Interview with Trey Pham
In this oral history interview, Dr. Trey Pham recounts his journey from Vietnam to the United States as a refugee. Born in Saigon in 1972, he shares early memories of his childhood in Vũng Tàu, a small town where he grew up. In 1979, his family fled Vietnam to escape forced enlistment, enduring a harrowing boat journey, multiple pirate attacks, and weeks at sea before reaching an Indonesian refugee camp.
He then describes his family’s resettlement in Kansas City, where they faced economic struggles and cultural adaptation, emphasizing his mother’s resilience and the importance of education and religion. He eventually pursued medicine, completing a decade-long path to becoming a radiologist. Dr. Pham reflects on the Vietnam War’s lasting impact, the hardships of displacement, and the sacrifices made for a better future. His story highlights the resilience of refugees, the challenges of assimilation, and the enduring strength of family, cultural heritage, and religion.
Click here to listen to the audio recording and view the full transcript.