From Central Office
Member Spotlight Q&A
Lin Fung
Learn more about newly-appointed ISBT President, Lin Fung.
What started your interest in Blood Transfusion?
As part of my Medical Laboratory Science undergraduate degree, I had to gain some real laboratory experience. Fortunately, a friend helped me get a job at the Red Cross Blood Service in Melbourne. This was my first job, where I started with just doing donor finger pricks for Hb, then blood grouping and first heard about research and it captured my imagination.
How did this interest develop and what are your main topics of interest now?
My interest grew because I was part of a service providing blood, an important and essential medical product. And this was where I first met people who did research and were excited about their research. All my research is related to transfusion but my main topics of interest have grown and diversified. It began with neutrophil immunobiology, then TRALI and now it has expanded to include blood management, and a spectrum of areas around donors and donations, particularly in Asia and Australia.
What have been the most rewarding times in your career?
Two periods come to mind. Firstly, as a Scientist at Monash Medical Center in Melbourne (a tertiary hospital with a busy trauma center, haematology oncology unit and probably the largest thalassemia transfusion unit in Australia) I developed extensive foundational blood banking knowledge and skills.
Secondly, under the tutelage of Dr Robyn Minchinton in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service in Brisbane, I was introduced to granulocyte immunobiology, got involved with the international granulocyte workshops and related research, and completed my PhD under her supervision.
What were the best and worse (if any) career choices?
One of my most significant career choices was starting my PhD part-time at 41. I wasn’t sure if it was too late to start but was reminded that I still had 25 years of work ahead. Was very fortunate to have two very supportive and committed supervisors, Haematologist Dr Peter Wood and Brisbane Blood Service Chief Scientist Dr Robyn Minchinton. As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, the PhD journey taught me to go deeper into topics, to appreciate different perspectives, to value evidence, to write and it definitely gave me more career options. For anyone who is interested in research, I would encourage them to formalize it through a Masters or PhD, and importantly find a good supervisor.
What made you decide to apply to become the President of the ISBT?
It was never my ambition or goal to be President, but here are two motivations. Firstly, it has been a fun and fulfilling experience being on the board since 2016. It is a joy to work with dedicated, diligent, and like-minded people. Therefore, I highly recommend that ISBT members get actively involved with working parties and then seriously consider applying for board positions. Next, having attended many ISBT and other congresses has made me realise that while blood donation and transfusion is universal, the practice can be and is different across the globe. Therefore, ISBT will need approaches both broad and deep to realise our strategy. We need to take advice, and both listen and learn in the context of diverse needs, cultures, budgets and communication systems. I want to use my accumulated knowledge, experience, passion and energy to help deliver our mission and vision.
Who have been the most influential people in your career?
Without hesitation the most influential person in my life and career is Dr Robyn Minchinton. She was initially my haematology lecturer at university, and I recall her well-prepared and interesting lectures, and she was always encouraging. Many years later when I relocated to Brisbane, she gave me the opportunity to enter the area of granulocyte serology, attend my first international meeting and complete my PhD. We still communicate regularly to discuss granulocytes, science, leadership, ethics and life. I have been blessed to learn from her example, experience and wisdom and hope that others too may find such a mentor.
What are your personal goals in relation to ISBT?
We are an INTERNATIONAL Society, hence our vision is for everyone in the world to have safe, sufficient and evidence-based blood therapies. To achieve that, we need to appreciate that we are serving many different peoples, communities, countries with different situations with different needs and priorities. Hence, during my term I hope to encourage everyone to recognize and truly appreciate the benefits of diversity among our membership, affiliate societies etc. We need to truly understand local context/local evidence so that we can be effective in whatever we do. Therefore, I would urge all members, all working parties to both listen and speak out, put your hand up to volunteer and to actively participate. Only if we work together can we fulfill ISBT’s vision.
What energizes you most at work?
At work 40% of my time is spent coordinating the Medical Laboratory Science program, lecturing haematology and transfusion science and 40% on research. I am a “doer” so having goals and the freedom and resources to work towards them, energizes me. Seeing students grasp confusing blood banking concepts, watching them getting excited about becoming medical scientists is very fulfilling. Learning about the progress of our graduates. Discussing research results and following the growth/maturation of post-graduate students, all this energizes me.
What do I do in my spare time?
I am fortunate to live near the sea, and I enjoy walking by the sea in the morning. It is refreshing and a lovely way to clear your head and to think.
Finally, what do you wish to add, or what would you like to say to our Transfusion Today readers?
I would encourage everyone to get the most out of their ISBT membership by being truly involved with ISBT in an on-going relationship. Become an active member of a working party, volunteer to do something. You will meet friendly and supportive colleagues and learn about different ways of seeing and doing things. It is great for personal and professional development, and you will really support your local blood service and the world of transfusion. Each of us can contribute to a world of safe, sufficient and evidence-based blood therapies.
