Meet Benny Nguyen, surgical hospitalist physician assistant at Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin. Benny and his team will oversee a spectrum of surgical services, including general surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedics, urology and ENT. New to Austin, he’s ready to grow professionally and embark on a career-defining journey as we open our doors to the community.
What brought you to Texas Children’s?
I was born and raised in Charlotte, N.C., and from a young age, my interest has always been in sciences and medicine. I completed my undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University and then successfully completed the PA program at Wingate University, earning my Master’s degree and becoming board certified in December 2022. As I progressed in PA school and found a passion for pediatrics, I also discovered an interest in procedures and a desire for a more hands-on role. In addition to taking an elective rotation in dermatology, I also had the opportunity to complete a reconstructive plastic surgery rotation at MD Anderson, further confirming my affinity for surgery and exposing me to the remarkable Houston Med Center. After graduating, I aspired to integrate my passion for both pediatrics and surgery. Eager to embark on a new chapter in a different state, I stumbled upon news about TCH North Austin. Without hesitation, I reached out and promptly submitted my application, and officially accepted my position in May 2023.
What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?
Alongside the excitement of commencing my career as a PA, I eagerly anticipate playing a key role in establishing and shaping the success and growth of the pediatric health care environment in Austin. I’m most excited about collaborating with my exceptional surgery team of APPs and surgeons and contributing to TCH history as inaugural team members of North Austin Campus.
Why did you become a physician assistant, and where do you see yourself in five years?
The versatility offered by the PA profession drew me in, and it’s precisely this adaptability that led to roles like the surgical hospitalist – it’s a testament to the ability to oversee and manage patients across multiple subspecialties. I envision myself evolving within the health care field and potentially taking on leadership roles as North Austin Campus grows and thrives. I aspire to contribute significantly to our health care system, leveraging my skills and experience to enhance patient care and make a positive impact.
What makes Austin a great place to work and live?
While my time in Austin has just started, I’m thrilled about venturing and immersing myself into new hobbies, discovering local restaurants and events, and exploring the unique shops in Austin and its surrounding districts. The city’s vibrancy, coupled with its continual evolution, makes it an exciting and vibrant place to both work and live.
What does providing the “Right Care” mean to you?
It goes beyond meeting standard health care norms. It involves deeply connecting with each patient and their journey, particularly as they navigate challenging times, and showing empathy during these moments. Beyond individual care, it extends to being a supportive presence for the entire family. Effectively leveraging all available resources and collaborating seamlessly with other departments and services ensures a comprehensive approach to the best possible patient experience.
Texas Children’s Hospital has one of the largest and most experienced Pediatric Surgery programs in the world, offering comprehensive surgical services for a broad range of diagnoses from routine to highly complex. With inpatient services opening next week, North Austin Campus will offer both children and women most of the services provided in the Medical Center, including all pediatric subspecialties, in our state-of-the-art operating rooms and surgical procedure suites.
Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for opening updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.