Dr Trần Thị Mai Linh works with her colleagues in preparation for a cranial operation. — VNA/VNS Photo Đinh Hằng

HCM CITY — As the only female neurosurgeon at the largest hospital in the entire southern region, Dr Trần Thị Mai Linh has been working tirelessly to save people since she chose to pursue a career in healthcare nearly 15 years ago.

Dr Linh started her professional training at Phạm Ngọc Thạch University of Medicine as a general practitioner.

As she entered postgraduate training, she discovered a fascination for the human brain and how its millions of neurons work.

Her dedication to medical care only grew as she studied further.

Dr Linh, who currently works at Chợ Rẫy Hospital, said: “While there has been a significant development in the field of science, there is still much to learn about the human brain.

“There are things that are yet to have a scientific explanation, therefore I continue to study and the more I learn, the more fascinated I become.”

Neurosurgery is also a demanding profession that requires practitioners to stay rational under intense pressure, as well as good physical health to wield the tools needed during an operation.

Dr Linh used to struggle with heavy surgery instruments, such as the cranial drill and saw.

Yet, she managed to turn the challenge into motivation to improve her physical strength and skills for the job.

In her job, all doctors, no matter their gender, are assigned tasks equally, which require each of them to strive and complete the missions well, Linh said during an interview with Tuổi trẻ (Youth) newspaper.

As one of the key medical facilities in HCM City, Chợ Rẫy Hospital always has a long list of patients, including those from across the southern region, waiting for brain surgery.

There are days when Dr Linh has to work on three to four operations, with each lasting up to six or seven hours.

Hospital staff rarely see Linh take a moment of rest while she is on her shift.

She always takes the time to explain the detailed situation to the patients and their families so that they can decide on the most appropriate treatment plan.

With nearly 15 years of experience and all the ups and downs in the field, Dr Linh never stops reflecting on experiences to improve her knowledge and skills.

She said: “There are cases where the patient is in a coma, but with prompt intervention, they could make a quick recovery.

“Those are the motivation for me to continue pursuing this demanding profession.”

Dr Huỳnh Lê Phương, head of Chợ Rẫy Hospital’s neurosurgery department, said that the long-hour brain operations are an intensive challenge to all surgeons.

He said: “Dr Mai Linh is hardworking and persistent.

“In addition to knowledge and skills, cranial surgery requires meticulousness, patience and carefulness in every action. Dr Linh has all of those traits.”

Dr Linh added: “I am lucky to also have the support from my family, who share with me the everyday burden.

“Thanks to that, I can fully dedicate myself to fulfil the role of a neurosurgeon.” — VNS