Adary Zhang and Vivian Lou, two medical students from Stanford University who received the inaugural awards for the Chi-Li Pao Master of Public Health (MPH) Fellowship, embarked on a life-changing journey to Hong Kong to pursue a MPH programme at The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care (JCSPHPC). Not only did they gain valuable public health knowledge and skills, but they also had the opportunity to participate in projects addressing major health issues in Hong Kong and beyond.
Adary and Vivian were thrilled to have the opportunity to study at JCSPHPC and experience a different healthcare system than they were familiar with in the US. Adary, who has a background in global health policy and LGBTQIA+ health, conducted her MPH Capstone Project to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by migrant transgender female sex workers in Hong Kong while proposing innovative solutions to improve their health outcomes. On the other hand, Vivian, who focuses on clinical research and surgical practice at Stanford University, worked on her MPH Capstone Project delved into the practice of global surgery partnerships (GSPs).
Reflecting on their studies at JCSPHPC, Adary and Vivian appreciated the combination of clinical research, surgical practice, and innovation of the MPH programme at JCSPHPC, which provided them with a well-rounded education to complement their medical training at Stanford.
Adary remarked, "I was drawn to this programme because of my interest in health equity and policy issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme surpassed my expectations and gave me a unique perspective on the health issues faced by different communities in this region."Vivian added, "I was inspired by the opportunity to be involved in projects that have a real impact on people's lives. It was eye-opening to see how different healthcare systems operate and how we can learn from each other to improve health outcomes for all."
Both of them gained different perspectives on public health and observed stark differences between healthcare systems in Hong Kong and the US. They noticed that while waiting time for public medical services in Hong Kong are long, the cost of medical services is affordable and provides a safety net for low-income people. In the US, however, healthcare services are largely provided by the private sector, and even emergency services can involve significant medical costs.
As they prepare to return to the US to continue their medical education, Adary and Vivian look forward to applying what they learned in Hong Kong to their future research and career development. They are grateful for the transformative experience and the opportunity to work on projects that can change people's lives.
