Dr. Lawrence was just a kid in Vietnam when he had his first brush with death. After escaping to a refugee camp at the height of the war, he caught a fever and was rushed to a hospital where he nearly died. But thanks to the staff on hand, he managed to survive.

His experience as a patient made him want to be a doctor. “The care and attention that I received from the doctors and nurses in the hospital made me feel like I just belonged. I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.

Since 2000, Dr. Lawrence Vu has been practicing medicine. Although the medicine and equipment on hand at the refugee camp were limited, the doctors and nurses who helped treat him must have rubbed off on him and into his work ethic. In 2010, he won two awards. He was recognized as being one of America’s most compassionate doctors with the Compassionate Doctor Award and was given a Patients’ Choice award.

For each patient that he sees, his “…approach is to listen, listen, listen, and be very patient. Because most of the time, patients pretty much tell you the story and the diagnosis. So I tend to take a little longer in my visits.” He smiles and jokingly adds that “My other patients get mad at me because I’m late.”

Though his duties and responsibilities are demanding, he enjoys his job. “I enjoy the interaction with different ethnicities. Learning about different patients’ cultures and customs. At the same time, coming up with differential diagnosis. Finding the right treatment for patients even with language barriers.”

To him, what separates UNIBE care from all other hospitals and clinics is that “…we always strive to make everyone coming from all walks of life to feel that they are welcome here. That they’ve been given the best care.”

And to each of his current and future patients, he has a special word for each of you. “Take care of yourself. And let us help you live a healthier life. We’re committed to ensure that you live a healthy life. You and your whole family.”