Prof. Andy Nghia Nguyen, by dedicating his whole time for Hematopathology, has gained in-depth experience in Hematology research. In this brief review, Prof. Andy Nghia Nguyen will reveal his secrets to his successes and also his perspectives on research for Covid-19 testing.
TTU: What do you think about the potential of Hematopathology?
Prof. Andy Nghia Nguyen: Opportunities in Hematopathology are tremendous. First, Hematopathology usually involves many complex morphology cases which demand skilled clinicians. Secondly, molecular testing, a trigger that will soon surpass other specialized fields in Medicines.
Currently, doctors rely on molecular testing to detect hematological diseases and appropriate treatment. In the future, medical schools will thrive for more sophisticated molecular tests to increase the detection accuracy. The ultimate goal is healing based on molecular targets instead of general chemotherapy.
TTU: How do you feel about the combination of Mechanical Engineering and Clinical Pathology to the application of AI to Hematopathology?
Prof. Andy Nghia Nguyen: Mechanical Engineering is extremely useful to apply in Clinical Pathology and Medicine in general. Through research and based on experience from Engineering, we can combine Creativity and Problem-Solving skills in medicine.
I am personally fortunate to work in Mechanical Engineering, with many BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering, and 5-year experience working with Bechtel in the design and construction of chemical plants and nuclear power plants.
To my experience, Mechanical Engineering has been implemented in cardiovascular hemodynamics, laboratory equipment, statistics, computer programming, informatics and etc. Over the past 6 years, I have worked with colleagues and intern practitioners in some applied AI studies on Hematopathology. These studies have been published in journals aimed at using AI for many purposes: (1) prognosis prediction for disease by acute myeloid leukemia; (2) screening for lymphoma with digital whole slide imaging, (3) studying proteomics for mutations in leukemia. These are preliminary results. We, soon, plan to conduct more in-depth research to improve AI techniques in Hematopathology.
TTU: Recently, Professor has been giving an online lecture on issues related to Covid-19 testing. So how does Hematopathology play a role in diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19?
Prof. Andy Nghia Nguyen: Hematopathology is not related to Covid-19 testing for disease diagnosis. However, physicians in hematopathology are involved in two main aspects of Covid-19: (1) cooperating with microbiologists to set up and validate Covid-19 testing with PCR. It is because PCR testing is commonly used in hematopathology and hematopathologists are knowledgeable in this area, (2) hypercoagulation is detected in severe cases of Covid-19 patients. We are actively working to assess patients with Covid-19 with coagulation testing; with the purpose of taking anticoagulants or antifibrinolytics at the right time. This is a daunting task and actively researched by many scientists.
TTU: There are many cases of re-infected Covid-19 after being diagnosed negative. What do you think about the spread when they return to the community?
Prof. Andy Nghia Nguyen: Many people turn positive for Covid-9 after being diagnosed negative. This problem does not have a proper answer at this time. There are some hypothesis: (1) Covid-19 patients may be re-infected after recovering, (2) Incorrect test results (false-negative or false-positive), (3) Positive results may be due to positive for Covid-19 RNA left behind in each individuals. Hopefully, in near future, these cases will be clarified to make a guideline when they are back to the community.
Prof. MD Andy Nghia Nguyen is currently the Director of Hematology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Medical Director, Laboratory of Hematology and Coagulation, Memorial Hermann Laboratory, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, University of Texas.
Currently, he is conducting Basic Hematology at Tan Tao University at 9-10 A.M every Friday (from March 27 to June 11, 2020). Medical students are actively participating in this class. Those who complete the course will receive a certificate from Tan Tao University (TTU) and Memorial Hermann Hospital.
One of the key factors to success in medical training lies in the quality of teaching. Tan Tao University would like to thank Professor. MD Andy Nghia Nguyen for his enthusiasm as well as the valuable, useful information on Hematology.
