Ever wonder where Vietnam’s future healthcare professionals begin their journeys? It begins right here at Le Huu Trac Medical and Pharmaceutical University. This institution stands as a beacon of medical knowledge in Hanoi. The university carries the name of a truly remarkable man.
Lê Hữu Trác, also known as Hải Thượng Lãn Ông was a medical genius. He was an outstanding cultural icon of Vietnam. He left behind a huge legacy of medicine and culture for future generations. This legacy remains valuable today.
Born in 1724, Lê Hữu Trác hailed from humble beginnings. His birthplace was in present-day Hưng Yên province. His father, Lê Hữu Mưu, held a high-ranking position. He served as Thị lang in the Ministry of Public Works.
Growing up, Lê Hữu Trác showed great promise. He studied in Thăng Long which is now Hanoi. He demonstrated intelligence and excelled in poetry. The early loss of his father led him to abandon formal education. However, he kept studying on his own.
Life took an unexpected turn when Lê Hữu Trác joined the Trịnh army. Witnessing the suffering of the people, he longed for a different path. The death of his older brother gave him the perfect excuse. He left the army to care for his mother.
A serious illness led him to physician Trần Độc. While recovering, he devoured medical books. He understood the importance of medicine for himself and others. He decided to dedicate himself to medical study. Despite an invitation to rejoin the military, he refused. His heart was set on helping people through medicine.
In 1756, Lê Hữu Trác returned to the capital to continue his studies. Finding no suitable teacher, he purchased more medical books. He went back to Hương Sơn to research and provide medical care. Within a decade, he became renowned in the Nghệ Tĩnh region.
Starting in 1760, Lê Hữu Trác began teaching medicine. He combined classical Chinese texts with traditional medicine. Over 26 years, he compiled a monumental work. It was called “Hải Thượng Y Tông Tâm Lĩnh.” It contains 28 volumes and 66 books. This made a significant contribution to medicine.
In 1782, Lord Trịnh summoned Lãn Ông to treat the Crown Prince Trịnh Cán. Despite his reluctance for fame, he traveled to the capital. While the Crown Prince improved, Lãn Ông’s health suffered. He used a family illness as an excuse to return home.
Today, Le Huu Trac Medical and Pharmaceutical University stands as a testament to his enduring influence. It is a place where future generations of healthcare professionals learn. They carry on his legacy of healing and compassion. The university continues to uphold the values that Lê Hữu Trác embodied. He cared deeply for his patients and dedicated his life to medicine.