Dr. Trần Minh Long checks a patient's health after surgery. — VNA/VNS Photos Bích Huệ

NGHỆ AN — Draped in a white blouse, for over two decades Dr. Trần Minh Long, the head of Anaesthesia and Resuscitation at Nghệ An Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital, has been a silent hero, quietly rescuing countless young lives across Nghệ An and Hà Tĩnh central provinces.

To him, an anaesthesiologist is similar to a maestro, orchestrating crucial support behind the curtain in every surgical performance.

In the operating theatre, the anaesthesia team takes centre stage, meticulously preparing for each operation, assessing patient conditions, assembling equipment, and orchestrating the delicate pre-aesthetic rituals.   

Aptly called "silent doctors", they vigilantly watch over patients, work hard with unwavering dedication, and play a pivotal role in the surgical symphony's success.  

Paediatric anaesthesia is one of the most challenging specialties, demanding swift action for congenital diseases like heart defects, gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. 

Dr. Long underscores the necessity of sound medical knowledge and skills in navigating these complex medical fields.

In the realm of surgeries, not every journey is smooth sailing. 

While administering anaesthesia to adults presents its challenges, the stakes are even higher when it comes to newborns and young children, according to Long. 

Within the paediatric anaesthesia team, excellence, experience, meticulous planning, risk management, precise execution, resuscitation abilities, emergency readiness, and anaesthesia expertise are all vital components in handling critical cases. 

Continuously updating knowledge and improving skills is essential to overcome these demanding situations.

The work at the Anaesthesia and Resuscitation Department begins at 7:30am and doesn't wrap up until the surgeons complete their procedures. 

These dedicated individuals silently work hard behind the scenes, ensuring the success of surgeries, yet their names often go unnoticed. 

For the anaesthesia team, led by Dr. Long, their commitment extends beyond duty. It's fuelled by a profound love for their patients.

Long said that anaesthesia and pain management is a challenging. It's a demanding and often overlooked domain of medicine. 

There are many complex paediatric cases that go beyond textbooks, requiring the anaesthesia team to brainstorm and find the optimal solution to ensure the safety of the paediatric patient during surgery.

In challenging cases such as infants born with congenital heart defects involving transposition of the great arteries, their delicate condition necessitates rapid surgical intervention. 

It's one of the toughest scenarios for the medical team at large, and especially for the anaesthesiologist, who bears a particularly weighty responsibility. 

The hospital must activate the entire team, including the anaesthesia and resuscitation team, surgeons, imaging specialists to diagnose the child's condition, and operate artificial heart-lung machines. They must work together seamlessly to ensure no errors occur during the surgery process.

"Every time we witness a little life being revived after a successful surgery, it's an indescribable feeling of joy," Dr. Long told Vietnam News Agency. 

"With each challenging case, our medical team learns invaluable lessons from real-life situations, honing our skills."

Dr Long and his colleagues during a surgery at Nghệ An Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital.

Two years ago, baby Lầu Y Bi, from Kỳ Sơn District, Nghệ An Province, was born in a state of respiratory distress, turning blue. 

Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, she required urgent surgery to survive. The medical team swiftly rallied the emergency heart surgery team, working tirelessly for 12 hours to save her life. 

Today, she is in stable health, and her family faithfully brings her in for regular check-ups at Nghệ An Paediatrics Hospital, Dr. Long said.

"If it weren't for the prompt and timely efforts of the doctors, my child wouldn't be here today. My family is grateful to the medical team at Nghệ An Paediatrics Hospital," said Lầu Hương Giang, Lầu Y Bi's mother.

Dr. Long's transition from general medicine to anaesthesia after graduating from Hà Nội Medical University seemed almost fateful.

Every day, he dedicates himself, quietly supporting surgeons behind the scenes. 

In his leadership role, he emphasises the importance of professionalism and effective communication to the younger medical staff, fostering trust among patients and their families.

As an experienced doctor, Dr. Long is also a mentor, always willing to share knowledge, exchange expertise, and patiently guide his younger colleagues. He firmly believes that every doctor is also a torchbearer - passing on knowledge, ethics, and passion to the next generation.

Dr. Võ Quang Thành, an anaesthesiologist, attests to the profound impact that Dr. Long has had on him, both professionally and personally. Long serves as a guiding light for young colleagues, offering valuable lessons and setting a high standard for work ethic.

"As physicians, our foremost duty is to safeguard our patients' lives. Each surgery is approached with meticulous care and gentleness, ensuring a smooth journey through the anaesthesia process and a successful completion of the operation," said Long.

Deputy Director of Nghệ An Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital Trần Văn Cương said: "Rich in ethics and professional knowledge, Dr. Long is always at the forefront of promoting hospital regulations and excels in fulfilling all assigned tasks. His passion for scientific research and contribution to the medical field are commendable. With relentless dedication to his profession and selfless contributions, Long earns the trust and admiration of both colleagues and patients."

Dr. Long's journey into medicine was not just a personal choice, it was a continuation of a family legacy steeped in healthcare. 

He finds even greater joy now as both of his children have chosen to pursue and study medicine. He believes the pivotal role doctors play in safeguarding and nurturing life. Therefore, he continues to strive every day.

"Every day, I wake up, feeling excited to embrace the challenges of my profession. Despite the demanding nature of our work, requiring unwavering dedication, seriousness, and meticulousness, the ultimate reward lies in the opportunity to save lives," Long said. — VNS