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Dr. Connie Cai Ru Gan (Lecturer at School of Medicine and Dentistry at Griffith University)

Dr. Connie Cai Ru Gan

Lecturer at School of Medicine and Dentistry at Griffith University

Dr. Connie Gan is a planetary health lecturer-researcher-practitioner at School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University. Her studies focus on future-proofing hospitals and involves working closely with health care facilities and communities to examine the health and socio-economic impacts of environmental changes, evaluating adaptation activities, and reorienting the provision of health services during disasters and exogenous shocks in multiple locations across Asia. As the lead researcher for the Australian team on the CORE-STEP research project, supported by the Australian Government through KONEKSI, she explores diverse knowledge cultures and solutions to build inclusive and climate ready health care. Connie is also part inaugural members of 15 early career professionals in the Indo Pacific Cooperation Network launched by the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) and Japan Foundation. The network’s mission is to study disaster resilience in the Indo-Pacific region, and have journeyed to Japan, Australia, Fiji and Tonga throughout 2023-2024. The network comprises three research groups, each with unique focus but shared goal: strengthening ties among practitioners, scholars, community members, and various sectors across the region.

She has worked as a consultant at the World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Health Development, where she contributed to the development of the Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM) Knowledge Hub. In her professional services as a sustainability coordinator of the Task Force on Health-Promoting Hospitals (HPH) and the Environment (since 2014); and as the Asia Pacific Focal Point of the Women Leaders for Planetary Health Network, co-lead of HEAL Observatory Knowledge Exchange, she hopes to contribute to accelerating policy action on climate change in healthcare. Outside of work, she enjoys boxing and training in Karate.