Tran Thi Oanh, a Vietnamese doctor in southwest China's Yunnan Province, is delivering "borderless care," using her medical expertise and bilingual skills to bring people closer across the China-Vietnam border.
For eight years, Tran has been working at a hospital in Hekou County, located just across the border from her hometown in Vietnam's Lao Cai Province.
With her fluent Chinese and familiar appearance, many assume she's a local. After graduating from a medical university in Yunnan, she decided to stay and work there.
"I feel happy here. My leaders, including the hospital director, have been very supportive. And I get along well with my colleagues," said Tran.
However, Tran acknowledged the challenges she faced early in her career, particularly earning the trust of patients who questioned her ability as a foreign physician trained in Chinese.
"'You are a foreigner studying medicine in Chinese. Can you really understand it? Are you truly capable?' Of course, people would have those doubts. When I first started, many patients were skeptical, and I wasn't very well received," she recalled.
But she didn't give up. After years of dedication, Tran honed her medical skills, earning the trust and praise of both colleagues and patients.
The hospital also serves a significant number of Vietnamese patients -- around 8,000 in 2024 alone -- and Tran plays a unique role.
"She has obtained a medical practitioner license in China. In addition to her role as a doctor, she also serves as a highly professional interpreter. After all, our hospital prioritizes saving lives. Accurate translation is crucial, as any inaccuracies could affect patient treatment. Now, we have a qualified interpreter on our team," said Luo Kaikai, director of Hekou County People's Hospital.
Tran's husband, a fellow doctor, works at the same hospital. She now considers Hekou her second home.
"I know this place better than I know Vietnam now. I think it's because I've just gotten used to it over time. I have my small family here, and I'm content with my life," she said.
Looking ahead, Tran remains hopeful and ready to make an even greater contribution.
"I will continue to work hard. First and foremost, I will strive to improve my professional skills, all for the people, whether they are from China or Vietnam, so that they can receive excellent service," said the doctor.
As the hospital director puts it, doctors may have nationalities, but medical care knows no borders. It's the dedication of people like Tran that continues to nurture the friendship between the two peoples.
Vietnamese doctor's experience in China contributes to friendship between two peoples
