Brian Nguyen is a second-year medical student at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine.
In the following blog post, he reflects on his personal and professional path from childhood to medical school, centered around the enduring influence of his aunt and a deepening understanding of cancer.
“Cancer patients are not looking to fight, but to heal. Meaningful conversations made me recognize that a humanistic perspective is needed to address the human side of cancer.
From Piano Keys to Cancer Care
Playing the piano has been a lifelong learning experience that keeps memories of my aunt alive. When I was seven years old, my aunt recognized my passion for the piano and became my earliest and most ardent advocate. I remembered the joy on her face when she asked me to play in front of her friends, imparting the idea that playing the piano wasn’t simply striking the correct keys. These words of encouragement would become more meaningful when, four years later, she experienced a relapse with metastatic breast cancer. I observed her resilience, positivity, and optimism that showed cancer did not defeat her fighting spirit.
However, my perspective of cancer as a battle was challenged when I volunteered at the University of California–Irvine Emergency Department. I remembered vividly on a chilly evening discharging a young adult patient. As I approached his bedside, I assisted him to be situated in his wheelchair and offered to drape a warm blanket over him. He greeted me with a weary smile and revealed the rarity of his stomach cancer diagnosis. The words echoed a sense of frustration when there were no immediate solutions to alleviate his pain. His palpable helplessness contrasted with the unwavering strength and optimism I witnessed from my aunt’s journey with cancer. This interaction became the catalyst for deeper exploration into the impact of cancer on individuals and propelled my desire to become an oncologist to help cancer patients and support their individual needs.
Redefining Cancer: A Humanistic View
These contrasting encounters reveal that cancer is a multifaceted and individualized experience. Despite medical advancements, a cancer diagnosis continues to carry much stigma, and is too often considered a death sentence. The language surrounding cancer depicted as a “battle” has left me questioning whether it is unintentionally causing harm rather than healing. Biologically, cancer cells are genetically us, which suggests that the battle against cancer is a battle against ourselves.
I shared these ideas at the “Meaning of Life Lunch” event organized by my philosophy professor that offered an interdisciplinary exploration of the concept of meaning. Here I met a cancer survivor who resonated with my ideas. She shared, “Life began again when I was diagnosed with cancer.” Her experiences suggested that cancer is not a battle, but rather a part of life and an opportunity to reevaluate and reprioritize her life’s purpose. Cancer became an integral part of her identity, and eliminating it would mean stripping away a significant aspect of her being. This contradicted the idea that a cancer diagnosis signifies an impending demise and so cancer patients are in a constant struggle for survival. It made me realize that cancer patients are not looking to fight, but to heal. These meaningful conversations made me recognize that a humanistic perspective is needed to address the human side of cancer.
A career in academic medicine is where I can compassionately guide cancer patients through challenging conversations and actively address cancer as a clinician, researcher, and educator. By prioritizing and cherishing each individual interaction with patients, I aim to expand the narrative surrounding cancer and provide personalized care tailored to each cancer patient’s unique needs. Medical school was the next step to further develop these goals.
Eastward Bound
Among the medical school acceptances, I spoke with my family, friends, and fellow applicants about my criteria on where to attend. The consensus was that all medical schools are the same. No matter where I trained, I would still become a medical doctor. However, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont stood out. Their mission statement centered around professionalism was reflected in their action, not just words. Out of all medical school interviews, Larner College of Medicine left a lasting impression when they intentionally and directly asked applicants for feedback. I genuinely felt that this is where I want to receive my medical education.
On July 7, 2024, my parents and I went on a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country road trip from sunny California—where I have lived my whole life—to the Green Mountain State of Vermont. We took our time driving about 5,000 miles and exploring 17 states and 27 cities over a span of three weeks. Priceless memories were made. I caught up with relatives I haven’t seen for 12 years, reconnected with old friends, discovered the unforgettable sunset at the Mississippi River, ate amazing southern BBQ, explored the country’s largest underground lake, walked the famous RCA Studio B where Elvis recorded his music, visited the first city in the first state—Lewes, Delaware—and had many more amazing experiences.
When I finally arrived and took my first steps at UVM, orientation week left a memorable impact. It began by taking my first selfie with Dean Zehle and Dean Page (the first of many) and continued with the first patient experience, led by Dr. Lewis R. First. My classmates and I listened to the patient’s story of living with cystic fibrosis. Being similar in age as me, I was in awe of her perspective. What made the experience more insightful was the small group debrief that followed. The facilitator shared his medical school experience where reflection was discouraged using the phrase, “everyone should swallow their smoke.” He did not recommend this approach and respected how UVM put an emphasis on reflection and open discussion. Orientation and the months that followed reinforced that this was exactly where I wanted to be and spend my time. My first year of medical school flew by so fast and the connections with faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduates have been priceless. I look forward to continuing building my community into my second year.
