WEBVTT

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Hi, my name is Henry Vong. I'm a hematologist and medical oncologist at Optum.

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I became a doctor because I cared about the community and wanted to contribute to it. I felt that assisting people with their health was the best contribution I could make.

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A hematologist and oncologist treats blood disorders and malignancies—whether hematologic cancers or solid tumors. We help people either cure the disease or live with it in the best way possible.

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I chose oncology because this disease impacts people's lives profoundly. I felt that I could help people live better with the disease while also treating it.

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I see all types of malignancies, but I have a special interest in lung cancers, bladder cancers, and prostate cancers. In the last 10 to 15 years, outcomes for patients have improved significantly.

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Today we use not just chemotherapy but targeted therapy and immunotherapy—treatments that activate the immune system to fight cancer. We perform genetic testing so we can target drugs to a patient’s specific cancer type, making treatments more tolerable and improving outcomes and quality of life.

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I love working at Optum because of the many specialties available here. We have an entire team to support cancer treatment—pulmonologists for biopsies and symptom management, surgeons, and other specialists. Being under one system and in close proximity allows us to collaborate quickly.

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Whenever there’s an emergency, there is never hesitation to see the patient immediately because we all work together to make a person’s life better.

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I enjoy the outdoors—I like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. I also volunteer with nonprofit organizations to teach immigrant Chinese children. I’ve been doing this since becoming a doctor.

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It was my first experience contributing to people's lives outside my profession, and I continue because it helps me appreciate people.

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My name is Henry Vong. I'm a medical oncologist and hematologist at Optum.