“I was captivated by HKGI’s detective-like work in genome curation. Learning how genomic medicine informs the diagnosis of rare diseases inspired me to establish a medical student association focusing on genetics and genomics, which acts as a platform for like-minded and passionate students to connect, learn, and advocate for those affected by rare conditions and other genetic disorders.”
Safari Chiu
Medical Student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
HKGI 2023 Summer Intern
Safari’s fascination with genomics began back in secondary school when she first learnt that merely four simple letters – A, T, C, and G – underlie the complexity and uniqueness of all living organisms. From her medical studies, she understood that knowledge about clinical genetics and genomics is applicable and important in virtually all medical specialties in this era of personalised medicine. Thus, she was motivated to pursue an internship at HKGI in 2023, where she explored how genomic findings translated from bench to bedside. This aligns with HKGI’s commitment in nurturing future healthcare practitioners, who understand both the science and human impact of genomic medicine.
When Textbooks Meet Clinical Application
This internship provided Safari a comprehensive exposure to genomic medicine, from hands-on lab experience to participation in genome curation meetings. A week-long shadowing at the Prince of Wales Hospital further allowed her to gain insight into complete patient journey in Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP), from informed consent to sample collection, analysis, and results reporting. Moreover, through working on her group project on pharmacogenomics, she understood how precision medicine could advance treatment, not just for rare genetic diseases but also for common conditions. “This internship provided me the macroscopic view of how a large-scale population health project and biobank like HKGP is executed, as well as the microscopic view of how HKGP gives hope and treatment guidance for individual patients and their families,” Safari reflected.
Bridging Science with Compassion
Inspired by the potential of genomic medicine and the dedication of HKGI experts to “orphan disease” advocacy, Safari co-founded the Hong Kong Medical Genetics and Genomics Student Society (HKGeneSoc) to create learning opportunities for medical students, such as hosting symposiums and clinical teaching sessions, as well as attending academic conferences in Chinese Mainland and overseas. Through this platform, Safari and her peers have also collaborated with NGOs and charities to support individuals and families navigating rare diseases, from public advocation on rare diseases in a podcast series to representing patients at clinics with visiting overseas experts, applying the patient-centred approach she observed during her time at HKGI.
Drawing wisdom from Hippocrates – “Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always” – Safari viewed genomic medicine as a bridge between innovation and compassionate care. “While there may not always be a cure or even an answer for every case, we can reassure patients and families that we are allies on the same boat navigating the unknown waters with them. No matter how complex a case may be, always remember that we are treating people as a whole and not merely medical conditions,” she concluded.
Future Visions
As Safari continues her journey to becoming a doctor, her experience at HKGI and understanding of genomic medicine continue to guide her approach to patient care and advocacy. Inspired by HKGI’s vision of cultivating not only knowledgeable practitioners but also community leaders who extend its mission beyond their own practice, Safari is determined to carry these values forward.
