The personal reflection of Bùi Công Duy An at the NGA 2025 event

On October 28th, 2025, at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, I — Duy An Bui, a second-year medical student — had the honor of being one of two representatives from Phan Chau Trinh University to attend the National General Assembly 2025 (NGA 2025). This is the annual national congress organized by the Network of Health Students in Vietnam (NOHS).

Bùi Công Duy An (first from the left)

With the theme “Rethink the Norms,”the assembly was not only an academic playground but also a three-day journey that allowed me to reflect on myself and redefine the role of a medical student in a rapidly changing era.

From the moment I stepped into the event, I immediately felt the vibrant energy and diversity of students coming from all over the country. Each person carried a unique story and passion, yet we were united by a shared spirit of learning and a desire to contribute. Over the three days, we immersed ourselves in six learning sessions:

• 1. Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC)
• 2. The role of youth voices in health issues
• 3. Scientific research mindset
• 4. International exchange opportunities
• 5. Mental health management
• 6. Interdisciplinary education in the healthcare system

Each session was like a puzzle piece that broadened my perspective — how to learn, how to work, and how to understand the ever-evolving landscape of the medical field.

At the end of the assembly, what I brought back was not only knowledge but also the feeling that I had taken a significant step forward in my personal growth. I became more confident in conversations with students from other universities, more willing to ask questions, share viewpoints, and recognize areas I need to improve. I realized that a PCTU student represents not only the name of our university but also a spirit of innovation, proactiveness, and courage.

I am deeply grateful to Phan Chau Trinh University and PhanMed for trusting and giving me this meaningful opportunity. Thanks to an experiential academic environment where hands-on learning begins as early as the first year, I’ve been able to “step into the field” early, understand the meaning of the profession, and apply the knowledge gained — always encouraged by lecturers who support innovation and continuous learning. This foundation gave me the confidence to join such a large national event and affirm my capabilities among peers across Vietnam.

PhanMed, the student organization of Phan Chau Trinh University, has been a member of the Network of Health Students in Vietnam (NOHS) since 2022. From a group of passionate students with big aspirations, PhanMed has steadily reached national and international platforms — representing Vietnam at the Asia–Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) in the Philippines (2023) and Thailand (2024). Notably, PhanMed made its mark at the IFMSA General Assembly (08/2024) in Finland, where the voices of PCTU students resonated alongside delegates from more than 130 countries.