On November 2, 2024, Tan Tao University successfully held the second session of Medical Talk: “Gen Z in Medicine – Opportunities and Challenges” at Levy Hall. The event attracted a large audience of students, parents, and high schoolers passionate about medicine, with livestream coverage on the Tan Tao University fanpage. The program featured esteemed speakers in the field, including MSc. MD. Nguyen Hong Duc – Deputy Head of the Department of General Internal Medicine, MD. Pham Hong Que (Specialist Level II) – Lecturer at the School of Medicine, along with student representative Nguyen Duong Hoang Anh from the Class of 2021-2027, creating an engaging space for in-depth discussion on the medical profession from a Gen Z perspective.
A fresh perspective on the medical profession from Generation Z
With a focus on Generation Z—dynamic young individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012—the talk provided an in-depth look at the opportunities and challenges that the medical profession presents in this new era. Gen Z is not only seeking stable careers but is also driven to contribute meaningfully to society. The creativity, adaptability, and exploratory spirit of this generation are reshaping the field of medicine, making it more essential than ever to integrate technology and versatile skill sets into medical practice.
At the talk, the speakers shared insights on essential factors and significant shifts in the professional requirements for medical careers. As technology continues to profoundly impact the field, medical students are now expected to develop not only specialized knowledge but also creative thinking and digital skills. Facing a complex and modern healthcare environment, Gen Z is encouraged to cultivate resilience, adopt a proactive mindset, and prepare to quickly adapt to the constant changes in the industry.
Gaining experience from real-world lessons
Stories shared by experienced doctors and fellow students offered an authentic and relatable perspective on the medical profession. Nguyen Hong Duc, MSc, MD, emphasized, “To succeed in medicine, students need not only academic ability but also the resilience to overcome the profession’s harsh challenges.” In agreement, Pham Hong Que, MD, Level II Specialization, discussed the obstacles that Gen Z may face in this field, stating, “Only with unwavering perseverance and a relentless passion can young people overcome difficulties and become skilled doctors in the future. Above all, family is a vital support system, providing both material and emotional backing to help students confidently pursue their dreams.”
Student Nguyen Duong Hoang Anh, representing the voice of the younger generation, expressed her passion and expectations for the medical field: “Not every pressure turns into diamonds, but when you know exactly what you want and have a clear plan to achieve it, the path to your goals becomes much easier.” She added that choosing medicine is not merely a career choice; it is a commitment to a mission that benefits the community, especially in light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The sincere and inspiring insights from the speakers provided young people with a clearer perspective on their future paths, while also emphasizing the essential skills needed to succeed in the medical field.
Career orientation for Gen Z
Through insightful questions from the audience in the hall and those submitted via livestream, the speakers enthusiastically provided answers, helping attendees gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and potential within the medical field. This event offered students and young people a comprehensive perspective on the medical profession, especially as it experiences significant growth while facing numerous challenges.
Topics such as essential skills, the role of technology, and the necessity of adaptability offered a fresh perspective, helping Gen Z to better prepare for their journey to becoming dedicated doctors in the future. The second Medical Talk successfully fostered knowledge sharing and connection across generations in the field, paving a meaningful path for young people passionate about medicine. It also highlighted Tan Tao University’s pioneering role in guiding and developing high-quality healthcare professionals for society.
