Dr. Hau: A True Pioneer in Reconstructive Surgery for Women and Minorities
Dr. Trung Hau Lê Thua is a true pioneer in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Based in Hue City, Vietnam, Dr. Hau has dedicated his career to advancing reconstructive surgical care and transforming lives. He is the first plastic and reconstructive surgeon in central Vietnam to perform breast cancer reconstruction, pioneering a first-of-its-kind program to make this care accessible to women battling the disease.
Recently, Dr. Hau established a formal partnership for ReSurge with the Hue Odonto-Stomatology Hospital and the Hue Provincial Department of Health. Through this partnership, Dr. Hau and ReSurge’s medical volunteers guide the next generation of Vietnamese surgeons and trainees from visiting low- and middle-income countries, covering an extensive range of surgical procedures such as breast cancer reconstruction and microsurgery. This initiative is poised to significantly improve access to surgical care for ethnic minorities that live in remote areas in Vietnam — ensuring they receive the treatment they need closer to home, throughout the year.
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Dr. Hau’s Pathway to Reconstructive Surgery
Tell me a little about yourself and your background.
My name is Dr. Trung Hau Lê Thua, and I am a reconstructive surgeon based in Hue City, Vietnam where I was born and raised. Hue is the former capital of Vietnam and is in the central part of the country. I am married and have three children. I completed my medical degree and residency in Hue, before pursuing several fellowships in France and the United States and completing my PhD in Belgium.
What made you want to go into medicine?
When I was in high school, I saw international doctors coming to my hometown to care for children and perform surgeries. Their dedication and the impact they had on the community inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. I wanted to be able to help my own people in a similar way.
What was it like for you to become a surgeon in your country? What obstacles did you face?
Becoming a surgeon in Vietnam was challenging because medical education and surgical training require significant financial investment and good mentorship. This was difficult for me as my family had no background in medicine. However, with the unwavering support of my family, I was able to overcome these obstacles. I studied hard and received scholarships to further my education.
Why did you decide to pursue training in reconstructive surgery in particular?
When I started my medical training — general surgery was the only surgical residency available in Hue. Reconstructive surgery training was not well developed, but the patient’s need was high. I saw an opportunity to specialize in a new field essential to my community.
How did you become involved with ReSurge?
My involvement with ReSurge has roots that go back to my childhood. I first learned about Interplast,(now known as ReSurge International)on my local TV news channel. Seeing the transformative surgeries they performed on patients in need deeply inspired me and planted the seed for my future career in reconstructive surgery. Years later, while attending an annual American Association of Plastic Surgeons meeting for the John D. Constable International Traveling Fellowship in the United States — I met Dr. James Chang, ReSurge’s Consulting Medical Officer and Stanford Chief of Plastic Surgery. Our shared passion for reconstructive surgery and commitment to helping underserved communities led to a meaningful conversation. Following this meeting, Dr. Chang invited me to study at Stanford University. When the course ended, he asked me to join ReSurge as a Surgical Partner, operating on patients who need surgical care the most, in my home country at no cost to the patients. I am pleased with the success of the locally-led training program established in Vietnam through ReSurge, empowering the next generation of surgeons in low -and -middle-income countries to deliver surgical care in their communities.
What are you most proud of as a reconstructive surgeon?
As a reconstructive surgeon, I am most proud of the opportunity to transform lives. Each successful surgery, whether it’s repairing a cleft lip or reconstructing a limb, has a profound impact on the patient’s quality of life. Knowing that my work helps people regain their functionality and confidence is incredibly rewarding.
Dr. Hau on Challenges and Opportunities
What case or patient stands out to you the most and why?
One memorable case involved a young child who sustained severe injuries to his hands, no longer able to use them. After multiple reconstructive surgeries, he was able to regain function and he grew up to become an IT engineer, a testament to his resilience. I was deeply honored to be invited to his wedding, which was a profoundly moving experience for me.
What challenges do you face in your practice?
The primary challenges in my practice include limited resources and access to advanced medical technologies. Financial constraints often limit the availability of necessary equipment and materials for complex reconstructive procedures.
Last fall, for the first time in our 55-year history, ReSurge was awarded $4 million in federal grant funds through the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Program. These funds were exclusively designated for essential surgical equipment for our hub sites in Nepal and Vietnam. Over the past two weeks, the ASHA grants for Nepal and Vietnam have been terminated and indefinitely put on hold, respectively. We are faced with an urgent funding gap as we strive to implement ReSurge’s new strategic plan. Please consider a special investment in ReSurge at this time.
– Claire Lachance, President and CEO at ReSurge International
For more context on how the termination of ASHA grants has impacted the work of reconstructive surgeons like Dr. Hau read the full message here.
How does ReSurge help address those challenges?
ReSurge significantly helps us address the challenges we face through their Surgical Outreach Partner program. This program provides essential funding that allows local surgeons like myself to perform surgeries for free for patients who cannot afford the costs. ReSurge’s support ensures that we have critical resources, equipment, and training to offer high-quality reconstructive surgery. This collaboration not only enhances our capacity to treat more patients but also helps build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure by empowering local surgeons with the skills and knowledge needed to continue providing these life-changing services.
What are your goals for the future of reconstructive surgery in your country?
My goal for the future of reconstructive surgery in Vietnam is to establish Hue City as a leading educational training hub for this specialty. I envision a center where local surgeons and international visitors can receive advanced training and mentorship, fostering a new generation of highly skilled reconstructive surgeons. I believe that bringing together different cultures to exchange ideas and techniques is crucial for advancing access to surgical care. Strengthening our collaboration with international organizations like ReSurge will improve our surgical practices and foster a global community dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes.
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Dr. Hau and ReSurge’s Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) Program
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hau is an expert in performing complex reconstructive surgeries, often under challenging conditions with limited resources. He has made a profound impact on countless patients — notably ethnic minorities in Vietnam and women breast cancer patients from underserved communities. He has done this, while supporting the ongoing training of other local and visiting surgeons, including several pioneering women surgeons who are acquiring reconstructive surgical skills to expand access to life-changing care in their home countries.
