UH Med Now

Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MS, MPH, MSEE, working at the home office sipping iced tea from a pineapple with a paper umbrella. In this time of pandemic, balancing work at home, virtual patient visits, and taking care of her family, Tseng knows that setting aside personal time assures her positive outlook from day to day.

JABSOM’S Chien-Wen Tseng & her role with the US Preventive Task Force

By Paula Bender, JABSOM News

Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MS, MPH, MSEE, was volunteered to the  US Preventive Services Task Force five year ago.  She had no idea that JABSOM recommended her.

“The nomination was a surprise. Senator Brian Schatz had the foresight to want a physician from Hawaii to serve on the USPSTF,” Tseng said, who is also a physician investigator for the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute (PHREI). ” Dean Hedges and Allen “Chip” Hixon, MD, Professor & Chair of Family Medicine, gave me their full support and that’s how I came to serve on the USPSTF.  When I finish my term, I’ll be looking to see who else from Hawaii we can nominate.”

Usually it’s a 4-year term with the USPSTF,  but Tseng is in her 5th year: “It’s tough to say no to the Task Force.

“This is my dream job. I get to serve my country. I work on preventive care recommendations that help keep millions of people healthy nationwide. The folks on the USPSTF are truly outstanding colleagues. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life, Tseng said. “Luckily my other dream job at the UH JABSOM Department of Family Medicine and Community Health comes with a paycheck!”

The volunteer position involves a lot of reading and a lot of time. Each of the task force members reviews existing recommendations for preventive medicine and determine if new edits are needed. It’s a non-stop cycle, and Tseng and her USPSTF colleagues work from all over the mainland, connecting through ZOOM meetings and emails to determine edits that assure the most current information is available for healthcare professionals to consult.

Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng visiting patients prior to COVID-19 mask requirements.

It’s hard to believe that a doctor with a family who weighs in on medical measures has any spare time at all.

“Honestly, it’s been a blur. We’ve worked hard to take care of our patients, loved ones, and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the USPSTF has continued full-speed ahead – preventive care is more important than ever,” Tseng said. “Truth is, no one is happy if they expect perfection all the time. I am happy knowing I’ve put forth my best each day.”

Tseng knows it’s important to balance family life, career, and personal time.

“My kids, friends, and fellow triathletes balance it for me. I start with sunrise swims at Kaimana Beach during the weekdays and on weekends. I get to wave hi at other JABSOM cyclists hitting the road,” Tseng said. “I work hard, but I have so much good to start with and to come back to each day. Lucky we live in Hawaii.”

Chien-Wen Tseng, USPSTF Recommendations for 2020, 2021

• Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Persons
• Sexually Transmitted Infections: Behavioral Counseling

• Healthy Diet and Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Behavioral Counseling Interventions
• Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults
• Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: Screening

• Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnant Persons to Prevent Preterm Delivery: Screening
• Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Persons
• Sexually Transmitted Infections: Behavioral Counseling

• Illicit Drug Use in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Primary Care-Based Interventions
• Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Screening
• Unhealthy Drug Use: Screening
• Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
• High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: Screening