In Na Sang commune, most patients are ethnic minority residents. Life remains difficult, so visiting a hospital for examination or treatment is often weighed very carefully. Some endure pain for fear of the cost; others place their trust in forest herbs or traditional shamans, seeking medical care only when their condition becomes critical. Having worked for many years at the Na Sang Medical Center (formerly Mường Chà district medical center), Dr. Khang knows this reality all too well. That is why, for him, every case is a personal concern.

Medicine demands absolute precision and steady nerves in every situation. At the grassroots level, the challenge is even greater, as facilities and equipment remain far more limited than at province- or central-level hospitals. Yet in his role as the head of a faculty and a level I specialist in general surgery, Dr. Khang consistently strives to deliver care at the highest possible standard, proactively managing complex cases and working with colleagues to find the best solutions for patients.

“Each year, our faculty performs more than 500 surgeries and procedures. From appendicitis and traffic accident injuries to hardware removal, fracture fixation device extraction and small area autologous skin grafts, every case comes with its own pressure that doctors must face and overcome”, Dr. Khang said.

Given the realities of a mountainous region, occupational injuries are not uncommon. On one occasion, a child was rushed to the hospital by family members with a fractured forearm that was badly swollen and deformed. Dr. Khang’s calm reassurance helped ease the family’s anxiety. After a thorough examination, he and his colleagues carried out traction and reduction, applied a cast, and carefully checked bone alignment before completing the procedure. Every step was meticulous and precise. Several weeks later, when the child returned for follow-up, the bone had healed well, and the bright smile on the young patient’s face brought relief to the entire medical team.

After more than a decade in the profession, Dr. Khang has been through many tense operations lasting for hours. Under the operating lights, sweat soaks through his gown, yet he and his colleagues remain fully focused  because once the scalpel touches a patient’s body, every movement must be exact. Staying true to medical ethics, Dr. Khang always carefully considers whether a patient can be treated locally.

For many families in highland areas, referral to a higher level hospital means a heavy financial burden. In many cases, they must borrow money just to travel to the provincial hospital. Therefore, whenever professional conditions allow and patient safety can be ensured, he makes every effort to treat patients on site. In recent years, the number of referrals has gradually declined - a result of the faculty’s collective efforts and Dr. Khang’s own constant learning and professional development.

“The first thing I always think about is the patient’s safety”, Dr. Khang said. “If treatment can be provided here while still meeting professional standards, I will do everything I can so the patient does not have to be referred. In mountainous areas, every long trip is another burden. Being able to keep patients here and treat them safely is both our responsibility and our professional conscience.”

Behind the faculty’s professional achievements are countless sleepless nights. The on-call phone rings at any hour. Some days, he barely closes his eyes before being called back to work; meals are left unfinished as he rushes into the operating room. He says the greatest pressure on a doctor is responsibility. Before every operation, he reminds himself to remain absolutely calm  because even a moment’s lapse can lead to serious consequences.

“On the operating table, every decision is directly tied to a life. So no matter how tired we are, we must never allow ourselves to become careless”, Dr. Khang stressed.

Dr. Khang’s daily work goes far beyond surgery. It includes examinations, case discussions, postoperative monitoring and the management of complications. For every patient, he carefully documents each development in the medical record and communicates closely with nursing staff about the patient’s condition. He understands that surgery is only one part of treatment, postoperative care plays a decisive role in the final outcome.

Amid the many hardships faced by ethnic communities in highland areas, Dr. Khang continues his quiet daily work, sustaining people’s trust in grassroots healthcare through professional competence and a genuine doctor’s compassion.

In recognition of his years of dedication, Dr. Khang has received commendations from various authorities. At the Fourth Conference on Outstanding Role Models of the Điện Biên provincial health sector for the 2025-2030 period, he was among the individuals honored. The recognition stands as a tribute to the silent contributions of frontline doctors and medical staff - those who remain steadfast in caring for patients’ health.