Alexander Vu, MD (MS '15)

Share your story:

My journey into nutrition (and surgery) most notably started in my mother's kitchen. That's where I learned discipline, acts of service, and letting actions speak louder than words. It was a daily ritual honoring my Vietnamese heritage to share in sustenance with my loved ones. Many years later, an opportunity to study human nutrition at the Columbia Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) brought me to NYC. What a beautiful and formative experience. I learned at a world-class institution how to think critically about science, and particularly food science. I saw that even in a rich and diverse city as NYC, food deserts, malnutrition, and obesity could plague its inhabitants. Later as a Columbia medical student, nutrition continued to play a role in my interests, where I continued to publish peer-review studies on nutrition and its impact on surgical feeding (tube feeding, gastrostomy). Much later now as a resident surgeon, I continue to study nutrition in the form of bariatric surgery and recently published and presented at national conferences. Without the Columbia IHN, I would simply not be where I am as a doctor.  

Is there a memory that stands out from your time at IHN?

While at Columbia IHN, I found out I got into medical school. This was, of course, with the help of my former mentors at IHN. I'll never forget that day, walking in to the Dean of Admissions office, who had a surprise letter for me, and sharing in celebration with my IHN classmates.

What skills or values do you think are essential for being in your professional field today?

Focus, purpose, persistent

What brought you to your profession?

Many different things lined up for surgery. I loved helping people, health is fascinating, and I get to use my hands to make a real difference in other peoples' lives. Surgery is exciting, and it is an honor to help people in this way.

What is growing in your field today?

The field of robotics and surgical nutrition. Obesity continues to be a worsening epidemic in the United States, and sometimes when medical therapy fails, we must intervene surgically.