Meet Minh Nguyen, MD

Dr. Nguyen is a medical oncologist at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in gastrointestinal and lung cancers, as well as hematologic disorders.

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume.

You might find him at the local racetrack.

“People may be surprised to learn that I love to drive fast cars at the racetrack. I don’t know what drew me to it, but I’ve always enjoyed cars. My appreciation went to the next level a few years ago, when I got a sports car, took it out to the track and loved the experience. Once my patients find out that I love fast cars, they’ll often share their own sports cars stories.”

Sharing time with his family brings him joy.

“I like to spend as much of my free time as I can with my family. My wife and I have three children, and they’re a big part of who I am. Both our daughters play basketball, and going to their games and watching them play is one of my biggest joys. I try to go to as many games as possible, because I love watching my girls play.

“Also, now that our children are older and more independent, my wife and I are looking forward to getting back to the golf course together.”

His faith inspires him to help others.

“Whether it’s in a professional setting or outside of work, if I have the opportunity to help somebody, I’m going to help them. I’ve been a Christian all my life and the call to ‘love one another’ is a key part of my faith, so I go about life in that fashion. I feel like I’m blessed if I’m able to help someone.”

Here’s why he chose to follow the path of medicine.

“I was inspired to become a physician for many reasons, but one of the key moments was when my aunt was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancers, especially rare cervical cancers, are very difficult to treat, even today, and she was diagnosed in the late 1980s. I was in high school when she passed away, and it was a very difficult experience for our whole family. Her passing away affected me deeply — it shaped me and my way of thinking.”

Treating his patients like family is central to his philosophy of care.

“My philosophy of care is centered on treating every patient as if they’re a member of my family and getting to know them as a person, as a human being. I treat everyone like they’re my mom, dad, brother or sister. In doing so, you create an environment where people trust you.

“I want to build that trust with my patients so that they know that I wouldn’t make any recommendation for them that I wouldn’t make for myself or my family. Creating that bond of trust is essential to how I approach patient care.”

Helping his patients recover is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

“For me, being an oncologist is more than just being a doctor. You really are holding somebody’s hand and helping them get through a very difficult part of their life. Getting a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event, and it can turn a person’s life upside down — patients may be scared, or they don’t know what to expect.

“Helping my patients get the treatment they need, as well as helping them get through this difficult moment — that’s the art of medicine. Seeing my patients regain a sense of health and well-being that allows them to enjoy life again is the most rewarding part of my work.”

A dedicated team is why he practices at Keck Medicine.

“At Newport Beach, we work together as a cohesive team. We communicate well with one another and the community we serve. Over the years, we have been able to foster trust in our community, and we continue to deliver the world-class, multidisciplinary care for which the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the Keck Medicine health system, is renowned in Southern California and across the country.”

View Dr. Nguyen’s full biography and schedule an appointment.

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