Alumni Spotlight: Alexander Vu, MD, MS ’15

Alexander Vu, MD, MS ’15

• Field: General, Minimally Invasive, and Bariatric Surgery
• Role at the time of posting: General Surgeon, NYU Langone Health
• Medical education: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, MD
• Undergraduate education: University of California San Diego, Human Biology
• Hometown: Irvine, California

How did your journey into nutrition and medicine begin?

My journey into nutrition—and ultimately surgery—began in my mother’s kitchen. It was there that I learned discipline, acts of service, and the importance of letting actions speak louder than words. Sharing food with loved ones was a daily ritual that honored my Vietnamese heritage.

Years later, the opportunity to study human nutrition at Columbia’s Institute of Human Nutrition brought me to New York City. It was a beautiful and formative experience.

At IHN, I learned how to think critically about science, particularly nutrition and food science. I also saw that even in a city as rich and diverse as New York, food insecurity, malnutrition, and obesity could profoundly affect its residents.

Nutrition remained central to my interests when I continued at Columbia as a medical student. I conducted and published peer-reviewed research examining nutrition and surgical feeding, including enteral nutrition and gastrostomy.

As a surgeon, I have continued to study the relationship between nutrition and surgery, particularly in the field of bariatric and metabolic care. I have also presented and published research at national conferences. Without IHN, I simply would not be where I am today as a physician.

What memory stands out from your time at IHN?

While I was at IHN, I learned that I had been accepted to medical school. I will never forget walking into the admissions office and receiving a surprise acceptance letter.

My IHN mentors had supported me throughout the process, and I was able to share the celebration with my classmates. It remains one of my most meaningful memories from the program.

What skills or values are essential in surgery?

Focus, purpose, and persistence.

These qualities are essential for navigating the challenges of surgical training, caring for patients, and continually developing as a physician and surgeon.

What drew you to surgery?

Many experiences came together to lead me toward surgery. I wanted to help people, I found human health fascinating, and I was drawn to a profession in which I could use my hands to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Surgery is challenging and exciting, and it is an honor to care for patients in this way.

What developments are shaping your field today?

Robotic surgery and surgical nutrition are two rapidly developing areas. Obesity also remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. When lifestyle interventions and medical therapies do not produce sufficient results, metabolic and bariatric surgery can be an important treatment option for appropriately selected patients.

These advances make a strong understanding of nutrition increasingly important for surgeons caring for patients before, during, and after treatment.