A Legacy in Cancer Care

Surrounded by a room of peers, patients and team members, Dr. Hoa Nguyen rose from his chair to deliver a characteristically humble, compassionate address.

“Thank you for this recognition,” he said. “I must say, I have everyone to thank for the support over the years. This is not a one-person job. It takes the ultimate effort, and I could not have done it without you.”

This year, Dr. Nguyen celebrated his 20-year anniversary at Adventist Health and Rideout’s Cancer Care Center. In honor of the milestone, the Cancer Center recently held a celebration of Dr. Nguyen’s healthcare journey, one that has been shaped by resilience, purpose and a desire to make a difference.

Arriving in the United States as a child following the end of the Vietnam War, Nguyen faced the challenge of adapting to a new language, culture and way of life. He initially pursued a degree in physics, uncertain of where his career would ultimately lead. It was during his time serving in the U.S. military, helping care for injured servicemembers, that he discovered a deeper calling.

“I have a calling for being involved in making a difference in people's lives,” Nguyen said. “Gradually I gravitated toward medicine, and it has been quite a rewarding experience. It's one of those few experiences where you feel like you're making a big difference and people appreciate your involvement.”

That calling eventually led him to oncology, where he found an opportunity to guide patients through the unthinkable.

“Most people are very terrified of the diagnosis,” Nguyen said. “I felt that I was able to calm patients and guide them through the most difficult part of their lives, and they become very appreciative.”

Now, 20 years after joining Adventist Health and Rideout's Cancer Care Center, Nguyen has become much more than a physician to the countless patients and families he has cared for. He has been a trusted guide, a compassionate advocate and a reassuring presence during life's greatest challenges.

His work extends far beyond treating cancer.

“It's not just the patient, but the family,” Nguyen said. “Even sometimes when we're not able to cure the disease, we're able to guide them through difficult times in their lives.”

For many patients, cancer introduces a world filled with uncertainty, fear and unfamiliar medical terminology. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role, Dr. Nguyen said, is being able to distill complex, difficult concepts down to a level where a patient can digest, understand and commit to a treatment plan

That patient-centered approach has left a lasting impression across the community.

“One of the really rewarding aspects is when patients' family members come to me and say, 'You treated my so-and-so years ago. Now I'm your patient,'” Nguyen said. “I think that's a really comforting thought, that I did provide something of value for the patient and made a lasting impression on them.”

The emotional demands of oncology are significant. Not every diagnosis comes with a cure, and helping patients navigate uncertainty can be challenging. Combined with the pressures of modern medicine, maintaining balance requires intentional effort.

“The challenges that patients face, and also situations where you can't really cure the patient, require some deep thought,” Nguyen said. “I'm grateful for the support of my family, the staff and the patients as well.”

That gratitude is shared by colleagues who have worked alongside him for decades.

“I have been honored to work with Dr. Nguyen through the 20 years that he's been here,” said Jennifer Hilleary, Director of the Cancer Center. “I can honestly say that not once has he ever gotten upset. He laughs, he smiles, and he's been a constant throughout the cancer center and its growth, and we appreciate his dedication.”

For Adventist Health and Rideout President Chris Champlin, Nguyen's impact reaches far beyond the walls of the Cancer Care Center.

“Cancer is a scary diagnosis,” Champlin said. “Being there for our patients and our patients' families over time couldn't be more important. Committing to 20 years of service, 20 years of being with those families, and 20 years of being in our community, the impact is immeasurable.

“I would like to thank Dr. Nguyen for everything he has done, especially for Rideout and the communities of Marysville and Yuba City.”

Despite reaching a milestone that many providers spend an entire career pursuing, Nguyen admits that 20 years have passed faster than he ever expected.