My journey in evidence-based health care at Oxford

From an early age, I was captivated by people's emotions, perceptions, and interactions with the world around them. My school years were defined by a passion for history and physics, seemingly disparate subjects united by my curiosity about human behaviour and the underlying scientific principles. However, it wasn't until I stumbled upon the field of psychology at the age of sixteen that I discovered a discipline where these diverse interests seamlessly intertwined. It set me on a trajectory that eventually brought me to Oxford, where I started my research journey dedicated to enhancing public health through evidence-based approaches.  

My academic journey began at Trinity College Dublin, where I pursued a degree in psychology. While there, I had the opportunity to work in a Hepatitis C clinic. One of the assessment questions I routinely asked was about smoking history. This experience was eye-opening. I realised that smoking is not merely a personal choice but is also influenced by environmental factors. I encountered patients who had begun smoking at the age of four when their parents gave them their first cigarette.  It reminded me that "choices" that can impact your health aren't always real choices but a response to their environment.  

After completing my master's degree in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Oxford, I was eager to engage in research on health translation and behaviour change. My DPhil research concentrated on smoking cessation and its impact on cardiovascular disease and mental health. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death. While smoking rates in the general population are decreasing, there is still an overrepresentation of smoking among people living with financial difficulty and those with mental illness. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial for reducing health disparities in the UK. 

I joined the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences because it is at the forefront of integrating diverse research disciplines and techniques to generate impactful research. Studying and now working in the department has been an absolute privilege. The interdisciplinary academic community has enriched my experience. Collaborating with researchers from various backgrounds has broadened my perspective and enhanced the quality of my research.  

Oxford Graduation

I have been afforded many fantastic opportunities at Oxford to not only develop as a researcher, but also as a teacher. I’ve worked as a tutor for the School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography at Oxford, teaching on both the MSc in Medical Anthropology and BA in Human Sciences. Using my anthropological lens when understanding human behaviour and health gave me an interdisciplinary perspective to lead the short course on health behaviour change with my colleague Dr Nicola Lindson. This course allows me to share systematic approaches to understanding behaviour change and teach techniques to facilitate meaningful health improvements. Changing any health behaviour is not as simple as knowing something is good for you; it also involves developing methods to support and sustain that change at an individual and societal level. Teaching has given me the chance to grow and hear from others who also all have unique backgrounds, and it has given me the confidence to share my ideas with others. 

While my overall experience has been positive, my journey has not been without challenges. Due to health issues, I had to temporarily suspend my studies, but my supervisory team supported me well during that period. I am utterly grateful for my supervisory team. My supervisors have been a source of guidance and inspiration, helping me navigate research challenges and encouraging me to pursue my passion for health behaviour change. My supervisors Nicola and former associate professor Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, stuck with me throughout the entire DPhil supporting my research as well as providing fantastic pastoral support. Witnessing these two women achieve remarkable careers while maintaining a life outside research has been inspiring and fulfilling. 

I am excited about the future of my research and its potential impact on public health. I am passionate about continuing to explore innovative ways to improve health and well-being through evidence-based approaches. Please get in touch if you're interested in understanding changes in health behaviour either by taking part in our short course or emailing me directly at angela.wu@phc.ox.ac.uk. 

My advice to students considering studying at Oxford is to embrace the diverse opportunities and resources available. Engage with the academic community, seek interdisciplinary collaborations, and pursue your passions with dedication and curiosity. Stay open-minded and be vocal in your opinions. You have value, and you have ideas—come and share them.