Duc Minh Phan

• Article
• Beyond the neurological horizon: A metabolic paradigm shift in intravenous iron therapy for restless legs syndrome

This is my first publication as a sole author (Q1 journal).
Abstract
Intravenous (IV) iron therapy has substantially advanced the therapeutic landscape of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), offering potent disease-modifying benefits by directly addressing the central pathophysiology of brain iron deficiency. Consequently, ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has rapidly emerged as the preferred formulation within sleep medicine, championed for its robust neurological efficacy and administration convenience. However, an interdisciplinary evaluation reveals a critical metabolic blind spot: FCM's unique propensity to induce intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23)-mediated hypophosphatemia. While sleep specialists frequently dismiss this complication as a transient laboratory anomaly, extensive hematological evidence demonstrates that it precipitates severe, prolonged metabolic derangements, including osteomalacia, pathological fractures, and profound muscle weakness that clinically mimics RLS exacerbation. This perspective advocates for a paradigm shift in neuro-nutrition and sleep medicine, urging a targeted transition toward safer, equally efficacious alternatives, notably ferric derisomaltose (FDI), ferumoxytol, and low molecular weight iron dextran (LMW ID). By implementing a personalized, risk-stratified decision algorithm, clinicians can harmonize the neurological objectives of RLS treatment with the imperative of systemic metabolic safety.

• Article
• Iron therapy & restless legs syndrome: a narrative review

This is my second international paper.
Journal: Sleep and Breathing (Springer).Abstract:
Introduction
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder with a well-established pathophysiological link to brain iron deficiency. While iron supplementation is a cornerstone of management, optimal therapeutic strategies regarding formulation, dosing, and patient selection remain subjects of ongoing research. This narrative review evaluates the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of iron therapy, specifically intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and oral iron, in the management of RLS.Methods
A targeted literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies published from January 2015 to July 2025. The search prioritized randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and large observational studies. Seventeen key publications were selected for synthesis, focusing on clinical outcomes, safety profiles, and predictive biomarkers for treatment response.Results
Evidence consistently demonstrates that IV FCM, particularly at a total dose of ≥ 1000 mg, significantly reduces International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLS) scores and improves quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe RLS or those intolerant to oral iron. Oral iron remains a viable first-line option for children and mild cases, although efficacy varies due to absorption limitations. Subgroup analyses indicate benefits in pregnant women, dialysis patients, and the elderly. Adverse events with IV iron were generally mild (e.g., transient hypophosphatemia). Notably, a transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤ 35% was identified as a more sensitive predictor of favorable treatment response than serum ferritin alone.Conclusion
Iron supplementation, particularly via IV FCM, is a safe and effective disease-modifying treatment for RLS. Clinicians should prioritize a personalized approach, utilizing TSAT and ferritin to guide patient selection. Future research is needed to standardize repeated dosing protocols and investigate long-term safety in non-anemic populations.

• Regular caffeine consumption & subjective sleep quality: A systematic review

Abstract
Caffeine, the world's most consumed stimulant, is commonly used to combat fatigue, This review examined the unclear relationship between long-term caffeine consumption and subjective sleep quality, defined as satisfaction with sleep based on personal perception. Screening 6,908 studies, 10 were included. Results showed limited statistically significant associations, hindered by variability in study quality, data, and assessment methods. Influencing factors such as individual differences and study heterogeneity were identified. The review highlights the need for standardized tools and methodologies, urging future research to explore genetic, cultural, and timing factors to better understand caffeine's impact on sleep quality.

This is my first scientific paper, published in the international journal The Journal of Aging Research & Lifestyle, indexed on Pubmed Central.

Nutritionist & Researcher

-Technician & Department Secretary
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine – Hong Bang International University
May 2026 – Present
• Manage daily administrative operations and coordinate academic activities for the Department of Nutrition. Provide technical and operational support to faculty members, ensuring the seamless execution of educational and research initiatives.-Research Assistant / Data Collector
National Nutrition Study (Hanoi Medical University Project) | Jan 2024
• Executed rigorous data collection protocols at high schools and universities in HCMC for a national-scale study. Ensured data integrity and sampling accuracy, contributing to the national nutritional database analysis.-Research Team Member
UMP SAFE-SCHOOL 2026 Project | Mar 2026 – Mar 2028
• Role: Participating in study design, data collection coordination, and community health education regarding allergy management in school settings.-Clinical Nutrition Intern
Various Hospitals in HCM | 2022 – 2023
• Institutions: University Medical Center, City Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital 1 & 2, Oncology Hospital, Thong Nhat Hospital.
• Clinical Duties: Conducted comprehensive nutritional assessments (SGA, PG-SGA) and anthropometric measurements; Designed individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy plans for diverse
pathologies including Oncology, Pediatrics, and ICU cases; Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (doctors, nurses) to optimize patient care and adherence to dietary interventions.-Nutrition Specialist (Collaborator)
HINU & InBody Partnership | Jun 2025 – Nov 2025
• Served as the primary technical liaison for the HINU-InBody partnership; delivered specialized training sessions and conducted live device demonstrations on body composition analysis for corporate clients.- Peer Reviewer: Medical Science Monitor, European Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews.- Awarded the "Promising Prize" at the 2026 Scientific Conference of the School of Medicine (UMP HCMC).

- Google Student Ambassador 2026 & Award from GSA’s case study.
- Vecura Campus Friends 2026.
- Asian Young Dietitian Network.
- 13th Vietnam Summer School of Science (VSSS'13): Selected among highly competitive applicants nationwide to receive a fully-funded scholarship for intensive academic training at ICISE (Aug 2026).
-Selected as one of only four elite representatives from the UMP to attend the national iTechpath Conference in Hanoi, actively exploring advanced health-tech integrations to drive the future of precision clinical nutrition and evidence-based practice.
-TEEP Scholarship Recipient (Declined) | National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan | 2025 Selected for the "Taiwan Public Health and Occupational Health Systems Exploration" program. (Declined due to personal commitments).
-Winner, Content Creation Category & Country Pride | Google Gemini Arena 2026: Emerged as the winner in the content creation track, demonstrating exceptional skills in leveraging AI tools to develop innovative and engaging digital content.
-Special Recognition Award | SHAPE Asia & IDRC (May 2026): Awarded in the Youth Content Challenge 2026 for creative advocacy and meaningful contributions to the "Rise with SHAPE Asia" campaign, promoting responsible food marketing and healthier food environments in Asia.
-Safety Skills Training for Primary School Students - Instructor Assistant (Oct 2024)
-Community Support Initiatives - Volunteer (2023 - present): Participated in community support initiatives focused on aiding underprivileged groups. I used to support for service learning St.Joseph’s Institution with La Salle Tan Hung Charity School in 2024 for Talent JDI.
-Science Communicator & Founder of Educational Channel (@ducphan0109) (Platform: TikTok - 17,800+ followers): Developed evidence-based content to simplify complex medical and nutritional concepts for the public. Collaborated with Vichy (L'Oréal Group) as a KOL to analyze product ingredients and mechanisms from a scientific perspective.
-CME in Basic Medical Pedagogy
-Certificate of Training according to Professional Title Standards for University Lecturers - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.