Khoa Ngọc Nguyễn

About Khoa Ngọc Nguyễn

I am a fourth-year medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (2021–2026), concurrently pursuing a dual degree MBA at the University of Colorado Denver Business School (2024–2025). My career interests center at the intersection of clinical practice in plastic and reconstructive surgery, healthcare leadership, innovation, and policy and advocacy. As a future physician, I draw on my background, lived experiences, and multilingual (Vietnamese, English, functional Spanish), culturally attuned skill set to build trust across diverse patient communities. In healthcare leadership, I’ve refined my approach through mentorship from notable leaders such as David Mathes, MD (Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | UCHealth), Brandan Pope, MD, MBA (CQO | UCHealth), Jennifer Wiler, MD (prior CQO | UCHealth), Edward Havranek, MD (Chief of Cardiology | Denver Health), and Jay MacGregor, MD, MBA, MLS (SVP | Allina Health). As an advocate, I’ve testified and consulted on over 20+ policies – championing initiatives ranging from protecting access to gender-affirming care, modernizing Colorado Medicaid, ensuring breast cancer screening coverage, advancing physician mental health and wellness, and preserving PSLF/IDR programs. As an innovator, I founded a healthcare AI startup, VertoAI, LLC, focused on addressing healthcare disparities. Across each of these arenas, my goal remains the same: to become a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who leads with technical excellence, purpose, and compassion.Outside of my work, I enjoy a variety of hobbies, including video games, pickleball, swimming, hiking, fishing, cooking, composing music, playing piano and percussion, building my Lego collection, collecting vinyl records and cassette tapes, traveling, and hanging with my cat, Chonkers! Thank you for any considerations, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead!“I do what I do because it’s right. Because it’s decent. And above all, it’s kind.” – Peter Capaldi, 12th Doctor, Doctor Who

Experience

1. Rocky Mountain Policy & Advocacy Fellow

   Young Invincibles

   Jan 2026 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Monitored and analyzed state and city legislation within Colorado that impacts young adults in the domains of healthcare, education, workforce, and civic engagement.• Served as a spokesperson and representative for Young Invincible policy positions to the Colorado legislature, regulatory bodies, advocacy partners, and the media.• Conducted state policy research and developed policy positions, research documents, and legislative items that reflect the needs and experiences of our young Coloradan constituents. Engaged in research and grant review.

Education

• University of Colorado Denver Business School

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

• University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine

  Doctor of Medicine - MD, Medicine

• University of Colorado Denver

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General

  2017 — 2021