Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy: Tireless journey of devotion

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy

Nearly four decades devoted to medicine

“Fortunately, all four of my parents and grandparents were teachers,” Prof. Huy shared - a gentle yet telling introduction as he revisited his childhood memories. Born and raised in a family steeped in educational tradition, he was, from an early age, immersed in a pedagogical environment shaped by the discipline of teaching and a deep reverence for knowledge.

That foundation nurtured in young Huy the belief that teaching and medicine, though distinct, share a fundamental mission: to serve people and elevate humanistic values. Nearly four decades ago, as he chose the path of medicine, he carried a clear aspiration - to bring the essence of the teaching profession - dedication, the opening of minds, and compassion - into medicine.

That aspiration was fulfilled when, upon completing his residency training, he began his career as a lecturer at what was then Hue Medical University (now the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University). It was the start of a path he modestly calls “living with what I love,” allowing him to teach, care for patients, and continue his pursuit of scientific research.

Throughout those years, his composure, discipline, and methodical approach helped him strike a thoughtful balance among his duties - setting clear priorities, coordinating effectively with colleagues, and harnessing information technology to boost efficiency. But above all was a heart devoted to patients and learners, anchored in a profound responsibility to the collective work.

Over nearly four decades in his career, he absorbed not only knowledge but also insights into advanced university management and administration from multiple channels. This foundation allowed him to balance three roles: educator, medical practitioner, and administrator.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy (first right) was honored at the November 15 gathering with representatives of outstanding educators, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in celebration of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day. Photo: Thu Mai

Scientific works for the community

In parallel with teaching and medical practice, scientific research has been a field to which Prof. Huy devoted great dedication. From 2006 to 2018, he and his colleagues carried out a series of projects titled “Optimizing Reproductive Health Care for Women in Resource-Limited Areas: From Research to Application.” This work was later awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Science and Technology by the State in 2021.

The series of projects encompassed three major research groups: the application of advanced techniques for screening and preventing preeclampsia and eclampsia; research and proposal of solutions to improve women’s health care in the community; and the application of treatments for infertility and subfertility.

Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal deaths in Vietnam, became the focus of the team’s long-term research. The state-funded project contributed to the development of an early pregnancy prediction model and assessed the effectiveness of preventive measures that are feasible in Vietnam. Consequently, the strategies for early screening and prevention have been established and routinely applied in clinical practice.

This research not only reshaped strategies for managing preeclampsia but also laid the groundwork for the Ministry of Health to issue the Guidelines on Screening and Preventing Preeclampsia (Decision 1911/QD-BYT, 2021, updated in 2024). From the Central and Central Highlands regions, the model progressively spread nationwide, mitigating risks for tens of thousands of mothers.

In community health care, research on HPV infection and cervical lesions in Thua Thien Hue (now Hue City) introduced a method to prevent and control cervical cancer using VIA (visual inspection of the cervix after applying acetic acid). This approach is well-suited to grassroots health facilities, where resources are limited but the demand for health care is high. The project won the A Prize at the 2016 Imperial City Awards and served as the key foundation for developing the National Action Plan for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control for 2016 - 2025.

Thanks to these projects, thousands of doctors and postgraduate students have been trained and kept abreast of the latest knowledge through international, national, and regional courses and conferences. The ultimate beneficiaries are women, particularly those in disadvantaged areas and ethnic minority communities. This is precisely what Prof. Huy has always cherished: science must serve life.

Tireless journey

The first scientific publication by Prof. Huy appeared in 1994. During his studies abroad, he realized that the number and quality of scientific publications are vital indicators of research. Since 2004, he has started writing and publishing papers in English. Though the international peer-review process was extremely stringent at that time, it helped lay the foundation for a solid research career.

The National Order of Merit of the French Republic, conferred upon Prof. Huy in 2023, honors his contributions over almost four decades in advancing scientific and medical collaboration between Vietnam and France. From collaborative projects and training initiatives to connecting the medical communities of both countries, Prof. Huy has always been a key link. Prof. Huy views this not only as a personal honor but also as a responsibility to continue expanding international ties and enhancing research and education at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University.

In the eyes of colleagues and students, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy is more than a courageous leader and a dedicated scientist, but also a close and sincere teacher. He embodies the rigor of a scientist, the warmth of an educator, and the quiet dedication of one who chooses to serve rather than speak of himself.

Nearly forty years into his medical career, he has preserved the spirit of his very first day: approaching his work with both heart and responsibility. When asked what has kept him devoted to the profession, Prof. Huy simply smiled: “I am fortunate to live in a setting where knowledge and compassion are always prioritized.”

In recognition of his achievements, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy was conferred the Second-Class Labor Order by the President of Vietnam in 2025. This accolade represents not only a personal honor for him but also a significant milestone for the university and the healthcare system in the Central region.

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University has made remarkable strides in education, research, and international partnerships. He serves as a source of inspiration, champions professional ethics and academic excellence, and is esteemed by generations of students and colleagues for his dedication, approachability, and steadfastness in the medical profession.