My story dates back to 1980 when I came to the U.S. with my family as a one-year-old refugee from Vietnam. A year prior, my parents escaped on a boat into the open ocean, not knowing if they were going to survive the journey. I was born, not long after, in a modest grass hut in a refugee camp in Malaysia. Determined to get to the United States, my parents were eventually sponsored by a church and immigrated to Corvallis. From that moment on, Oregon has been my home.
We didn’t have much growing up, so I focused on studying hard in school and made my way through Oregon State University. I then completed my dental degree and specialty training at Oregon Health & Sciences University and Doernbecher.
Just before my residency, I was diagnosed with Leukemia and wasted away for months because I could not afford the copays for my cancer treatment. This only furthered my passion for health system reforms as I struggled to pay medical bills and survive. But thanks to the pioneering research of Dr. Brian Drucker's team at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute, I have been able to lead a fulfilling life as a cancer survivor.
My life experiences have also helped shape me as a healthcare provider - I started my dental practice to provide care for the underserved children of Washington County, and since then, I have expanded the practice to serve children from all around the state.
I love Oregon and will bring my experiences as a parent, healthcare provider, and business owner to the legislature to serve the people of House District 36 and build a better future for us all.
Representative Hai Pham
