Yaojen Chang DPH student, School of Public Health
	The cost-effectiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma screening in Taiwan
School of Public Health student Yaojen Chang’s interest lies in problems faced by his fellow countrymen and women in Taiwan. He is currently working on his dissertation that will discuss the cost effectiveness of screening programs for liver disease among Taiwanese. Liver disease, known as the “National Disease of Taiwan”, is often diagnosed only after symptoms appear. If liver disease develops into hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC, Chang says the prognosis is extremely poor. To carry out his research, he has already flown to Taiwan several times using his own funds. As he develops contacts and collaborative links, Chang has to travel extensively due to the limitations of email communications. He plans to use a portion of the award for travels between Houston and Taiwan. Chang’s research will eventually involve the review of information gathered from a liver disease screening program, which requires him to be present in Taiwan to review the data. In Taiwan, a high incidence rate of hepatitis virus infection is a significant contributor to liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The incidence of the virus affects many Taiwanese. Chang recalls his neighbor’s disease who died within 2-3 months after diagnosis. “I’m trying to do something on this topic that is of most importance to my country,” Chang says. In alignment to this goal, his dissertation will help uncover the effectiveness, if any, of screening programs. The study, regardless of the conclusion, may affect how patients are protected, diagnosed and treated. The International Programs award will help actualize his research. When notified that he had been awarded, Chang stated, “I was very surprised and very happy. It’s a profound validation of my work.”