About Hau

Hau was born in Vietnam and grew up in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. His family immigrated to Boston, USA, when he was 17. After completing high school, he chose to further his education at Boston University, where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His upbringing in Vietnam, witnessing many individuals suffer from injuries and illnesses, inspired him to pursue a career in medicine to help others. Coupled with his passion for science, his fine motor skills and steady hands led him to focus on surgery at Boston University. He has always had a fascination with the workings of the mind, often studying psychology, philosophy, and religion in his spare time—a practice he continues to this day. Initially, during his medical school rotations, he considered becoming a psychiatrist, but his enjoyment of hands-on work ultimately steered him toward surgery.

Initially, he aspired to specialize in cardiac surgery, but he found himself lacking joy and passion in that field. Although he enjoyed the work, it didn’t provide him with the satisfaction or fulfillment he desired for his future. He then shifted his focus to pediatric surgery, where he found renewed motivation in helping children eager to recover and the nature of pediatric surgery, which positively impacted both the patients and their families. This newfound passion drove him to pursue pediatric surgery. To prepare for pediatric surgery, he engaged in research, stepping away from clinical training to work at Boston Children’s Hospital. There, he researched nutrition, fatty acids, and cancer.

Upon returning to general surgery, he completed his training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He then undertook a pediatric surgery fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. After finishing the fellowship, he and his family relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2015. As a faculty member, he focused on clinical work related to pediatric cancer. In the lab, he initially studied lung development but eventually shifted the research focus to novel cancer therapies.

He was climbing the academic ladder, yet he found himself feeling neither happy nor fulfilled during that time. Although he was engaged in an extremely rewarding job, conducting research he was passionate about, living a healthy lifestyle, and having a wonderful family, something felt wrong. His happiness diminished over time. He initially believed this was normal, attributing his feelings to the stress that everyone experiences in life. However, he sensed there was an underlying cause. With a strong background in science and medicine and a keen interest in psychology and communication, he felt inspired to learn how to improve his situation to be more beneficial to society. Recognizing that he was on the wrong path fueled his desire to delve deeper. He entered a period of introspection, re-educating himself, conducting thorough investigations, and reading extensively, ultimately shifting his focus toward understanding the workings of the mind.

He began practicing meditation to gain insight into how his mind operates. By applying meditation techniques and teachings in his daily life, he tests them for himself. Initially, he experienced an increase in happiness and relaxation, and over time, he noticed a reduction in anxiety and anger, along with an improved ability to recognize his emotions. Eventually, he gains a deeper understanding of his mind's workings, identifying the origins of his emotions and learning how to manage them effectively. He integrates this practice into various aspects of his life—interacting with family, patients, their families, colleagues, and others outside of work, all while discovering his purpose in life. Previously unclear, his purpose now brings him joy, happiness, and endless energy. He recognizes the connection between the mind, body, and interconnectedness, our relationships with others and the world around us. Witnessing positive changes in himself, he feels compelled to share his experiences and help others. He has already seen the benefits of his approach in the lives of his family, students, and friends and is eager to extend his support and teachings to a broader audience.