Doctor Phi is preparing to treat patient (Photo: Tuong Vi)

Mấu Văn Phi was born in a poor family with 5 brothers and sisters. At school, Phi was very font of studying. His parents once nearly stopped him studying because they were unable to afford his school fees. But Phi didn’t agree, as he was determined to improve his knowledge to escape the poverty trap and realize his dream to become a doctor. Every day, Phi went to the forest to pick wild chili to sell so he could buy books. He was an excellent pupil during his 12 years of education and his efforts paid off when he passed the entrance exams to the Central Highlands Medical University. Phi has now become a model of a poor but studious student and the pride of the Raglai ethnic group.

On arriving in Buon Ma Thuat city to study, Phi felt like a small stream flowing into the ocean. The more he learned, the more he treasured his knowledge, but he still felt sympathy for his fellow villagers. Phi says: "Whenever I went home, I saw many people dying who could have been cured with prompt and simple treatments. For example, a child with diarrhea could be saved if he was re-hydrated. One child died from chocking on a fruit seed. Another child suffering from pneumonia would still be alive if he had been taken to the hospital. The villagers have very little knowledge of diseases and they still believe that supernatural forces decide their fate. All these reasons have me the momentum to keep studying and help my fellow villagers."

After 7 years at university, Phi took one more year to study at the cardiovascular faculty. He has worked at Khanh Vinh district’s health center since 2001. With his youth and dynamism, Phi traveled to numerous hamlets to treat old people and children where many ethnic minority people still believe in, and worship the supernature whenever they are ill. Phi said nothing can persuade them to change their mind except the doctor’s kindheartedness, knowledge, and experience. Hòn Dù hamlet’s patriarch Cao Sung considers doctor Phi a member of his family. "Doctor Mau Van Phi has unreservedly cared for our health. He helps us to eat and live hygienically to protect our health. Now we know prevention is better than cure. Don’t be subjective with diseases, otherwise, it’s too late to cure them."

In 2005, Doctor Phi was promoted to Deputy Director of Khanh Vinh district hospital and then elected to become Vice Chairman of the district People’s Committee. Since then, he has spent most of his time doing managerial work. Whenever he has free time, Phi goes out to hamlets to treat people who are ill. "I always go to offer checkups after I’ve finished my office work. I want to practice my expertise while getting to know more about the villagers’ wishes so I can make the right managerial decisions," Phi says.

The villagers always talk about Vice Chairman Phi with love and respect. His determination and success have been a model for young Raglai ethnic people and Phi often offers them his advice. "Before going to school or advancing on to higher education, young people should make up their minds who and what they study for and what they will do afterwards. Learning can bring us unlimited knowledge but only by overcoming ourselves, can we realize our dreams and true potential."

As Vice Chairman of the local People’s Committee, Phi has nurtured many plans to improve the living conditions of local ethnic minority people. He also remembers not to forget his responsibility as a doctor.