At over 70 years old, Pham Ngoc Hong diligently attended lectures in traditional medicine. Before that, he had earned two bachelor’s degrees from two different universities when he was over 60.

Pham Ngoc Hong, 75, from Phu Tho (formerly Vinh Phuc province), recently graduated with an excellent medical doctor degree from Hoa Binh University, achieving a GPA of 3.28/4. Earning a university degree at the age of over 70, Hong said, “Age is not a barrier to learning and striving.”

To date, he has obtained three full-time university degrees, all related to medicine and pharmacy. At 62, he earned his first degree in nursing from Nam Dinh University of Nursing.

At 68, he received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Thanh Do University. Last August, he graduated in traditional medicine from Hoa Binh University.

“With medicine, learning is never enough. Only by studying can you gain more knowledge and experience,” he said.

Hong currently lives in Hanoi with his wife, a former doctor at Military Hospital 109. In his youth, he dreamed of studying medicine, but his family’s poverty prevented him from pursuing it. Later, he joined the army. After returning, despite struggling to make a living, he always valued the importance of education.

Having worked in traditional medicine for many years, Hong remained determined to fulfill his youthful dream. So, nearing 60, he decided to return to school.

“Medicine is a special field. You need skills to ‘stop the Death’ and save lives. Every time I treat a patient and they recover or improve, I feel very happy. That’s why I want to keep studying,” Hong said.

Studying medicine is challenging, but Hong noted that as he attended multiple schools and gained practical experience, learning was “not too difficult.”

In a class full of younger students, he was appointed deputy class monitor. Over six years at medical school, Hong attended nearly every class, missing only one session due to personal commitments.

“Studying with young people, I find them quite cheerful, but they also have shortcomings, such as attending class only when they feel like it and skipping when they don't. I believe that when pursuing an important major like medicine, even missing one class can create a significant gap in knowledge," he said.

“Moreover, I’m older, and my time is limited, so I must strive as much as possible while I can. I often tell young students that people of my generation worked hard to have the chance to study. You’re young now, but if you don’t study hard, you won’t get another chance,” he said.

What makes Hong happiest at school is inspiring younger students. Some who considered dropping out saw “the 70-year-old student” attending class daily and were motivated to continue their studies.

To keep up with and update his medical knowledge, Hong has maintained a daily habit of reading for years to consolidate and enhance his expertise. Every day, he reads at least 10 pages of specialized books to stay current.

“I believe that a doctor must have knowledge and reasoning. Without them, you won’t be respected in the profession. To practice, you must study properly. In this process, age is not a barrier. It is just an excuse for not trying,” he said.

Hong’s learning journey has always been supported by his family. His “lifelong learning” spirit has even inspired his children and grandchildren. His daughter, for instance, has earned four university degrees.

Currently, Hong runs a traditional medicine clinic in Hanoi. Previously, he held roles such as head of the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Leaders Club (2012-2014), Chair of the Tay Ho District Traditional Medicine Association (2010-2024), and now serves as Permanent Vice Chair and General Secretary of the Hanoi Thang Long Acupuncture Association.

After earning his traditional medicine degree, Hong plans to study law next and pursue a doctorate.

Asked about the plan to study law, he said the world needs doctors to heal and lawyers to protect people’s rights. “I chose these fields because they’re essential for life. Learning will help me do my work better and assist more people,” he said. (Vietnam Net Global)

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