e-Bulletin October 2023
RECOGNITION |
Dr Wendy Lam Received Distinguished Merit Award
Recognising Her Contribution to Cancer Nursing
Dr Wendy Lam, Associate Professor and Division Head of the Division of Behavioural Sciences, was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Merit Award by the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) on October 2, 2023 in Glasgow, UK, for her outstanding contribution to the international advancement of the science and art of cancer nursing.
This award is offered bi-annually and Dr Lam is also appointed as an honorary Global Citizen (Bronze level) of ISNCC. Dr Lam expressed her gratitude for receiving this award. “I am truly grateful to the ISNCC Nominations and Awards committee for presenting me the esteemed 2023 Distinguished Merit Award. It is an honour to receive this prestigious recognition for my work in psycho-oncology,” she said.
The School extends our hearty congratulations to Dr Wendy Lam for receiving this prestigious award.
The School of Public Health is gearing up to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2024. We are kicking off the celebration with the introduction of a new anniversary logo which signifies a wide road to future progress in public health, as well as the launch of the Mascot Nicknaming Competition.
Members of the SPH community are cordially invited to participate in this Mascot Nicknaming Competition. The winning entries may be adopted in the communication campaigns for SPH 20th anniversary and beyond. To learn more about the competition, please visit here.
We have many exciting events and activities planned to commemorate this milestone. Please stay tuned for updates on our anniversary celebration!
Share with us your photos and memories
Taking a trip down memory lane and showcasing past photos that capture the essence and journey of the School, we are posting the “Story of HKUSPH” on social media, Please like, share, and repost! Additionally, please follow us on Instagram
sph.hku.hk | 
LinkedIn | 
Facebook | 
Twitter | 
Instagram | 
YouTube
We are now also inviting SPH students, alumni, staff to share with us their fond memories with SPH! Simply send your photos or write-up to sphpr@hku.hk and selected entries will be featured on our social media and webpage. We look forward to hearing from you!
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE |
Primary Health Care, from Past to Present
International Cases and Hong Kong Situation
Professor David Bishai, Director of School of Public Health, was invited by The University of Hong Kong Primary Health Care Academy (HKU PHCA) to deliver a seminar entitled “Achieving health for all: Primary health care in action” on September 26, 2023. The seminar saw the participation of over 330 local and international healthcare practitioners, scholars, researchers, and students in-person and virtually.
During the event, Professor Bishai discussed the hygiene revolution, starting from the social transformation in the 1800s, the healthcare progress in the USA and Europe from 1850 to 1950, including significant milestones such as the Dawson Report (1920), Bandoeng Conference by the League of Nations (1937), and the establishment of the World Health Organization (1948). He also discussed the Alma-Ata Declaration (1978), the counter-revolution Bellagio (1979), and the contested public health between northern historians and southern experiences after 1979. Additionally, Professor Bishai highlighted the development of the People’s Health Movement (2000), and emphasized the distinction between comprehensive primary health care (PHC) and primary care.
He shared successful stories from Nepal and Ethiopia, where PHC systems were integrated with district committees and outreach systems tailored to local resources and cultures. In the latter part of the seminar, Professor Bishai shed light on Hong Kong’s PHC blueprint, which currently focuses solely on primary health services. He suggested policymakers to collaborate with district stakeholders to co-design a district public health pathway toward comprehensive public health care.
The seminar was concluded with Professor Bishai’s remarks, “We look forward to the potential for PHC to help Hong Kong address non-communicable disease burden, mental health, and pandemic preparedness.”
For more information about HKU PHCA, please follow their Instagram account @hku_phca.
Professor Bishai delivers “Achieving health for all: Primary health care in action”
Professor Sophia Chan presents a souvenir to Professor Bishai
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE |
Webinar to Enhance Mental Health Awareness
Sharing from Hong Kong and North America
On September 20, 2023, the School of Public Health (SPH) hosted a webinar entitled “Building on Community Strengths for Mental Health – Models from Hong Kong and North America”. The webinar featured presentations by Dr Mary Cwik, Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health (JHCIH); Dr Lucy Lord, Executive Chair of Mind HK; Dr Candice Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Mind HK; and Ms Rachel Wong, Assistant Programme Manager of Mind HK.
Participants from Hong Kong and around the world commented on various ways seniors are involved in youth mental health programs. The webinar showcased the work of JHCIH with White Mountain Apache leaders in addressing suicide prevention. It also highlighted the efforts of Mind HK introducing their iACT program and upcoming initiatives to bridge the gap in mental health services within the region.
During the Q&A session, discussions arose regarding the shift from past generations’ stigmatizing attitudes toward mental health to greater open-mindedness when family members are directly affected. Professor David Bishai, Director of SPH, concluded the seminar by reminding everyone that “Mental Health is everyone’s business”, and encouraged open discussions on the topic.
To view the webinar, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNAb2FJ1Bpo.
For more information about the work and services of Mind HK, please visit www.mind.org.hk and www.iact.hk.
PhD candidate, Ms Haeyoon Jang, won the Excellent Oral Presentation Award at the Korea Society of Epidemiology Fall Conference on September 15, 2023. Her presentation, entitled “Prospective Associations of Genetic Risk and Replacement of Sedentary Time by Active Time with Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A UK Biobank study,” highlighted the importance of reallocating sedentary time into moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or light physical activity (LPA) to lower the risk of COPD, regardless of genetic susceptibility.
Ms Jang expressed her excitement in receiving her first conference award, “I believe it validated my abilities in the field and boosted confidence in my capabilities.” She also thanked her supervisor, Dr Youngwon Kim, Assistant Professor in Kinesiology, for providing opportunities and guidance throughout her research.
The Korea Society of Epidemiology Fall Conference is an annual event held by a professional academic organization that supports researchers studying the risk factors and causes of diseases and promotes social activities for disease prevention and management.
The Professional Development Hub (PD Hub) regularly organizes Coffee and Career talks. On September 18, 2023, Professor David Bishai, Director of the School of Public Health, had an interactive exchange with students from the Master of Public Health programme.
The attendees were inspired by Professor Bishai’s sharing of his career, insights, and tips; they also had the opportunity to network with one another.
Dr Polly Wong, Senior Lecturer of the School, expressed, “the PD Hub aims to empower students to develop professionally and prepare them for careers that contribute to the advancement and improvement of public health. The hub offers students skill workshops as well as various opportunities for career development, volunteering, and internships.”
Professor David Bishai (right) and Dr Polly Wong
Students have an interactive discussion with Professor Bishai
The 2023/24 admissions at the School of Public Health have witnessed the enrolment of a diverse group of undergraduate and postgraduate students, reflecting the school’s commitment to inclusivity.
Among the undergraduate programmes, the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Health and Development [BASc(GHD)] stands out with its intake of over 25 local and international students. This diverse student body brings together individuals from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a rich learning environment that encourages global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding.
Miss Phyo Thiri Lwin, a student from Myanmar, was awarded the Belt and Road Scholarship. She met Professor Ian Holliday, the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) of HKU and conveyed her appreciation towards the University and the School of Public Health.
“As I navigate as an HKU student, every day presents an opportunity to challenge and develop myself further. Embracing the vibrant atmosphere of HKU, the university’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity has provided me with an environment where I can thrive, and immerse myself in a diverse community that fosters intellectual growth and cultural exchange. With each passing day, I am inspired to push the boundaries of my own potential to make meaningful impact everywhere. I look forward to embracing the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.” Miss Phyo remarked.
Miss Phyo Thiri Lwin (left) meets Professor Ian Holliday in the accompany of Dr Chung Pui Hon (right), Programme Director of [BASc(GHD)]
The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme has received over 600 applicants from local, mainland China, and overseas in full-time and part-time study modes. Furthermore, around 30 Research Postgraduate (RPG) students were admitted from around the world.
Dr Hansika Hanthanapitiya, an MPH student from Sri Lanka, received the Chan Tung and Friends Global Community of Health for All Scholarship. “I’m thrilled to have received a full scholarship to study my MPH at HKU, which is the only programme to be awarded the CEPH accreditation in the region. All my professors are excellent educators and I’m learning many new insights regarding healthcare systems in our region and the world. Hong Kong has been full of surprises to me. I came here expecting a concrete jungle, but Hong Kong has so much character, culture and history to offer.” said Dr Hanthanapitiya.
Dr Hansika Hanthanapitiya enjoys her life at HKU
As new school year begins, the School organises monthly gathering with RPg Students, Post-Doctoral Fellows, RAPs and Faculty members. To well-fit schedules of most participants, the gathering “Thank God It’s Almost Friday” is now held on the last Thursday of each month.
The latest gathering was held on September 28,2023 when school members mixed and mingled over refreshments. They shared how they enjoyed the summer holiday, and pre-celebrated the Mid-autumn festival.
Students and Faculty members discuss their preferred hobbies
Participants mix and mingle at the event
At the School of Public Health, we not only value the contributions you made but also the personal milestones that shape your lives.
We believe that celebrating and supporting each other beyond our professional achievements is essential for fostering a strong sense of community. We invite all members of the SPH community to submit their stories of personal milestones, such as getting married, welcoming new addition to the family, or any other life events that bring you happiness. These stories will be shared internally within our SPH community.
To submit your story, please email sphpr@hku.hk. Feel free to include any anecdotes or photographs that you would like to share. We look forward to reading your stories!
CALENDAR |
Stay Connected with Us
Join SPH Events
| 20th Anniversary | |
| Date/Period | Events |
| December 4, 2023 | Lecture by Dr Victor Dzau, President of National Academy of Medicine, USA |
| January 27, 2024 | Public Health Forum 2024 |
| January 2024 | MPH Alumni Sharing |
| April 12, 2024 | 20th Anniversary Fun Day |
Follow our webpage and social media to stay tuned!