Dr. Yu Wang is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Duke Kunshan University. She was one of the founding co-directors of the CSCC and is currently a co-lead for the CSCC Care and Gender Cluster. Dr. Wang has a rich academic background, with her research focusing on the intricate social dynamics within China. Her work explores the role of intermarriage and individual achievement as pathways to social mobility in China amidst rapid economic, social, and demographic transformations. She also extends her scholarly pursuits to the realm of public health, with a specific emphasis on child vaccination and preventative healthcare-seeking behaviors. Dr. Wang’s research endeavors have attracted funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and her work has been featured in several prestigious academic journals, including Journal of Marriage and Family, Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, Social Science Research, and American Journal of Public Health.
Most recently, Dr. Wang published a paper titled “Age-discrepant marriages and educational assortative mating in urban China: The exchange of youth for status” in the Journal of Marriage and Family. The paper examines the dynamics of youth-status exchange in the context of gendered mate selection preferences in China. Read More
In an increasingly interconnected world, the necessity for effective communication has become ever more critical—nowhere more so than in the realms of healthcare. The Medical English Project (MEP), a visionary initiative, sprouted from a seed of necessity in 2019 to bridge the language gap between healthcare providers and international patients in the city of Kunshan. Launched by a talented student team, the four founders were Thanaporn (May) Thongthum, Reika Shimomura, Joy Xiao, and Caroline Robbins. Last year, new co-directors Ricardo Vargas, Nathaniel Woo, Liangyi (Rosie) Jin, and Helene Gu, obtained the CSCC Community Service Grant to further advance their initiatives. Under this brilliant tetrad’s guidance, the project progressed steadily.
The curriculum they developed includes essential medical terminology, patient communication skills, and specialized vocabulary tailored to various medical fields. Participating doctors not only are able to improve their English proficiency but also gain cross-cultural communication skills, thereby reducing the risk of misunderstandings due to cultural differences. Furthermore, the project offers DKU students a valuable opportunity to develop their own leadership and communication skills through teaching.
The Medical English Project promotes the internationalization of local healthcare institutions and provides positive momentum for inclusive community development in Kunshan. It stands out as a shining example of collaboration between DKU students and the local hospitals.
Helene Gu, in particular, has played a pivotal role in shaping the Medical English Project into what it is today. Her project management skills, leadership and vision have not only allowed the project to flourish but have also established a sustainable model for university-community engagement. This time, we invite Helene to talk in detail about the project and her experience leading it. Read More
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