Professor Danny Liew
Professor Danny Liew
Name: Danny Liew
Title: Professor (Chair of Clinical Outcomes Research)
Faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Campus: Alfred Hospital
How long have you worked at Monash?
I have been employed at Monash since November 2015. However, I have a long history with the University having been an Undergraduate (MBBS and BMedSc) between 1988 and 1994; a PhD student (2001-2003) and a Senior Lecturer (2003-2007). It’s great to be back.
Where did you work prior to starting at the University?
The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
What do you like best about your role?
Working with terrific people and on interesting projects and striving to improve the health and lives of people. I also love the variety.
Why did you choose your current career path?
For all the reasons above. I was also very fortunate to have been educated and guided by some great mentors at Monash.
First job?
A waiter at Pizza Hut. I lied about my age so that I could work front-of-house instead of in the kitchen. On my first day, I spilled lemonade on the head of a customer. His kids couldn’t stop laughing.
Worst job?
Cleaning a disused rail yard in the summer of 1989, which included lifting heavy, rusted equipment in hot and dusty conditions. It was the perfect scenario for a Vic Bitter beer ad (if you take away the skinny kid lying half-dead on the ground).
What project are you currently working on and what does it involve?
I’m currently working on multiple projects. Collectively, these involve the study of chronic diseases and cost-effective ways in which they and their complications can be prevented.
To be honest, the hard work is done by others - I just try and take credit for as much of it as I can.
What is your favourite place in the world and why?
Anywhere while on my bicycle or with my family, preferably simultaneously. They are my two greatest passions.
Speaking more broadly: Melbourne. I have travelled widely, and each trip reminds me how lucky I am to live in this fab city. Sophisticated but friendly, cosmopolitan, cultured, great food and the footy (go Doggies!).
What is your favourite place to eat and why?
So many.
Supper Inn in Chinatown: tasty Chinese served fast with minimal fuss until late.
B.East in East Brunswick: best burgers.
Seven Seeds in Carlton: best coffee.
PappaRich: authentic Malaysian hawker dishes.
Vue de Monde: wish I could afford to go more often. Amazing wines and cheese.
Billy’s van Creamy in North Fitzroy: go the salted caramel gelato.
A simple meal whipped up in 5 minutes at home with loved ones (and a Corona).
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Follow your heart.
Tell us something about yourself that your colleagues wouldn’t know.
I have an identical twin. We agreed that we should always be friendly to people who mistake us for the other one. As a consequence, I have smiled and waved to so many strangers who I’ve thought were about to greet me, but were not. Embarrassing.
Once in the city, I was taken in a surprise head lock by some big dude who was an old mate of my twin’s. Initially, I thought it was an extremely friendly mugging.