Phoebe Joy Ho, MBBS, DPhil, serves as chair of ASH’s International Members Committee. She is the Alan Ng Chair in Hematology at the University of Sydney and department head and research director at the Institute of Hematology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia.
1. If you were to compile a bucket list, what would top that list?
To do a long mountain trek with my family.
2. What ASH luminary do you most admire? (Who’s your ASH-lebrity?)
I admire many ASH luminaries, but I will name two in the main areas of my work: Professor Bob Kyle and the late Professor Sir David Weatherall for their pioneering work in myeloma and globin, respectively.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
4. When I’m down, _____ brings me up.
Counting my blessings.
5. What’s your one can’t-miss presentation or event at the ASH annual meeting?
The plenary session, which always amazes me with the talent and achievements in hematology.
6. What’s your hidden talent?
I never give up. Perhaps it’s not that hidden, so maybe a better example is that I am a musician. I play the piano quite well but rarely, if ever, in front of my colleagues!
7. If you could wave a wand and change one thing about the practice of medicine, what would that be?
Reduce the bureaucracy in clinical practice, which is increasingly taking our time away from patient care.
8. What do you see as the next big advance in hematology?
The increasing incorporation of artificial intelligence into clinical practice and research — hopefully continuing in a judicious and cautious manner.
9. When starting my career, I wish I had known …
That I should speak up more and not hold back if I believe I have something to contribute.
10. What’s your favorite movie?
Chariots of Fire.
