the Vietnamese American Medical Research Foundation
The 2012 Annual Award Night of the Vietnamese American Medical
Research Foundation was celebrated on January 24, 2012 at the Seafood
World Restaurant in Westminster, California on the 2nd day of the
Lunar New Year or Tet for the Vietnamese people. The year of the
Dragon came early this year, and festivals were organized weeks before
the official date change in the Zodiac from the Cat to the Dragon.
In the first part of the program, Dr. Hoang Lan Nguyen spoke on
medications for osteoporosis treatment, then Dr. Khanh Luong,
president of VAMRF presented on Vitamin D utilization in obesity
prevention. Dr. Luong was also invited to submit a book chapter in the
textbook on Vitamin E.
The program was continued with Dr. Anh Dao, Chair of the Award
Committee, announcing the Special Recognition Awards to two
outstanding members of the Community. Dr. Si Nguyen, Vice-president of
the Vietnamese American Medical Association further introduced Dr.
Caroline Kim Hatton, a pharmacist from France who completed a Ph.D. in
Chemistry at UCLA and later specialized in Sports Anti-Doping Science.
Dr. Hatton was the Associate Director of the UCLA Olympic Laboratory
for more than ten years. She mentioned a funding opportunity for a
post-doctoral fellow to do research in that field: if interested, go
to http://www.cleancompetition.org/fellowship.aspx for details. Dr.
Hatton likes to instill the love of science in school children, and
has distinguished herself as the author of several children's books,
such as "Surprise Moon". Dr. Hoang Lan presented to her the Special
Recognition Award along with a gift from the VAMRF.
Dr. Truyet Mai introduced Mr. Nghia Xuan Nguyen, a graduate from the
prestigious Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Paris, and an
economist and institutional management specialist with extensive
experience in macroeconomic management building capability,
particularly in the fields of financial management, budget
restructuration, and privatization of state-owned enterprises. Mr.
Nguyen also has experience in broadcasting and media communication
among the Vietnamese community in America. Speaking of languages, Mr.
Nguyen is fluent in French, English, Vietnamese, and has a basic
knowledge of classical Chinese. Mr. Nguyen received the Special
Recognition Award and a gift from the VAMRF.
The evening was continued with VAMRF songs with lyrics by Dr. Khanh
Luong, and music by composer Nhat Ngan, who just passed away three
days ago. The performance by members of the VAMRF singing group was a
tribute to the well-known musician who was a cherished figure at
celebrations in the past.
The dance of the lion and performances by the young dancers of the
Catholic group led the way to the entertainment part. Music and
singing was provided by favorite artist- members, guests and friends
coming from various places. At our table were Drs. Si Nguyen, Tuyet
Mai Phan, Vinh Khiem Nguyen Phuc from California, and Ba Dinh Nguyen
from Scottsdale, Arizona.
At the adjoining table, Dr. and Mrs. Anh Dao were joined by physicians
and pharmacists in Orange County.
A total of 150 people attended the event which was sponsored by
Warner-Chilcott and major laboratories in Orange County. We thank Drs.
Khanh and Hoang Lan, the Award Committee Chairman and members, and all
the sponsors and guests for a wonderful celebration of the New Year.
The party was ended at 11:30 PM.
Please see some pictures at the event.
With best wishes for a Happy Year of the Dragon,
Binh Nhung Tran, PharmD
VAMRF Award Committee Secretary
San Diego, California
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