Dr. Chien Nguyen is a 3D Lab Coordinator at UMC Utrecht. He completed his Technical Medicine graduation internship at the Orthopedics Department of the University Medical Center Utrecht. His enthusiasm for orthopaedics, particularly malaligned lower limbs and their correction, was sparked during this period. Supported by his supervisors, Chien continued researching improved imaging techniques and analysis methods for knee osteoarthritis and alignment disorders.
In 2019, Chien initiated a significant project implementing 3D technology in patient care for knee osteotomy, collaborating closely with the institutional 3D Lab at the University Medical Centre Utrecht. This led to the development of a safe and well-structured workflow for treating leg malalignment using 3D technology-assisted knee osteotomy. In 2022, Chien was appointed as a technical physician at the 3D Lab, focusing on advancing current initiatives and exploring new opportunities involving 3D technology in patient care. Currently, Chien serves as the coordinator of the 3D Lab, further professionalizing its educational programs.
OPN: What drove you to choose technical medicine a career – and orthopaedic correction in particular?
CN: As a young child, I was always fascinated by technology. I often spent my time building my own machines, like go-karts and tree huts. My interest in medicine was inspired by my older sister, who pursued a degree in medicine and now works as a general practitioner in the Netherlands.
After finishing high school, I travelled through Vietnam without a clear idea of what I wanted to study. During that time, my father (who knows me very well) came across the relatively new field of Technical Medicine in the Netherlands. He suggested I look into it, and it turned out to be a perfect match. I really enjoyed studying this profession, as it beautifully combines healthcare and technology.
This intersection is especially evident in orthopaedics, particularly in correction osteotomies. The alignment of the skeleton lies at the heart of orthopaedics, aptly named from the Greek words ortho (straight) and paidion (child), a term first coined by Nicholas Andry. You can imagine how this medical and technical connection sparks enthusiasm in me.
OPN: You recently won the Materialise Innovation Award this year at the 3D Planning and Printing in Hospitals Forum 2025, for your research in statistical shape modelling of the proximal humerus. Could you tell us more about your research and the results?
CN: This research project focused on developing an easy-to-use and globally implementable method to integrate 3D technology into the clinical workflow for humerus fractures. Our proposed approach generates patient-specific 3D models of the proximal humerus in its native, pre-fracture state, using measurable anatomical parameters such as humeral length and diameter.
This technology enables the reconstruction of a “healthy” 3D model of the patient’s humerus, even after complex fractures. Such a model offers significant benefits: it provides the surgeon with valuable insight into the necessary corrections and serves as a visual template, much like a guide for solving a difficult puzzle. With this templating, the surgeon is better equipped to restore the patient’s original anatomy, ultimately supporting optimal clinical outcomes.
OPN: What could your findings mean to help support orthopaedic surgery and what will be the effect on patient experience and their long lasting bone healing?
CN: As I mentioned earlier, in orthopaedics and trauma care, the form of bones is crucial, because form directly influences function, especially in human joints. A good example is the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. When both components are perfectly shaped and aligned, they allow for a smooth and wide range of motion. But if you were to replace the spherical ball with a cube, that freedom of movement would be severely restricted.
That’s why restoring the patient’s native bone anatomy is so important. By accurately reconstructing the original shape of the shoulder joint, we give patients the best chance to regain their pre-injury function. This not only improves mobility but also contributes to long-term joint health and stronger bones.
OPN: Do you have any more research in the pipeline?
CN: Ongoing research and innovation are essential to keeping patient care sustainable and future-proof. Our goal is to continue improving healthcare through the use of 3D technology. One of our latest ideas is to generate 3D models from simple X-rays, making this technology even more accessible worldwide.
OPN: How does the future look with the advancing involvement of 3D technology in patient care?
CN: It’s hard to predict the future, but easy to dream about it. My vision is that every major hospital will one day have its own institutional 3D centre. This would make the technology optimally accessible, regardless of where you live which is often linked to societal status. In this way, advanced care through 3D technology becomes a standard, not a privilege. This means we can offer 3D technology to every patient in need of enhanced treatment or diagnostics, ensuring that access to advanced care is no longer limited by geography or socioeconomic status.
OPN: What’s the best part of your job?
CN: The best part of my job is witnessing the direct impact of innovation on patient care, especially through the gratitude of happy and relieved patients. It’s incredibly rewarding to work on new solutions that continuously improve diagnostic and treatment protocols. This is particularly meaningful in cases where patients were previously considered untreatable due to a lack of viable options. Seeing how innovation can open new doors for them is what makes this work so fulfilling.
OPN: … and the worst?
CN: Working continuously in the uncharted territory of new technologies and innovation naturally comes with uncertainty. When applying novel 3D methodologies, solid evidence of successful outcomes is sometimes limited, which leads us to question our approach. And at times, that initial doubt proves valid, our method doesn’t go as planned. These moments can be difficult, especially when a treatment fails. It’s not always easy to rationalize or accept, but it’s part of the process of pushing boundaries and learning from each step forward, or backward.
OPN: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
CN: I think one of the proudest moments in my career was defending my PhD. It was a wonderful day, celebrated with family, friends, and colleagues. Sometimes it’s difficult to pause and truly acknowledge your achievements, but this day was entirely dedicated to the completion of my dissertation, which made it incredibly special to me.
OPN: Are you planning to attend or speak at any medical conferences or events in 2025-26?
CN: I’m planning to attend the first congress of the International Society for 3D Technologies in Hospitals later this year. It’s an exciting development, as I believe this new research society will play a key role in further professionalizing 3D technology within the medical field. I’m also looking forward to the upcoming 3D Printing in Hospitals Forum in Leuven, which is always an inspiring gathering of professionals. Events like these are invaluable, they spark new ideas and insights that help us improve patient care back home.
OPN: If you didn’t work in the health industry, what would you be?
CN: Sounds very strange, but I would pursue a career as a chef in restaurants. I love to cook, especially hosting dinners with gastronomic plates of dinner. Also, I love eating.
OPN: How do you think the future looks within the field of orthopaedic surgery and treatments and what are your predictions for 2025 and the next decade?
CN: When and how to apply 3D technology must unfold in the coming decade. It is of utmost importance to achieve clinical evidence for each treatment or method, to demonstrate that 3D technology truly adds value to patient care. This is the only way to substantiate our claim that 3D technology generates value for society and to keep our healthcare system sustainable, especially since 3D technology is not free of charge.
So, our mission in the coming decade is not only to generate new methods, but also to prove that these methods actually work before moving toward widespread implementation. We have the flow and momentum, and it would be difficult to maintain that momentum if we lose this focus.
Image: Supplied by Dr. Chien Nguyen
