Innovative Quyen Nguyen decided to pursue a medical doctorate program because she wanted to help patients individually, from patient to doctor, and through research contributions that could have greater reach. She described herself as a visual learner with a strong interest in science and art. These combined interests gave him a natural affinity for pursuing visual, tactile, and science-related challenges. Now, Dr. Nguyen is a professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) and associate director of training and education at Moores Cancer Center.
“Dr. Nguyen has created molecular agents that have the potential to transform surgical outcomes. Inadvertent cutting of nerves during surgery can cause further injury and loss of function. Having the ability to better visualize nerves during surgery can prevent these unintended consequences, thereby improving patient outcomes and recovery times, and reducing healthcare costs,” said Tatjana Atanasijevic, Ph.D., NIBIB program manager in Molecular Probes and Imaging Agents.
While performing facial surgery at UCSD during his residency, he began to entertain the idea that a surgeon’s job would be easier if the patient’s nerves glowed during surgery. In 2001, he began a collaboration with Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, Ph.D., at UCSD, developing “color-coded surgery.” Together they created two injectable molecules. The first molecule was a tumor marker that is now in Phase II clinical trials, and the second molecule, which will begin clinical trials soon, lights up nerves. She feels that being an end user of the molecular agents she created influenced her view of what surgeons needed.
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) has supported his exceptional research for more than ten years. In addition to her many research achievements, Dr. Nguyen received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Barack Obama in 2014. She founded a company called Alume Biosciences, Inc, with the goal of translating nerve agents developed in the laboratory to help doctors visualize nerves in the operating room. He gave a compelling TEDMED talk in 2011 on the development of “color-coded surgery” that has been viewed more than a million times.
“I am excited about the road ahead. I truly feel that I have not yet achieved everything I have to give, nor have I achieved my greatest success,” exclaimed Dr. Nguyen. He hopes the molecules he creates will prevent surgical injuries and positively influence patient outcomes.
Dr. Nguyen says she has never felt restricted by being a woman in science and medicine. She stated that it is important to continue conversations about equality and gender identity, starting from an early age. She believes these open conversations build a safer world for people to pursue their ambitions. She has found value in not feeling diminished.
“At the end of the day, it’s vital to let your passions drive you, and that makes it easier when things get tough,” he exclaimed.
She recalled that in her early years of medical training she was one of the few women with mostly male professors. Part of preparing for surgery involves putting on a medical gown, and male students would have more access to their instructors during that time to build relationships. She said it was imperative for her not to focus on the missed moments and to be attentive to the opportunities given to her.
Dr. Nguyen is optimistic and believes the future for women in science and engineering is bright. She has three daughters and has seen first-hand the effects of supporting young women to pursue their interest in science, emphasizing the positive impact that everyone’s encouragement has on young minds. “Don’t get discouraged thinking that someone else is better at something you want to achieve; just remember the positive and why it’s important to you.”
