Overcoming prejudice and discrimination: The path for Ton That Tung to becoming an excellent doctor in Vietnam

Abstract

Ton That Tung was a renowned Vietnamese doctor in the twentieth century. He was well-known and honored all throughout the world for his famous planned liver resection method, which was named after him. Ton That Tung's route to become a talented doctor was marked not only by scientific endeavors, but also by overcoming several barriers created by biased ideas and discrimination, which were a negative influence of colonialism. Ton That Tung faced discrimination during his studies and employment in terms of scholarships, working hours, pay, and job position. Ton That Tung's scientific research was influenced by prejudice and discrimination due to the French's backward perspective of Western civilization over the East; Many of his outstanding research results took many years to be recognized. Although he encountered many obstacles due to the backward and insidious views of imperial colonialism, Ton That Tung overcame and escaped those obstacles. He became an excellent doctor and a Vietnamese medical celebrity in the 20th century.