Monarch Bao Dai | Name Khuong Long | |
Khương Hữu Long (born 1890-died 1983) was a Vietnamese prominent French Medical Doctor – A Pioneer Medical Professional in Vietnam for over 70 years from the 30's until his retirement at the end of the last millennium.
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Education
He completed the French "Diplome" ( Thành Chung – thời nầy Việt Nam chưa có bằng Tú Tài cũa Pháp )- from Hà Nội, Việt nam. He graduated from the only French established Medical School in Hanoi Medical University – Fourth Class of Medicin from Hà Nội Medical School.
Family
Khương is a direct descendant of an aristocrat Khương Hữu family. His brother Khương Hữu Phi [4] ]saw the potential in Khương, did not want him to remain as a government clergy, gave him $5,000 piastres (at that time, a new car cost $200) to pursue and complete his medical training from Hanoi Medical University. He was married to Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thạch (she immigrated from the ancient city/capital Huế ). They have 5 children, two adopted from his younger Khương Hữu Lân and three from his marriage: Khương Hữu Thị Ngàn, Khương Hữu Cân, Dr. Khương Hữu Hỗ, Khương Hữu Hội, and Khương Hữu Thị Hiệp.
Medical Practice and Political Life
After graduating from Medical School, he worked for a French Hospital in Vĩnh Long for several years and established his own medical practice. This was the most reputable medical care center in the city at the time. Subsequently, upon the request of his Majesty Emperor [Bao Đai] and his colleague –Prime Minister-To-Be Nguyễn Văn Thinh [5] he joined the first Independent Self-Governed Administration [Cộng Hòa Tự Trị Nam Kỳ] as Minister of Health. After finding out that the French Colonization government was using him to manipulate the Vietnamese People; the return of independence to Vietnam was just part of its calculated move, Prime Minister Thinh failed to convince the French government otherwise, he hanged himself in protest. Dr. Khương Hữu Long resigned with his colleagues and the government was dissolved.
Dr. Khương was responsible for teaching many successful politician and leaders in VietNam such as Prominent lawyer-Minister Tran Ngoc Lieng [6], Prime Minister/Vice President/President Tran Van Huong [7], etc. Dr. Khương was responsible to establish and recommend Ngo Dinh Diem to United States Boston Catholic Cardinal Cushing which later introduced to him to President [Eisenhower] and Senator [John F. Kennedy]. This introduction and mentoring ultimately get Ngo Dinh Diem recognized by the French government and Emperor Bao Dai [8].
Life in retirement
Dr. Khương remained a private citizen and practiced medicine until 1970. He died in 1983 at the age of 93.