Thuy Nguyen, MD | University of Connecticut | Hartford, CT | Secretary/Editor, EMResident
Twitter handle?
@ThuyNguyenMD, same as Instagram
What's your first priority as an EMRA board member?
As important as you — the EMRA membership — are to me, my primary focus as an EMRA board member is to familiarize myself with the operations and intricacies involved in this role. I want to make sure I am actively listening and absorbing all the information necessary for me to do my best job. By the time you read this, I expect to have become familiar with the EMRA board and to have shifted my focus to amplifying your voices.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received lately is from my program director, Dr. Shawn London, who has reiterated “nothing ventured, nothing gained” when I have come to him for guidance regarding clinical, professional, and personal decisions. Oftentimes, we limit ourselves out of fear of rejection. This type of support has significant meaning to me, coming from my program leadership, and not only do I hope to carry the sentiment with me as I advance in my career, I hope to also impart the same wisdom and encouragement to our membership and anyone who may feel comfortable enough to look to me for guidance.
How do you recharge after a tough shift?
If it is a particularly catastrophic shift, I will lean on one of my close friends in residency or speak to my best friends from medical school, whom I keep in touch with daily. I have also relied upon my faculty advisor for debriefing on the case, my clinical decision-making, and ways I can improve. On a more personal note, the gym is my sanctuary, and I always feel better after lifting weights.
What is something people don't know about you?
My fastest NYT Mini Crossword solve time is 9 seconds.
One skill you want but don't have (yet):
Skiing/snowboarding.
One skill you could do without:
Fecal disimpaction.
Does pineapple go on pizza?
Yes, with ham.
Favorite comfort food (or drink):
Pho.