From refugee to physician: an 11,000 km journey from Viet Nam to Canada
After fleeing the conflict gripping his native Viet Nam and taking refuge in a Malaysian camp with his parents, Long Truong came under the wing of the worldwide humanitarian aid community. The medical teams on the ground not only won his respect and appreciation for the support they gave him, but also ignited his passion for medicine. The year was 1988. Today, more than 20 years later, Long's efforts and perseverance have paid off: he's graduating with a medical degree from the University of Ottawa.
After relocating a number of times over the years, Long finally began to pursue his dream through the Canadian Forces, as both his position as an electro-optical systems engineer and his fervour for sports sharpened his interest in the human body. It was also the Medical Military Training Program that brought him to the University of Ottawa campus. Upon graduating, military doctors go on a variety of missions to apply the training they've received in health protection, health education, occupational health, primary care and environmental medicine.
"The main reason I'm pursuing military medicine is my commitment to serve," says Long.
Keenly aware of the challenges certain populations have to face through no fault of their own and eager to come to their aid, Long will rely on his leadership abilities and on his passion for military medicine to bring them relief and help brighten their future, just as others did for him 20 years ago.
This year's Convocation highlights the accomplishments of 147 new doctors. The graduating class is made up of 94 women and 53 men.
By Dominic Boutin
Published: May 2010