Dash to China

CHINA: A love of travel and a desire to contribute some of his medical know-how to the developing world merged perfectly for Dashiell Gantner when he became an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development. For the past eight months, Dash has worked as a clinical research fellow at the George Institute for International Health, Beijing.

When the news came he'd been selected as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development Dash was thrilled. For a doctor with interests in epidemiology, global development and Asia, it was an opportunity 'too good to miss'.

Not only was it a chance to undertake high quality clinical research at the prestigious George Institute in Beijing but it was also a chance to explore Chinese culture. 'I knew it was a fabulous opportunity to extend my research skills and to learn a great deal more about China which fascinates me, particularly at this time when it's undergoing massive social, environmental and medical changes - all at unbelievable speed.'

Dash's research is in the highly demanding areas of cardiovascular, stroke and intensive-care treatments. 'The work, and just being here, has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. We're in the centre of Beijing engaging every day with Chinese researchers and practitioners, collaborating on international standard clinical studies that will influence health policy here and abroad. The eventual aim is to improve access to affordable, proven interventions for as many people as possible, and to provide a framework for better allocation of the limited Chinese health budget.'

Although accustomed to living and working abroad, he acknowledges that life in China can be challenging in unique ways. 'I've never met a Chinese person who didn't offer to lend a hand, even if he had no time and no experience. Unfortunately, that part often only comes out a month after the work is due to be finished!' But coping with the quirky side of the Chinese character doesn't faze him.

Dash spent a year in China at the onset of Deng Xiaoping's liberalising economic reforms so brings to his assignment some useful cultural grounding. 'Everyone over the age of 30 in China has an incredible story to tell. Every family has a history of tragedy and loss. Although it might not be immediately obvious, people are actually very forthcoming about their lives, and offer amazing insights into the changes of the last 50 years.'

Australia's relationship with China is predominantly based on trade, development and environmental concerns, yet Dash sees further opportunities. There's enormous potential, he believes, for Australian researchers to exchange skills and resources with Chinese counterparts in collaborative projects. 'Our biggest health assets in Australia are our strong culture of research and solid evidence-based policies, such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. We should be looking for ways to export these 'soft' resources for the benefit of hundreds of millions of impoverished Chinese.'

The George Institute for International Health, affiliated with Sydney University and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, is an organisation dedicated to finding solutions to major health problems in Australia and the Asia- Pacific region (particularly China and India). Through a close association with Peking University Health Science Centre, support of the Chinese Ministry of Health, and partnerships with researchers across China, the George Institute is producing work of outstanding quality and developing capacity within China for prudent policy development. For more information see http://www.thegeorgeinstitute.org.au

AusAID's Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program places skilled Australian volunteers, aged from 18 to 30 years, on short-term assignments in the Asia-Pacific region.

ABOVE: 'The work, and just being here, has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life,' says Dashiell Gantner who is in China for a year. Photo: The George Institute

2007