Shirley Fong

Dr Shirley S.M. Fong is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at the Education University of Hong Kong and an Honorary Fellow (Physiotherapy) in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Before joining the School of Public Health, Dr Fong worked as an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Human Performance (HKU) and the Department of Health and Physical Education (EdUHK) and was a Clinical Associate (Physiotherapy) in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She worked as a physiotherapist for over 13 years and gained extensive clinical experience in pediatric, orthopedic and geriatric settings. She is licensed to practise acupuncture and is a certified Clinical Densitometrist (ISCD), Health Fitness Specialist (ACSM), Personal Trainer (NSCA, ACSM, IPTFA and ATFP), Sports Trainer (SMA), Tai Chi Qigong Instructor (HK Wushu and Art Service Centre) and Ving Tsun Martial Art Instructor (VTAA and HKWCU).

Being an allied health professional and a recreational martial art coach, Dr Fong’s primary research interest lies in developmental dysfunctions and, more specifically, in physical health of children with developmental coordination disorder. Beyond this area, she has a general interest in rehabilitation and physical activity and health of younger and older adults. She has received over 18 grants, including General Research Fund from the Research Grants Council and Health and Medical Research Fund from the Food and Health Bureau. Her research has produced a number of publications in highly-rated journals and she has published over 80 scientific articles and two books so far. Dr Fong also works closely with frontline health care professionals and the mass media to translate her research findings into clinical and community health practices.

Dr Fong is also an educator and has over 10 years of teaching experience at the tertiary level. She received a teaching award from the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union and a Master of Education degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She teaches in the areas of physical activity measurement and kinetic anatomy. She has also mentored 6 PhD and 1 MPhil research postgraduates to date.

Dr Fong is a specialist (medicine, health sciences, education and sports science) of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and an honorary consultant of the Hong Kong Christian Service (Active Aging Service). She was the public relations manager of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association (a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy). She sits on the editorial committee of a number of journals such as Medicine and BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation.