Every nurse has a patient story they never forget. For Dr. Marques Ng, Dr. Tao An, and Do Pham Nhat Vi, those moments became turning points that shaped the paths they would pursue in healthcare. Years of work led Dr. Ng to notice how much more could be done for those living with advanced chronic illnesses. The more Dr. An listened, the more aware he became of the daily realities of dementia and cognitive decline among the elderly. And for Vi from Vietnam, it was the stories of colorectal cancer patients that sparked a desire to contribute to better care and health outcomes.
Although their journeys might have begun in different settings, all three were ultimately drawn to The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Nursing), ranked #6 in the world and #1 in Asia and Hong Kong for Nursing. Established in 1991 as Hong Kong’s first university nursing department, CUHK Nursing has built a reputation for advancing nursing science through high-quality, rigorously designed research.The School’s main research themes include:
- Cancer and Palliative Care
- Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Stroke Care
- Ageing, Behavioural, and Mental Wellness
Underpinning each research effort is a shared commitment to generating evidence and knowledge that improves patient outcomes and preparing nurses to serve communities with compassion, making a real difference within and beyond Hong Kong.
CUHK Nursing regularly holds international conferences where students can showcase their work and connect with leading researchers. Source: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
A global home for nursing scholars
Studying in Hong Kong offers international students the chance to experience one of Asia’s most globally connected and culturally diverse cities. Reflecting on her experience, Vi says, “The city’s unique fusion of Eastern traditions and Western modernity has broadened my perspective, fostering greater cultural sensitivity and adaptability essential for global healthcare.”
That diversity is something you’ll experience every day at CUHK Nursing. With a large international cohort, the programme naturally becomes a place where you can exchange ideas with people from diverse cultures and healthcare systems.
This exposure definitely shaped Dr. An’s approach to research. Through conversations with fellow students and academics, he discovered how the same ageing-related challenge could be understood differently depending on the healthcare context.
“The experience encouraged me to be more open-minded, communicate more clearly, and think more carefully about how research findings can be applied in real-world practice,” he shares.
Just as importantly, students at CUHK Nursing are supported throughout the demands of their doctoral study. Dr. Ng describes the community as one where students can openly share both achievements and struggles with one another. “This collegiate atmosphere fosters both personal and professional growth and provides essential support throughout the PhD journey,” he says.
CUHK Nursing nurtures well-rounded researchers by promoting academic excellence alongside soft skills such as critical thinking and interpersonal communication. Source: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
From CUHK to the world
What makes CUHK Nursing experience memorable, besides its people, are the opportunities it offers to shape your career. “Beyond the standard studentship, CUHK Nursing provides dedicated grants for overseas research activities, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit our global reach,” shares Vi.
Other than being the first nursing programme to admit PhD students through the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), CUHK and CUHK Nursing offers generous government-funded stipends that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for all full-time PhD students. Academic scholarships like The New Researcher Award, Y.K. Pao Foundation Scholarship (PhD in Nursing), and Outstanding Academic Award for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing are available too.
“This support gave me the opportunity to fully focus on my PhD training and allowed me to take part in research projects, attend academic activities, and gradually build my confidence as an early-career researcher,” explains Dr. An.
The results speak for themselves. Dr. Ng now teaches and supervises students at CUHK Nursing. Dr. An, meanwhile, received the Outstanding Academic Award and the Outstanding Paper Presentation Award during his studies. “My PhD helped me build the foundation to become a more independent researcher,” he says.
Vi’s achievements are equally inspiring. She was awarded both the Outstanding Academic Award for the PhD in Nursing and the Outstanding Community Service Award. “These honours inspire me to pursue a nursing career with responsibility and enduring impact,” she says.
If you’re considering the same path, the Annual PhD Summer Workshop offers a firsthand introduction to life at CUHK Nursing. Over two weeks, you’ll connect with faculty members, explore ongoing research, and gain insights into the realities of research postgraduate study.
“Through these experiences, I realised that the research direction and academic pathway at The Nethersole School of Nursing are a great match for my personal development goals,” shares Vi, who had attended the workshop. “That’s why I decided to pursue my PhD programme here in 2024.”
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