinical internship at Military Hospital 103, Bui Viet Ha actively made ward rounds and examined patients to accumulate experience. (Photo from VMMU)

According to Viet Ha, studying at VMMU is not just a journey to cultivate medical knowledge but also a process of developing the fortitude of a military personnel.

Beside basic subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, etc., students must also familiarize themselves with the military environment with drill training, physical fitness training, and strict discipline in the first year. Waking up at 5 a.m., long hours of study extending into the late evening, clinical internships at Military Hospital 103, and field exercises… have helped them form an iron will and a spirit of perseverance, determined not to succumb to difficulties.

“Specialized knowledge and academic pressure increase every day. Subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, emergency resuscitation, infectious diseases, orthopedic trauma… require students not only to be diligent but also to have flexible thinking and solid practical skills. Hospital internships, interacting with patients, are a valuable time for students to better understand the responsibilities of a military doctor. Therefore, during her clinical internship at Military Hospital 103, Ha actively made ward rounds and examined patients. Each patient with different pathologies will help each student have the opportunity to refer to reality, consolidate, supplement professional knowledge, practice communication and behavior skills, and know how to empathize and share with patients.” Viet Ha confided.

Sharing a memorable experience during her studies and work, Senior Sergeant Bui Viet Ha recalled: “In 2021, when the Covid-19 epidemic was complex, I volunteered to participate in epidemic prevention and control in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces. I performed tasks in mobile medical stations, providing emergency treatment to patients with Covid-19 in the community, taking samples for testing, and administering vaccines. After completing the task, I was honored to receive a certificate of merit from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee for having excellent achievements in supporting epidemic prevention and control.”

Contributing Youthful Strength for the Community

Along with outstanding academic achievements and a passion for scientific research, the female Secretary of the DH54C Class Youth Union is also always enthusiastic about volunteer activities and has left many imprints in the youth movements of VMMU.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff, Deputy Minister of National Defense, presents a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of National Defense to Senior Sergeant Bui Viet Ha. (Photo from VMMU)

Clearly defining that youth is not only a time for learning but also a time for contributing to society and making contributions to the community, in her position as Secretary of the Youth Union, Viet Ha actively participates in movement activities launched by the Academy and the System, such as actively participating in cultural and artistic activities, physical exercises and sports; actively participating in sports competitions named Healthy Soldier, Women’s Cross-Country Race, etc. She herself always actively participates and effectively contributes to, and enthusiastically organizes movements in the Youth Union such as the movement to Study and follow Ho Chi Minh’s moral example, the emulation movement to make achievements to celebrate major national and military holidays, demonstrating the pioneering spirit of military youth. She was honored to receive the title of Outstanding Exemplary Youth Union Cadre awarded by the Political Department of the Academy.

In addition to studying and researching, Viet Ha always believes that the strength of a person lies not only in knowledge but also in the spirit of sharing. She said: “Voluntary blood donation is one of the activities I participate in regularly, I understand that every drop of blood donated can save another person’s life. I am not only a blood donor but also an active member of the VMMU Humanitarian Blood Donation Club, participating in propaganda, advocating for blood donation, supporting the organization of major blood donation programs titled Red Sunday, Military Medical Pink Drop, Living Like Flowers. Every time I witness blood bags being transfused to patients, I deeply feel the meaning of this small action.”

Thanks to her constant efforts, Bui Viet Ha was honored to receive the title of Grassroots-Level Emulation Soldier for four consecutive years (2021-2024), the title of National Military Emulation Soldier, Certificates of Merit from the Minister of National Defense for excellent achievements in work (in 2023 and 2024) and many titles as well as awards of VMMU.

“The achievements achieved are not the destination but only milestones on the long journey ahead. VMMU has given me a wonderful training environment, where I learn and contribute, where I have grown in knowledge, fortitude and compassion. The road ahead certainly has many challenges, but I believe that I and my comrades will always uphold the spirit of Doctors like Mothers, devoting ourselves to the health of the people and the cause of national defense,” Viet Ha shared.

Written by Do Thoa, Translated by Huyen Trang