Vietnam has first female doctor honored as Unsung Hero by WIT

The award recognizes her long-standing contributions to organ donation and transplantation.

Cho Ray Hospital said on Sunday that Dr. Thu received the honor during the 31st International Congress of The Transplantation Society, held in Sydney, Australia from September 20 to 23.

The Unsung Hero Award is presented by Women in Transplantation, part of the global transplant community associated with The Transplantation Society.

The organization has more than 3,000 members in 105 countries and works to promote advances in organ transplantation.

Women in Transplantation recognizes women who have made a significant impact on the field through community service, volunteer work, mentorship, education, and other contributions.

The Unsung Hero category specifically highlights sustained efforts that often take place behind the scenes and may receive little public recognition or may not be reflected in scientific publications, but nonetheless have a profound impact on the transplant community.

According to the award's criteria, recipients are recognized for six key qualities, including dedication and commitment, behind-the-scenes impact, teamwork, mentorship, community service, and resilience.

Beyond their clinical and professional responsibilities, unsung heroes contribute by supporting colleagues, training the next generation of professionals, promoting organ donation, and helping build transplant coordination systems that are increasingly transparent and effective.

Dr. Thu is the first Vietnamese to be recognized as an Unsung Hero.

Her recognition represents a milestone not only for her personally but also for Cho Ray Hospital and Vietnam's broader efforts to advance organ donation and transplantation.

The honor also shines a light on the sustained work of transplant coordinators and others who connect medical teams with donors, recipients, and their families.

Their often-unseen efforts help maintain and strengthen the organ donation and transplantation system while spreading the humanitarian values of organ donation throughout the community.