Dr. Khue-Tu Nguyen is a standout resident whose dedication and enthusiasm are making a significant impact in our program. Known for her exceptional clinical skills and commitment to learning, Dr. Khue-Tu brings a strong sense of curiosity and compassion to her work. Her proactive approach to patient care and her eagerness to engage in complex cases reflect her deep commitment to the field.
1. What’s the best part about your job?
I’ll just say it: I’m a touchy-feely gal—and it gives me power. The best part is just how fulfilled I feel after my patient encounters. Although many patient situations are very sad and heartbreaking, I feel like this career in palliative medicine consistently offers me these unique opportunities to make a difference in a setting where some might wonder if “there is nothing left we can do.” As Dr. LaBrie told me on my first rotation in palliative medicine, there is always something we can do to make a difference in a person’s life, even if medicine hasn’t gotten to a place where it can change the disease trajectory.
2. What’s the best part about your residency experience?
During my internal medicine residency in Calgary, before I came (back) to UBC for this fellowship, I had asked a group of palliative care providers what their favourite part of their job is—100% of them answered that it is the people they work with. I totally agree. Without a doubt, the best part about my palliative medicine residency experience is meeting and learning from a stellar group of attendings, co-residents, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, spiritual health practitioners, and many others, of all different training backgrounds!
What are you most looking forward to in your career ahead?
I’m most looking forward to lifelong learning with many more “Aha!” moments. Palliative medicine is such an evolving field. I am also constantly humbled by my patients and what I learn from them.
Favourite song: The Impossible Dream, composed by Mitch Leigh with lyrics by Joe Darion. There are many covers, but my personal favourite is by Voctave.
Favourite past-time activities: Board games with lots of heckling (group activity), and crafting/painting with lots of mess (solo activity).
Favourite restaurant in your community: B & D Authentic Vietnamese.
A book you would recommend: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. And all the Harry Potter books.
What are you creating in the world right now? I’m currently trying to DIY a cheap alternative to buying pickleball court markers kits. Given the exploding popularity of this sport, I’d like to believe the relative importance of this creation of mine in the world cannot be understated.
