Name: Stanley Hung
Program: MSc
Graduated: 2014
Thesis Title: “Physical determinants of physical activity in children who have completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic Leukemia.”
How would you describe your research in the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences program?
My supervisor was Dr. Kristin Campbell, and I would describe the research I conducted with Dr. Campbell to be very fulfilling and supportive. I had the pleasure and opportunity to work with cancer patients from all walks of life, and learned about how physical activity and exercise can enrich their lives. In addition to Dr. Campbell’s valuable support and supervision, she surrounded me with an interdisciplinary team (i.e., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and physicians), who further mentored me about the different roles that healthcare providers can play in improving the lives of people diagnosed with cancer. I also learned a lot of technical research management skills within clinical trials and observational studies.
After completing my Master’s degree, I completed the Master of Physical Therapy program at UBC, where I continued to do research with Dr. Kristin Campbell investigating exercise and physical activity promotion strategies for people undergoing bone marrow transplantation and people preparing for colorectal cancer surgery.
Another important thing is that I had a really fun time working with other students and postdoctoral fellow working within the Rehabilitation Sciences program, where I made some life-long friends!
Where and what is your current position?
I subsequently completed a PhD in understanding the role of physical activity for people living with stroke at the University of Melbourne (Australia). I am now a registered physiotherapist and postdoctoral research fellow at UBC Department of Physical Therapy working with Dr. Janice Eng, where I am conducting implementation science research for people living with stroke in rehabilitation and community exercise settings.
In addition to the technical research skills I learned as a graduate student, one important skill that I frequently apply within my current work is interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement. Rehabilitation and community programs involve complex healthcare systems and interdisciplinary teams. It is essential to collaborate with all stakeholders, including patients and people with lived experience, to meaningfully and sustainably implement new evidence-based programs. My experience working with different healthcare providers and researchers within the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences program was essential to the work I am doing today.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time playing volleyball with my friends, exercising, visiting new and interesting restaurants, and spending time with my family.