Getting to Know: Ashley Cheng, Associate, Programs
Following is a Q&A to get to know Ashley Cheng, Associate, Programs who began working at the National Health Council (NHC) in September 2020.
Putting Patients First (PFF) Blog: Why did you want to work for the NHC?
Throughout my undergraduate career, I found myself drawn to projects and professional opportunities that involved advocacy and research work addressing health disparities and inequities in our society. I wanted to continue the same type of work after graduating and found that the NHC’s vision in which all people have access to quality, affordable health care really resonated with me. I was excited to learn more about how we can improve current approaches in the health system to make sure it is inclusive and representative of all patient communities’ needs.
PFF Blog: What upcoming projects are you excited about working on?
One of the topics I’m excited to be working on is related to development of patient-centered core impact sets. It’s encouraging to see stakeholders of all types of backgrounds interested in coming together to create such a meaningful resource that will allow better alignment between the things that matter to patients and the evidence produced.
PFF Blog: What’s your favorite thing about working at the NHC?
I love how passionate we all are about the work we do at the NHC. The collective interest and dedication to the NHC’s mission is clearly reflected in the incredible work that has been accomplished.
PFF Blog: You help coordinate the NHC’s Value portfolio. Tells us about that project and why it’s important.
Understanding the value of health care is an incredibly important priority as it impacts everyone. Value assessment (VA) specifically advises whether a health service (e.g., drug, device, surgery) should be used, and if so, how it is best used in the health care system, and which patients are most likely to benefit from it. NHC works to ensure that VA is patient centered and includes and reflects direct input from patients.
PFF Blog: Tell us something about you personally. What do you do outside of work?
I recently started practicing yoga to carve out time for myself to slow down and de-stress. I found that it was challenging at first, but it now has become my new favorite activity because I feel mentally and physically stronger.
