Oral History Interview with Dr. Trey Pham
Title
Oral History Interview with Dr. Trey Pham
Narrator (written)
Trey Pham
Narrator First Name
Trey
Narrator Last Name
Pham
Interviewer
Alice Kim
Abstract
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 Vung Tau, 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. 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 and cultural heritage.
Date of Interview
February 16, 2025
Subject
Dartmouth Family Member
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
Language
English
Rights
Interview Audio Source (MP3)
//rcweb.dartmouth.edu/DDHI/histories/pham_trey/pham_trey.mp3
Interview Transcript Source (PDF)
//rcweb.dartmouth.edu/DDHI/histories/pham_trey/pham_trey_transcript_final.pdf
HTML
//rcweb.dartmouth.edu/DDHI/histories/pham_trey/pham_trey_transcript_final.html