Jeremy Burton: Working in Hong Kong
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Jeremy Burton moved to Hong Kong in 2013 to work as a radiation therapist. He describes Hong Kong as a fast-paced, diverse, and multicultural city located in a great base for traveling around Southeast Asia. While the major challenge is the language barrier of working in Cantonese, the opportunities of learning a new language and culture outweigh living in the unique global city. He recommends being adaptable and resilient while taking advantage of the many opportunities for outdoor activities, travel, and integrating with the local community.
Jeremy Burton: Working in Hong Kong
- 1. S Living & Working in Hong Hong As a Radiation Therapist - Jeremy Burton – December 2018
- 2. Background S Upon graduating from Cardiff University in Radiotherapy and Oncology in 2013, I moved to Hong Kong for my first position with the ‘Hong Kong Hospital Authority’ (HKHA). S I was positioned in Queen Mary Hospital for two years.
- 3. The City S Hong Kong is a fast-paced, diverse and multicultural city. S You can be hiking up a mountain, swimming in the sea, and shopping in the city - all within half a day.
- 5. The Location S HK is a great base for travelling – you have South East Asia on your doorstop, with cheap and regular direct flights to neighbouring countries in the region.
- 7. Work S 8:45am – 5:30pm, M-F with a morning, lunch and afternoon break. S Expect your workload to be up to 95% in Cantonese. S Expect to be on a treatment unit (due to language barriers within planning).
- 8. Cases S Like you will have experienced in the UK, many patients will be treated for breast, pelvis, GI, H&N and brain. S High incidence of NPC due to diet. S Relatively high incidences of leukaemia due to high density of population (depending on your
- 9. Challenges S The language barrier (Cantonese) is the major challenge. From day one you will be expected to start communicating with patients in Cantonese. S Your colleagues will communicate in Cantonese, but do accommodate for workers from overseas in English. S Rent is expensive (London prices) with small
- 10. Opportunities S Learn a new language. S Immerse yourself in a unique and global city. S Make new friends from all corners of the world. S Enjoy living on the equator (shorts all year- round).
- 11. Free time S From trail running to dragon boat, field hockey to football, basketball to outrigger canoe, the list goes on. S Travel is amazing, with five weeks of the year off, along with ample bank holidays (up to 20 a year, although some fall on the weekends).
- 12. Skiing in Japan
- 14. Attitude S You need to be adaptable, resilient and optimistic. Work will be challenging at times, but the opportunities most certainly outweigh the challenges. S You can integrate with the local community as much as you wish, but being willing to learn the local language certainly goes a long way.
- 15. Getting around S Public transport is cheap – you can jump on the ferry from HK island to Kowloon for 30p, catch the MTR (underground) for an average of 60p, ride a tram for 20p or take your own taxi for as little as three pounds.
- 17. Eating S Mix of Eastern and Western cuisine. S Cheapest McDonalds in the world. S Amazing local food courts with food from around Asia under one roof!