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Faces of AMA: Dr Linny Kimly Phuong
Dr Linny Kimly Phuong is currently in her second year as Education & Professional Development Officer for AMA DiT subdivision. She has organised a number of successful Mythbusters sessions as well as attending the AMA National Conference. Her profile was published in the September 2011 edition of vicdoc magazine.
Why are you a member of AMA?
I have enjoyed being an AMA member since being a medical student.
As a medical student, I found many benefits in being a part of the AMA network- attending medical student events such as Mythbusters, careers and electives information nights.
Now, as a junior doctor, I believe that being a member means that I am part of a wider medical community and has certainly drawn my attention to the workplace and training issues which affect our daily practice. I have also enjoyed being an active member of the Doctors in Training Subdivision – being a part of a committee of junior doctors who are motivated to influence change in the system. I have also enjoyed the events that being an AMA member offers – including motivating global health and Women In Medicine events.
What led you to study medicine?
As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a career where I could help people. Being a doctor was one of these, and I’m pleased I followed through with this dream. As a little girl, I had the usual list of aspirations – to become a doctor, teacher, marine biologist or ambassador.
How old were you when you studied medicine, and how would you describe the experience?
I entered medicine as a postgraduate, and was extremely excited about it, as it was something I wanted to do for so long. I’m someone who obviously doesn’t mind the study – and found the whole experience quite enjoyable. I do feel, however, that studying medicine as a postgraduate was more of a balancing act. I made a conscientious effort to continue working part-time as a pharmacist, fit in my other extracurricular activities and tried to maintain a social life both in and out of medical circles.
What do you find to be the biggest challenge about being a doctor?
I think trying to remain emotionally detached when delivering bad news. I believe it’s particularly difficult to come to terms with the reality that we cannot save everyone, especially when you can identify with patients you meet. Plus, we’re all doctors because of our compelling desire to help others.
What have you found to be the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
Being able to contribute to people’s lives in a meaningful way. I believe as doctors we are equipped with powerful knowledge that can support patients and their families during difficult and challenging times. I also love the fact that as doctors, we are in a privileged position to make special connections, whether it’s with patients and their families, or with our colleagues with whom we share similar emotional challenges.
As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a career where I could help people. Being a doctor was one of these, and I’m pleased I followed through with this dream. As a little girl, I had the usual list of aspirations – to become a doctor, teacher, marine biologist or ambassador.
How old were you when you studied medicine, and how would you describe the experience?
I entered medicine as a postgraduate, and was extremely excited about it, as it was something I wanted to do for so long. I’m someone who obviously doesn’t mind the study – and found the whole experience quite enjoyable. I do feel, however, that studying medicine as a postgraduate was more of a balancing act. I made a conscientious effort to continue working part-time as a pharmacist, fit in my other extracurricular activities and tried to maintain a social life both in and out of medical circles.
What do you find to be the biggest challenge about being a doctor?
I think trying to remain emotionally detached when delivering bad news. I believe it’s particularly difficult to come to terms with the reality that we cannot save everyone, especially when you can identify with patients you meet. Plus, we’re all doctors because of our compelling desire to help others.
What have you found to be the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
Being able to contribute to people’s lives in a meaningful way. I believe as doctors we are equipped with powerful knowledge that can support patients and their families during difficult and challenging times. I also love the fact that as doctors, we are in a privileged position to make special connections, whether it’s with patients and their families, or with our colleagues with whom we share similar emotional challenges.
Is there anything you regret about becoming a doctor?
Sometimes it’s hard to wind down after a demanding day – whether it’s in a physical or emotional sense. I often worry though that I’m not able to care for those around me because I’m too busy caring for patients at work. I wouldn’t say it is a regret but it is certainly an ongoing challenge.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for the medical profession now and into the future?
There are so many challenges for the medical profession – I’m sure it is easy to become overwhelmed as a junior doctor. If I were to choose just one challenge, it would be the “global warming” affecting junior doctors. We all enter medicine with goals and desires of what we want to be when we grow up. My concern is that with the growing bottleneck for advanced training places, within the next couple of years, we will be pushed in directions that aren’t our first choice.
Sometimes it’s hard to wind down after a demanding day – whether it’s in a physical or emotional sense. I often worry though that I’m not able to care for those around me because I’m too busy caring for patients at work. I wouldn’t say it is a regret but it is certainly an ongoing challenge.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for the medical profession now and into the future?
There are so many challenges for the medical profession – I’m sure it is easy to become overwhelmed as a junior doctor. If I were to choose just one challenge, it would be the “global warming” affecting junior doctors. We all enter medicine with goals and desires of what we want to be when we grow up. My concern is that with the growing bottleneck for advanced training places, within the next couple of years, we will be pushed in directions that aren’t our first choice.
What is your biggest fear in life?
Losing people I love.
What are the most important things to you in life?
Health, happiness, friends and family.
Health, happiness, friends and family.
What is your most treasured possession?
My friends and family.
What is your ideal holiday destination?
Europe: the historic architecture, food and fashion is something that definitely excites and interests me. I was last in Europe at the very tender age of six, and my biggest memory is losing my first tooth. I’d like to create some new memories and soak up some colourful cultural experiences.
Europe: the historic architecture, food and fashion is something that definitely excites and interests me. I was last in Europe at the very tender age of six, and my biggest memory is losing my first tooth. I’d like to create some new memories and soak up some colourful cultural experiences.
What helps you find balance in your life?
My favourite way to unwind is classical ballet lessons. It’s a beautiful dance form which requires enough focus to take my mind off the day, but requires enough strength and stamina to keep me fit.
Name a book, a film or a musician that has inspired you.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The heroine of the novel Elizabeth Bennett is intelligent, determined and, of course, believes in marrying for love.
Name three people in public life (living or dead) who inspire you.
His holiness the Dalai Lama, because he epitomises peace and acceptance. And my parents because of all they gave up to create a better future for their kids.
My favourite way to unwind is classical ballet lessons. It’s a beautiful dance form which requires enough focus to take my mind off the day, but requires enough strength and stamina to keep me fit.
Name a book, a film or a musician that has inspired you.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The heroine of the novel Elizabeth Bennett is intelligent, determined and, of course, believes in marrying for love.
Name three people in public life (living or dead) who inspire you.
His holiness the Dalai Lama, because he epitomises peace and acceptance. And my parents because of all they gave up to create a better future for their kids.
What are your hopes for the next decade – in medicine and/or generally?
To be happy and healthy. To pursue a speciality that is challenging and fulfilling. And to have a beautiful family with a couple of kids.
If I hadn’t become a doctor, I would have been... A prima ballerina.
Refugee health education program
This year, one of Dr Phuong’s main projects is a refugee health education program, which currently targets migrant/ refugee groups serviced by the Ecumenical Migration Centre at the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. The program is entirely voluntary, and aims to deliver culturally appropriate, interactive health information sessions to refugee groups under the guidance of junior doctors and bilingual community leaders within the groups. The project aims to empower migrant and refugee groups to take greater responsibility for their own health, ask questions around health issues and feel more comfortable when seeing Western society doctors. A successful pilot session has been run with the Ethiopian Community Group, around discussion of general nutrition information. There are many more groups awaiting input from junior doctors, including the Ogaden and Oromo women, and the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre.
Contact the AMA Victoria DiT subdivision for more information about getting involved.
This year, one of Dr Phuong’s main projects is a refugee health education program, which currently targets migrant/ refugee groups serviced by the Ecumenical Migration Centre at the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. The program is entirely voluntary, and aims to deliver culturally appropriate, interactive health information sessions to refugee groups under the guidance of junior doctors and bilingual community leaders within the groups. The project aims to empower migrant and refugee groups to take greater responsibility for their own health, ask questions around health issues and feel more comfortable when seeing Western society doctors. A successful pilot session has been run with the Ethiopian Community Group, around discussion of general nutrition information. There are many more groups awaiting input from junior doctors, including the Ogaden and Oromo women, and the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre.
Contact the AMA Victoria DiT subdivision for more information about getting involved.
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