From Survivor to Surgeon

In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Paul Luu's life was thrown into chaos. At just sixteen years old, he left his home in Saigon with his belongings packed into a single duffel bag. Separated from his family, he became one of hundreds of thousands of "boat people" fleeing communist rule, political instability, and poverty.

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After enduring days at sea in an overcrowded boat and months stranded on a remote island, Paul was finally resettled in the United States, but his ordeal was far from over. He struggled to learn English while navigating the complexities and cruelties of the foster care system. Convinced that knowledge was the path to a better life, Paul pursued his education with single-minded focus. He earned a GED, attended college and medical school, and undertook years of training to become a surgeon. Through it all, Paul survived, driven by hard work, an unshakable sense of hope, lots of luck, and help from caring individuals and mentors.

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From Survivor to Surgeon tells Paul's inspiring story of perseverance, purpose, and hope.

1 A Childhood at War

2 Saigon to Sea

3 Survival at Sea

4 Island Life

5 A New Life in the United States

6 Foster Family

7 Fighting for an Education

8 Escape from the Farm

9 A New Family, A New Chance

10 An American Education

11 Becoming a Doctor

12 Residency and Medical Training

13 Return to Vietnam and Establishing a Medical Practice

14 Fulfilling a Promise