Heng Zhang: On the road
Meet Heng Zhang, Research Fellow at The George Institute, China.
How long have you been working at The George Institute, China?
It has been six months since I joined The George Institute, China in July, 2016
What is your professional background?
I received my PHD degree of epidemiology and health statistics from the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, China CDC in 2016. At the same time, I had been working there as a project officer for six years since I got my master degree in 2010.
What attracted you to work at The George Institute?
The George Institute has a high reputation for its great impact and expertise in public health. It is a good opportunity for me to work with, and learn from all my talented colleagues. Furthermore, it values people, and encourages us to learn and try more things.
What does your work focus on?
I am working on the development of SMARTHealth Diabetes APP. It is a more patient-focused mobile platform. By serving both parties (healthcare workers and people who have diabetes), we are trying to provide affordable, effective and high-quality healthcare service and contribute to the management of diabetes in China.
What difference will this make to healthcare and why?
The mission of us is to improve the health of millions of people worldwide. And take our team for example, all what we do is to develop efficient solutions to reduce the burden of diabetes in China. We want to take full advantage of innovative methods to build a bridge between healthcare providers and people who had diabetes.
Why do you enjoy at The George Institute China?
I enjoy the culture here. We are encouraged to speak up and challenge traditional thinking. And moreover, it implements humane and scientific management system, all the staff are very positive and dedicated to their work.
Your biggest achievement so far…
It brings me a strong sense of achievement when solving problems. For instance, when I was in charge of the statistical work about comprehensive AIDS response program data, I designed SAS process which highly increased working efficiency. In my daily life, my biggest achievement is my daughter.
To unwind at the end of the day you…
I like reading, especially the books about history and culture. And I enjoy running as well. It is a good way to clear out your mind and be relax.