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Stories

Volunteer story by Tien

January 14, 2025

Please share a brief overview of yourself:

My name is Tien and I’m originally a doctor from Vietnam, now pursuing a Master of Public Health in Australia. I’m also a mom, so life is definitely busy! I’m passionate about health education and working with the community. For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to share my knowledge and make a positive impact, especially within the Vietnamese community, where I feel I can connect with people on a deeper level.

What inspired you to become a LiverWELL volunteer?

I’ve always wanted to use my medical background to support the community, and when I learned about LiverWELL, I thought it was the perfect opportunity. Liver health, particularly hepatitis B, is a significant concern in the Vietnamese community but it’s not always talked about. I wanted to help bridge that gap by raising awareness and helping people feel empowered to take care of their health.

Do you have a particular interest in liver health?

Absolutely yes. Liver health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet it’s often underestimated. Hepatitis B is particularly common in the Vietnamese community, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can affect people and their families. I’m passionate about educating others about prevention and management because I believe that knowledge is key to better health outcomes.

Please describe one of your favourite LiverWELL experiences or moments:

One of my favourite moments was at a community session on hepatitis B. I was able to act as a translator and share some of my medical knowledge with attendees. Seeing people really engage with the information, ask thoughtful questions, and leave feeling more confident about their health was so rewarding. It reminded me why I became a doctor in the first place, being able to connect with people and make a tangible difference in their lives.

What tips do you have for new volunteers?

I’d say, don’t be afraid to dive in. You don’t need to know everything, just being present and willing to learn makes a big difference. Take the time to listen to the community, because that connection is what really matters. And if you have any specific skills or knowledge, don’t hesitate to share them. It’s amazing how even small contributions can have a big impact.

What’s next for you?

Right now, my main focus is completing my Master of Public Health. Beyond that, I want to stay involved in community health initiatives and continue contributing to LiverWELL projects. I’m passionate about using my medical and public health knowledge to support the Vietnamese community and beyond. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’m helping people improve their lives and I hope to keep building on that in the future.

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.