Our Team: Juqing Liang
Juqing Liang grew up in Nanning, China, where her path in nursing began. After completing her nursing program, she gained valuable experience working in hospitals in both China and Abu Dhabi, UAE. In 2001, she immigrated to Canada and soon made Vancouver her home, where she has lived with her husband for the past 24 years. Together, they are raising two wonderful children.
Since 2004, Juqing has worked in several hospitals within the Fraser Health Region, where she has built a reputation as a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate nurse. Today, she holds multiple leadership roles, serving as Retinal Service Lead, Laser Safety Officer, N95 Fit Tester, and Hand Hygiene Auditor in her department. She also shares her knowledge as a clinical preceptor for the AORN program, guiding nursing students with patience and care.
Outside the hospital, Juqing enjoys gardening, cooking, and traveling with her family. Curious about different cultures, she values every opportunity to connect with people from around the world. She believes that volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to humanity, a belief that led her to Laurel Surgical Foundation.
Inspired to serve with Laurel Surgical Foundation
Juqing is grateful to her mentor, Tan, who first introduced her to LSF and its mission. In September 2024, she joined her first medical outreach mission to the Umnugovi region in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The journey was long. 14 hours of flying followed by an eight-hour road trip but Juqing came prepared mentally and physically. She was deeply appreciative of the work that Dr. Parsons and Christine did to ensure that the team was ready to stay and work seamlessly upon arrival.
From the very first day, the team started from scratch: setting up equipment, preparing instruments, and organizing the operating room. Despite limited resources, everyone worked tirelessly with flexibility, creativity, and a shared goal; to deliver the highest quality care to patients and to teach local residents and medical staff.
Juqing recalls long days when the team worked straight through without breaks, sometimes even missing dinner because surgeries went late into the evening. Yet no one complained. The sense of purpose united them. She witnessed Dr. Law’s skill as a surgeon, who handled even the most complicated cataract cases successfully. She also admired how patiently he mentored the local residents, guiding them step by step in everything from performing a regional block to making their very first incision.
For Juqing, the most touching moments came from the patients themselves. Some dressed in festive costumes as a way of honoring the team and celebrating their chance at restored sight. One grandmother, eager to express her gratitude, had practiced saying “Thank you” with her grandson before coming to the hospital. The warmth of the local community left a deep impression, from the mayor’s hospitality to the team’s designated driver and translator who supported them throughout the mission.
A second mission in Ulaanbaatar
In April 2025, Juqing returned to Mongolia—this time to the First Hospital in Ulaanbaatar, where the journey was smoother thanks once again to the careful coordination of Dr. Parsons and Christine.
She teamed up with Dr. French, Jody, and Wanda from Newfoundland. Their passion, work ethic, and warmth made the experience rewarding and collaborative from the start.
Working alongside them, Juqing witnessed Dr. French’s impact as both surgeon and teacher. His lectures on phaco complications were highly valued, and residents eagerly hoped for more opportunities to scrub in with him.
Juqing also worked closely with Migaa, an OR nurse in training, and took joy in mentoring her. Together, they ensured strict surgical attire standards, sterile techniques, and coordinated care across pre-op, intra-op, and post-op teams. Their teamwork extended even to the Medical Device Reprocessing Department, ensuring smooth instrument turnover and safe patient flow.
She was also grateful to Dr. Zulaa and her staff, who supported the team not only at work but also in their well-being, providing meals and even inviting them to a beautiful cultural music performance.
Lessons learned and looking ahead
Through her missions with LSF, Juqing has been reminded of the contrast between the abundant resources available in Canada and the limited supplies in Mongolia. She has also witnessed the hunger to learn among Mongolian residents and nurses, and the impact that sharing skills and knowledge can have in building sustainable healthcare capacity.
Reflecting on her experiences, Juqing shares: “I learned so much from my team members and felt so lucky to live in Canada with resources I can never take for granted. I am so grateful to Dr. Parsons and Christine for giving me the opportunity to serve and to be part of this mission. I can’t wait for our next trip.”
From Nanning to Vancouver, and now to Mongolia, Juqing Liang’s story is one of service, leadership, and compassion. She continues to inspire her colleagues, students, and family with her dedication to patients and her belief that volunteering is one of the greatest ways to give back to humanity.
