Hi everyone, I'm Justin, a Physiotherapist educated and trained in Hong Kong, and I’m currently studying the MPH with a concentration in Health Economics, Policy and Management.
From nearly four years serving in the Hospital Authority, my clinical experience has given me a general understanding of the public healthcare system and the multifaceted challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers. Being a frontline healthcare worker enabled me to be more inquisitive to learn more about the status quo of healthcare in Hong Kong, as I often pondered the question of how impactful public health policies and economic principles may be in determining the health outcomes of patients.
The epiphany to study for a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Hong Kong came after realising that this degree would be the best way to broaden my horizons and understand different aspects of healthcare. The MPH covers a vast array of academic disciplines, combined with the ethos to educate and equip pupils to be a holistically skilled public health professional and a global citizen. Knowing this, I applied to the MPH programme with the ambition that I could garner the knowledge and methods to develop sustainable strategies and drive solutions in the field of healthcare.
I feel incredibly honoured to receive the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship and to pinpoint how I exactly felt when I received the news, I remember the vivid feeling of euphoria and surprise after work one day. Receiving the Fellowship had motivated me further in my studies and my career development, and I wish to thank the University of Hong Kong and the UGC for the meaningful personal milestone, not to mention my family, friends and mentors who supported me along the way.
The MPH experience so far has been enjoyable and inspirational. Whenever anyone asks me how returning to university felt, I always respond emphatically, ‘It’s amazing'.
What played a big part in this positive experience was how thoughtful and professional the teaching staff were. Every Professor and Teaching Assistant were ready to go the extra mile to help you learn and capitalise on the opportunities to grow beyond your comfort zone.
The diversity that the School of Public Health brings was eye-opening too. Both the teaching staff and my fellow classmates provide an array of fresh perspectives on different topical issues in the classroom. Beyond the classroom, the diversity in the MPH cohort allowed me to meet classmates coming from different backgrounds and walks of life, and that translated into opportunities to be in touch with different cultures and learn from people with different academic backgrounds and professions as well.
At the moment, I am keeping my doors open to different opportunities that may arise over the course of my MPH studies. I’m a Physiotherapist by trade, but I also have an array of interests including business and economics, policy, strategy and operations (and how they altogether intertwine with the healthcare sector). I hope that after being equipped with an education from the MPH programme, I can develop a career in the healthcare sector not only as a clinician but as a public health professional who could enhance the livelihood of those around me through research and advocacy.
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