As a young child, Dr. Thao Nguyen – a first-generation Vietnamese-American – recalls the challenges her parents and family members experienced navigating the healthcare system in southern Louisiana.
“I still remember how difficult it was to go to a physician’s office as a child because of language barriers between my parents and providers,” said Nguyen, a family medicine physician who recently joined Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Free Ferry in Fort Smith.
Nguyen decided to pursue a career in medicine so she could help bridge that gap for others.
"Growing up, I only saw a doctor when there was a medical concern,” she said. “As a physician, I am a big proponent of preventive care. I encourage patients to stay up-to-date on their immunizations, get cancer screenings, come in for an annual check-up and make lifestyle changes to improve their overall health.”
She is also happy to care for patients from all backgrounds. The clinic has access to interpreter services by phone for patients whose first language is not English.
“I am aware of the barriers we have in medicine and I am trying to limit those barriers,” she said.
Nguyen received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of New Orleans and a medical degree from American University of Antigua. She completed a family medicine residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – West in Fort Smith.