David Coleman, MD.

Thank you, I was a resident at Inova Fairfax under Dr. Vinh. And I could only repeat everything that Dr. Schupp said about Dr. Vinh, so I won't.

I'm mostly here to give thanks for everything he imparted in me as a surgeon, physician and a good human being. And his sense of humor, for me and for all residents. No pun intended, but I'm sure it was life saving for many surgeons in training who ... it's just a hard process ... Dr. Vinh was really an oasis for all of us.

I remember just how he would teach, not just with journals like Dr. Schupp talked about, but he was all always learning and always teaching; he would teach with stories and with jokes.

And he was just a precious human being, and I'll miss him. I've been in practice now for 12 years, and he's with me every time I have a difficult case or even a difficult time in my life. He's there with me, and he helps to guide me to do the right thing. And he will be with me for the rest of my life that way.

He shared his ability and enthusiasm to connect. He cultivated this in others. I realize also that this reflects a person of love and intelligence – his wit, humor, curiosity.

So thank you so much. And I'm so grateful to be here and to share this time with everyone here who he's touched. And farewell, Dr. Vinh.

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- Dr. David Coleman