黃麗儀教授（Eliza）多年來研究衞生政策和醫療服務，她透過切身經歷，體會到臨終病人和家屬面對的傷痛，更加致力研究怎樣從醫療系統角度改善病人使用服務的經驗去提升醫療系統的質素及提供適切的臨終照顧的支援。
我們熟悉的老師為甚麼會選擇這門學科？他們在工作以外有甚麼消閒活動、遇到壓力時怎樣應對？#TeamSPHPC 系列帶大家走到講桌後，了解他們在課堂以外的生活。
1. What research areas are you interested in? Why would you step into them?
I have three interrelated research areas. The first area is the performance of the healthcare system from the patient’s perspective (healthcare utilization and allocation, health policy response, patient experience and health-related quality of life).
Secondly, to enhance population health, I pay an effort to study and mitigate the impact of social isolation on loneliness and health outcome. The findings can inform the policy formulation to mitigate social isolation under the tense atmosphere in Hong Kong.
Last but not least, I am very keen to advocate HPV self-sampling to increase cervical cancer screening coverage in the general population and vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, disabilities and those living in poverty.
I was determined to improve people’s health when I studied in secondary school. By observing patients suffering from disease and the journey of using healthcare, I always want to contribute to the quality of care and self-care management.
2. What research areas do you find particularly intriguing, and what sparked your interest in them?
I am curious about everything to improve health. I believe curiosity is important for a researcher; curiosity opens my mind and broadens my horizon to learn and gain new knowledge. I lost a close family member during COVID-19 pandemic; and I felt suffering at her end stage of life. End-of-life care is my most important research work right now, and I am devoted to improving the quality of care for patients and caregivers, particularly for the end of life care. In the current healthcare system, there is a lot of room to improve the quality of care from the user’s perspective. I am lucky to be the one to participate in patient experience projects in the past 10 years and turn patient voices into actionable insights for improvement in the healthcare system. Hope I have the opportunity to continue my contribution.
3. Did you encounter bottlenecks in your research/work? How did you unblock them? How would you deal with stress in everyday life?
When I encounter bottlenecks at work, I will chat with senior or experienced healthcare professionals to gain insightful advice. Their sharing always strengthens my will to strive for the best in my determined area.
4. Could you share and describe a work that inspired you?
I like watching movies, reading and listening to songs or music. But one movie that inspired me a lot is Gone with the Wind, and there is one inspiring quote from the actress, Scarlett O’Hara “Tomorrow I’ll think of some way…after all, tomorrow is another day”. It is a refreshing and encouraging quote to make me feel strong by seeing every day as an opportunity and a new path.
5. If you could give an advice to your younger self at university, what would you say?
Whenever feeling defeated and exhausted, just have to relax, breathe deep and trust the path you’re on.
6. What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
There is an opportunity wherever there is a challenge. Taking small step may contribute a big step in the world.