Undergraduate

After making her mark with a string of outstanding achievements at expanded chess tournaments in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, female chess player Truong Ngoc Tra My from Khanh Hoa has officially embarked on a new journey as a first-year General Practitioner student at Duy Tan University (DTU), pursuing the General Practitioner program.

For Tra My, her years of dedication to chess have not only brought her treasured medals but have also cultivated concentration, patience, and composure - qualities she believes will prove invaluable on her journey toward becoming a doctor.

Excelling in the classroom and at the chessboard: The parallel journey of a multitalented student

Truong Ngoc Tra My has always been a devoted daughter and an excellent student. She maintained the title of Good Student throughout all 12 years of school and earned the title of Excellent Student in grade 12. For the young student, her family's love, encouragement, and support have provided an essential foundation, allowing her to focus on her studies and pursue her ambitious goals.

Truong Ngoc Tra My (left, on the first-place podium) receives

the gold medal in the girls' U15 individual rapid chess event

In addition to her outstanding academic record, Tra My is an accomplished chess player who has devoted many years to the sport and achieved impressive results. “I first learned to play chess when I was in grade 3. I was subsequently selected to compete in the provincial Phu Dong Sports Festival and regional tournaments. What attracts me to chess is not only its competitive nature but also its ability to develop both the mind and the body, particularly concentration, meticulousness, and patience,” Tra My shared.

Throughout her competitive career, Tra My has participated in expanded youth chess tournaments in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, as well as club competitions, earning numerous impressive achievements, including:

- A gold medal in the girls' U16 team blitz event, a silver medal in the girls' U16 team rapid event, and a silver medal in the girls' U16 individual blitz event at the 2024 Expanded Youth Chess Championship of Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands;
- Bronze medals in the girls' U16 team rapid, team blitz, and team super-blitz events at the 2024 National Chess Club Championship; and
- A gold medal in the girls' U15 individual rapid event, a silver medal in the girls' U15 individual blitz event, a silver medal in the girls' U15 team rapid event, and a bronze medal in the girls' U15 team blitz event at the 2023 Expanded Youth Chess Championship of Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

Grade 12 was a particularly challenging period for Tra My. As academic pressure intensified, she had to work even harder to balance her studies with her passion for chess. Drawing on the composure of an experienced chess player and supported by her coaching team, Tra My proactively managed her time, prioritized her studies, and continued training as she steadfastly pursued both goals.

Tra My confidently begins her journey at DTU, determined to become a highly qualified doctor

“To me, every chess game offers a lesson. Win or lose, every move gives me more experience and teaches me to remain clear-headed so that I can make the most accurate decisions. I particularly admire chess grandmaster Le Quang Liem and have always regarded him as an inspiration throughout my chess journey. From him, I have learned calmness, courage in the face of challenges, and, above all, how to think deeply and precisely before making each decision. His journey - from success on the international stage to remarkable academic accomplishments - has shown me that chess not only nurtures passion but also cultivates discipline, concentration, and scientific thinking, all of which are tremendously valuable in both study and life,” Tra My said.

A dream of becoming a doctor and caring for Patients

“I have dreamed of becoming a doctor since I was very young. When I was in grade 3, I underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix complicated by infection. During my treatment, the image of doctors devotedly caring for their patients became deeply engraved in my mind, and I came to see them as ‘angels.’ Tragedy struck when my father developed leukemia and passed away after more than two years of treatment, just after I had completed grade 6. That profound loss gave me an even deeper understanding of the value of life and the significance of the medical profession.”

“I hope to become a dedicated doctor who uses both knowledge and compassion to care for and assist patients facing illness, just as the doctors once cared for my father and me,” Tra My shared emotionally.

The awards Tra My has earned throughout her competitive chess journey

Interestingly, Tra My has discovered many similarities between chess and medicine. On the chessboard, every move requires accuracy and careful calculation; in medicine, doctors likewise need caution and composure because every decision directly affects a patient's health and life. Her years of playing chess have developed her perseverance, courage in the face of challenges, and ability to think carefully in critical situations - qualities that will help her confidently enter the next stage of her medical education and future career.

When Tra My learned that she had been admitted to DTU's General Practitioner program, she could not contain her joy and emotion. After years of hard work, she had officially moved one step closer to her dream of wearing a white coat.

“I was impressed by DTU's General Practitioner curriculum because the university collaborates with prestigious medical schools in the United States and regularly invites international professors to teach, giving students opportunities to access advanced medical knowledge. I believe DTU's academic environment and educational quality will help me build a solid foundation of knowledge, develop advanced professional skills, and gradually mature into a competent doctor,” Tra My affirmed.

Tra My’s mother has always accompanied her to chess tournaments

Tra My has identified studying as her highest priority, but she will continue making time for her passion for chess - a sport that has become an integral part of her life. She plans to keep playing as a healthy way to relieve stress after classes and to participate in student clubs or tournaments, ensuring that chess remains her “companion” throughout her medical journey at DTU.

From the chessboard to the medical lecture hall at DTU, each of Tra My's “moves” will now require not only precision but also compassion, responsibility, and a desire to heal. In the not-too-distant future, the young chess player may well become the doctor she has always dreamed of being.

(Media Center)