www.hku.hk/facmed/newsletterVol. 16 • Issue 3 January 2012

Spotlight

Speech by Prof Lung Ying-Tai atFaculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony 2011

The Faculty in 2011

FEAtURE

Launching of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

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13

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Editor-in-ChiefProfessor Daniel TM Chan（陳德茂）MembersProfessor Godfrey CF Chan（陳志峰）Professor Sophia SC Chan（陳肇始）Dr LK Chan（陳立基）Dr Gilberto KK Leung（梁嘉傑） Professor NK Leung（梁乃江）Professor John M Nicholls（黎國思）Professor NG Patil（彭達）Dr MH Sham（岑美霞）Dr Z Zhang（張樟進）

Li Ka Shing FacuLty oF Medicine

21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong KongTel: 2819 9175 Fax: 2974 0678Email: medfac@hku.hkWebsite: www.med.hku.hk

editoriaL Board

Volume 16 • Issue 3 • January 2012

Student RepresentativesMr Adrian Fung（馮智衡）, MBBS IVMiss Joyce Lai（黎可恩）, MBBS IVMr Keedon Wong（黃基定）, MBBS III

Publishing EditorsMs Yvonne Li（李琬雯）Ms Celia Ip（葉敏漩）Graphic DesignVisionguard

DEan’S MESSaGE 1 FEatuRE 2Launching of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences SPOtLIGHt 5The Faculty in 2011 Speech by Prof Lung Ying-Tai atFaculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony 2011

EDuCatIOn MattERS 9 InSIDE tHE FaCuLty 10 nExt GEnERatIOn 14 aLuMnI nEwS 16 COnGRatuLatIOnS 19 MEDIa HIGHLIGHtS & DOnatIOnS 20 PEOPLE 21 FORtHCOMInG EvEntS 22

From the EditorThis issue of Medical Faculty News, coinciding with

the season of festivities and nutcrackers, highlights an important Faculty initiative in the New Year - the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences. In our Feature article, Dr Sham Mai Har, the ‘chief architect’ of the programme, explains the background to the establishment of this new undergraduate degree, and how it will respond to the escalating need for expertise in the field, locally and globally.

As in the previous year-end issue, we provide a summary of Faculty activities in the past 12 months. This ‘synopsis in numbers’ describes the vast amount of work related to teaching and learning, research, clinical and other services, and knowledge exchange undertaken by colleagues. I have no intention of joining the debate on doctors’ working hours, but the figures suggest that Medical Faculty members work 48 hours a day.

In addition, there is the message to new graduates by Professor Lung Ying-Tai, HKU Hung Leung Hau Ling Distinguished Fellow in Humanities and Invited Speaker at the 2011 Medical Faculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony. This offers a personal and intimate discourse on the integrity and social responsibility expected of healthcare workers. Much food for thought at the turn of the year.

While the HKU Centenary Celebration continues into its second year, 2012 also marks the 125th Anniversary of the Medical Faculty. Watch out for a series celebratory activities, which will include the publication of a new brochure giving an overview of the Faculty from past to future.

Before you turn the page, the Editorial Team would like to take this opportunity to thank all Faculty colleagues and our readers for their support, and to wish them good health, much happiness, and an uplifting New Year!

With very best wishes

Daniel TM ChanEditor-in-Chief

Contents

From the EditorDean’sMessage

1Dean’s Message • Medical Faculty News

s we start 2012, the new year provides a splendid time for both reflection and anticipation.

Nurturing the younger generation lies at the heart of the Faculty. A great deal of work has been undertaken in the past year to prepare for the new medical and nursing curricula, and the challenges presented by the double-cohort intake in 2012. Also on the education front, the Faculty will launch the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences in the 2012-13 academic year. Progress in the biomedical sciences affects all walks of life, and the rate of advancement is phenomenal. We cherish the opportunity to be a part of this development. We must also make sure that our future generations are adequately equipped to participate and make contributions to this field. The programme aims to give undergraduates a solid, broad-based foundation and to provide the flexibility for further pursuit in more specialised disciplines. Graduates can either go on to a research-focused career or take other professional pathways that involve biomedical sciences.

I am pleased and proud to see that research has continued to flourish in the Faculty. We have been highly successful in securing major research grants and launching pioneering new research initiatives. For example, two major proposals from the Faculty have been successful in the Research Grants Council’s inaugural Theme-based Research Scheme. I am particularly encouraged and inspired by an increasing number of young investigators with their collaborative spirit. They have become the major driving force in our inexorable quest for knowledge and truth. I applaud their effort.

Knowledge exchange, being a core activity of the University, aims to translate the University’s excellence in research and teaching into benefits to the public. Both teachers and students in the Faculty have a strong track record in this area, and have kept up its efforts and commitment by promoting health education to members of the public through activities that have integrated us with the community.

We should remind ourselves that healthcare workers, researchers and teachers in biomedical sciences are practising in a privileged field – one that is closest to ‘life’ and the human ‘heart’. If one is not careful, the pressure of examinations on a student, the attention to performance by a healthcare worker, and the desire to achieve could make one forget the meaning and purpose of our profession. Professionalism, empathy and integrity are prerequisites for our work and life-long mission, and there is no room for compromise. The Faculty is determined to strengthen and enrich medical humanities and ethics into our curricula.

Looking ahead, the Faculty will continue to strive for excellence in education, research and medical care. While we treasure ambition and vision, we must remain humble. It is only through humility that we can perceive our own inadequacies, appreciate our colleagues and friends, and remain lucid about the correct path forward.

I wish to thank everyone who has given their support both to me and the Faculty over the years. 2012 will be a special year when the Faculty celebrates its 125th anniversary. With your ongoing encouragement and engagement, I am sure that the year ahead will be filled with meaning and fond memories.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and fruitful new year.

Professor SP LeeDean of Medicine

The Faculty will continue to strive

for excellence in education, research and medical care. While we treasure

ambition and vision, we must remain

humble.

Why does Hong Kong need a biomedical Bachelor programme? Biomedicine is expected to come of age in the 21st century, as heralded by the completion of the International HapMap Project, which charts the common patterns of DNA sequence variations in the human population. Explosive growth in the field and huge demand for well-trained biomedical scientists are anticipated in the near future. While many universities worldwide have biomedical science undergraduate programmes to produce scientists and healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand, to date Hong Kong’s tertiary education sector lacks an independent programme of this kind.

This is now set to change with the arrival of HKU’s innovative four-year Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc), which is being introduced by the Medical Faculty in 2012. The degree is the first undergraduate programme in Hong Kong to focus on the relationships between human biology, health sciences, and diseases. It also aims to translate basic sciences to applications in medicine, health services, the healthcare industry, and spur innovation and technology for understanding human diseases and improving human health.

How would you define biomedical sciences? I would say it is everything that has to do with biomedicine. There are three pillars: understanding life science and health; understanding disease mechanisms; and the application of technologies. They interlink to form biomedical sciences.

What are the programme’s goals?We aim to provide students with a solid but adaptive foundation in biomedical sciences, so that after graduation they can pursue different career pathways in this field to fruition. Students will gain a core knowledge base of key biomedical disciplines. At the same time, they will learn the fundamentals of the scientific basis of human health and disease, and modern technologies in biomedicine.

What is the difference between the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc)?Unlike BBiomedSc, the BSc programme does not focus primarily on biomedicine. As mentioned earlier, biomedical sciences places more emphasis on the three pillars. At the moment, only two local universities offer BSc programmes with elements of biomedicine. One focuses on basic molecular science while the other is more technology and practical oriented to train biomedical technologists.

Besides the broad fields of biomedical sciences, we will include specialised courses in distinctive areas, such as stem cell biology, cancer biology, system biology, genomic science, neuroscience, immunology and infection, metabolic medicine, and regenerative medicine. Courses on healthcare financing and policy, and epidemiology, will also be offered.

2 Medical Faculty News • Feature

Feature

A Healthy DevelopmentLaunching of the New Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences ProgrammeDr Sham Mai Har（岑美霞）, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, talks to Medical Faculty News about the first undergraduate programme in Hong Kong that responds to the burgeoning demand for biomedical professionals.

3Feature • Medical Faculty News

Does this programme help students develop their soft skills in areas such as oral presentation and written material? The curriculum features a component devoted to the development of a range of transferrable skills. There are English courses to prepare students for academic communication. In addition, there will be projects throughout the programme whereby students will need to prepare written reports or manuscripts, and frequent opportunities to present their work to peers.

What are the possible career options and prospects for graduates?BBiomedSc graduates could end up in many different areas. I expect some will become researchers while others may enter a broad range of fields, such as government or the commercial sector. An important element is to foster and nurture the development of critical thinking. This is what matters. The programme also ensures that graduates acquire an excellent foundation for further studies in MPhil/PhD programmes.

Is there a real demand for biomedical researchers in Hong Kong?Definitely, and the need is growing. And we should not look at Hong Kong alone. The demand is from the region and globally. A lot of today’s science graduates are trained in basic sciences but not specifically steered towards the field of biomedicine. This means employers have to further invest to train graduates for the field. The establishment of a BBiomedSc programme partially reflects this demand and will give our students a competitive edge.

What is the BBiomedSc’s unique selling point?The Faculty has an established high-quality and multidisciplinary learning environment for the programme’s students. Our excellent track record in biomedical research and strong teams of biomedical scientists in different disciplines ensure that the programme will be strong, sustainable, and competitive, and also with international benchmarking and recognition. The Faculty is putting forward its strongest support to this programme.

What kind of qualities are you looking for in students who seek admission to this programme?Interest in both medical and basic sciences. It doesn’t matter what students want to do when they graduate as this programme is broad-based. It would help opening up different pathways for our students. But it is important that students enjoy biomedicine in the first place.

How do you measure ‘interest’ among applicants?It’s hard, but we hope to ascertain this through the interviews. The students themselves should know. It is always essential to follow one’s heart.

Would it be accurate to say that BBiomedSc programme is similar to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme without its clinical components? BBiomedSc is more knowledge-based, especially with regard to basic science, and also broader and more flexible. Students will learn contemporary biomedical science and technological development, and the undergraduate research project will be an in-depth study in a chosen field. Our current MBBS curriculum offers an exposure to biomedical sciences that is sufficient for clinical practice but does not cover as much breadth and depth as the BBiomedSc.

Who designed the BBiomedSc curriculum? Was it adapted from any model? The curriculum is a joint effort between various Faculty departments. In fact, educators and scientists sat together and designed the programme from scratch. Surely we have surveyed other biomedical sciences programmes from renowned universities during the design process, and we evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the possible components and arrangements.

4 Medical Faculty News • Feature

Feature

Will there be opportunities for biomedical students to engage in experiential learning?Definitely. The programme recommends that students undertake informal attachments at other institutions throughout their studies to broaden their perspective, further develop their interest in the field, and to meet more people. They can also apply for a University exchange scholarship and go abroad while earning credits at home.

What is your vision for this programme?The BBiomedSc programme will be the top undergraduate programme for training biomedical scientists, our graduates will be in demand. BBiomedSc is a broad-based science programme, it covers diverse areas and not restrictive so that it is competitively adaptive. On the other hand, it also provide students with options to specialise if they wish. I see that it will grow in strength and scope, with more study options in the future and allow students to further explore their interests.

For more information about the BBiomedSc programme and admission procedures, please visit www0.hku.hk/facmed/03edu_undergrad.htm.

Interview conducted by Keedon Wong (MBBS III)

“The newly launched Biomedical Sciences programme focuses on the relationships b e t w e e n h u m a n s , h e a l t h , a n d t h e mechanisms of disease, with the aim of translating biomedical applications in basic sciences to clinical practice in health services and the healthcare industry. By undertaking this programme, students will acquire knowledge in key biomedical disciplines, and at the same time gain fundamental understanding of the scientific basis of human health and disease, and modern technologies in biomedicine. This will provide students with an excellent base for pursuing a career or further study in areas related to the biomedical sciences.”

Professor yuen Kwok yung（袁國勇）Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases and Chair Professor of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology

Faculty Members’ Views

“ The innovative Biomedical Sciences programme will produce graduates with life-long learning capabilities and a sound foundation of knowledge interconnecting science, industry and the community. Graduates will understand the wider perspective of major issues involved in healthcare and the roles of various stakeholders. Importantly, they will be able to strategically position themselves for a variety of careers in medical and health services, research and development in industry, and as future physicians and biomedical scientists.”

Professor Chan Li Chong（陳立昌）Chair Professor of Pathology, Department of Pathology

Core Courses for the BBiomedSc Programme

year 1 & 2 Foundation and Introductory Courses • Basic Science e.g. Biostatistics, Biochemistry, Chemistry,

Human Genetics, Human Biology• Medical Science e.g. Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology,

Epidemiology• Technology Biomedical Laboratory

year 3 & 4 advance and Elective Courses on Disease Mechanisms, Strategies for Diagnosis• Basic Science

e.g. Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Neuroscience

• Medical Science e.g. Medical Microbiology, Infection and

Immunity, Disease Mechanisms• Technologies e.g. Sequence Bioinformatics, Molecular

Diagnostics Laboratory, Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Clinical Trial Strategies

year 4 Final year Research Project (Individual supervision by Professors of the Faculty)

Undergraduate Programmes (full-time) year 1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 5 total

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 167 172 162 134 122 757Bachelor of Nursing 188 186 181 187 – 742 Bachelor of Chinese Medicine 24 20 20 20 17 101Bachelor of Pharmacy 24 25 26 N/A N/A 75

Through the 2011 Early Admissions Scheme for outstanding Form Six students, our Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme admitted eight students with 10As, 25 students with 9As, 20 students with 8As and four students with 7As in HKCEE.

Students with excellent HKAL results were also admitted to the MBBS and Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes (average score: 2As and 1B)*.

The average score of JUPAS students admitted to our Bachelor of Nursing programme was the highest among similar programmes in Hong Kong.

* For students admitted through JUPAS scheme.

Postgraduate Education The Faculty currently offers 20 taught postgraduate programmes. The Faculty successfully admitted 185 Research Postgraduate (RPg) students in 2011-12. Nine

of our new PhD intake have been awarded Hong Kong PhD Fellowships by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and 10 have been awarded University Postgraduate Fellowships.

One PhD student won the Li Ka Shing Prize. Two PhD and two MPhil students received Outstanding Research Postgraduate Student Awards.

Eleven RPg students gained admittance to exchange at renowned universities overseas, including Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland, University of Liverpool, and King’s College London, UK, Harvard Medical School, Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University, USA, as well as Hospital for Sick Children, Canada. More than HK$0.6 million was allocated to support the exchange students and their supervisors.

The Faculty launched two Joint PhD Programmes, with Imperial College London and King’s College London respectively, in 2011, and has admitted one student to each programme.

Research Grants Research grants awarded to Faculty members totalled over HK$238 million.

number of HK$ Projects (in Million)

RGC General Research Fund 67 61.3

Theme-based Research Scheme 2 100

RGC Collaborative Research Fund 2 8.51

UGC Area of Excellence – Development Genomics & Skeletal Research (sustained funding) 1 35.62

National Natural Science Foundation of China/RGC Joint Research Scheme 4 3.20

Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases 26 19.22

Health and Health Services Research Fund 8 4.79

SK Yee Medical Foundation Grants 6 5.21

Research Output The Faculty’s refereed research output saw 2,997 items produced in 2010-11, accounting for 37%

of the University’s total of 8,082 refereed items. Output included important publications in Science and Nature Biotechnology.

According to ISI Essential Science Indicators, Faculty members published 139 Highly Cited Papers, which accounted for 43% of the 321 papers from HKU.

Public Education Projects number

Public lectures/ Symposia/ Forums 45

Media interviews & press conferences 31

Health programmes on television and radio 50

Regular newspaper columns 89

Media coverage generated 1,478

5Spotlight • Medical Faculty News

The Faculty in 2011(as of December 2011)

2,043Undergraduate Students

1,332 Postgraduate Students

1,646Honorary Academic Staff

255Professoriate Staff

Spotlight

6 Medical Faculty News • Spotlight

Members of the Faculty, distinguished guests, proud parents, and graduates:

I am most reluctant in giving graduation addresses because the given audience is usually the worst kind – before you open your mouth, they wish you were already done, and whatever you say, they are determined that they won’t remember a thing once they are out of the hall.

Under these tough circumstances, I still have to say that it’s not only an honour and pleasure for me to be here with you today; it’s also a calculated pre-emptive measure because sooner or later, one way or another, I am going to fall into your hands. And when our paths do cross, I naturally would hope that you are not only professionally excellent but also socially committed and compassionate.

Today is the graduation ceremony for your Study Phase I, medicine, and it’s also the inauguration ceremony for your Study Phase II, the study of life. So I’d like to share with you some of my own notes about life.

I grew up in a port city in southern Taiwan called Kaohsiung. In 1961, when I was in the 2nd grade, something happened to my class. A girl vomited so violently that she had to be taken to the hospital. Very soon we were told to go home; all schools were shut down indefinitely. When we came back to the classroom some days later, several seats were empty. That was the first time I heard of the disease called “cholera.” Of course I didn’t know that our neighboring “village,” Hong Kong, was hit by the same epidemic that year and 15 people died from it. We are much more connected than we know.

I was a child of the so-called “third world.” Imagine these snapshots in black and white: young mothers spent all day piecing together plastic flowers and cheap Christmas lights in the crammed living rooms while their children ran around with T-shirts sewn together from sacks in which milk powder had been transported as American aid; printed over the chest of a child might happen to be the picture of two masculine hands engaged in a shake, with the caption, “China-US Cooperation,” or “net weight 20 pounds.” One of the major surprises I had when I arrived in the US for my graduate studies in 1975 was to discover that the milk people were drinking was not made

from dried powder. In my class of 1961, nearly every girl had head lice in her hair – the tiny white eggs of the lice sticking to the hair look like dandruff, and oftentimes you would see a schoolteacher holing up a can of DDT, a synthetic insecticide, spraying at the head a crouched girl.

Hong Kong people of my generation have very similar memories of their past. Milk powder and cheap Christmas lights, cholera and head lice were all footprints of poverty. And if we go one or two generations further back, the pictures would be even bleaker. A Western missionary who arrived in China in 1895 described what she saw on the streets: “Everywhere are people whose skin have festering sores, people whose thyroid gland was so overblown that they couldn’t walk straight; everywhere are the deformed, the blind and beggars of incredible shapes and forms.”

A Japanese writer called Ohashi Otowa visited Hong Kong in 1900. By chance he stepped into a hospital and caught sight of a sickroom: “I peeped into an ill-lit room and saw a lowly Chinaman lying on a bare board wriggling like a maggot. It was so filthy and the stench so penetrating that we took immediate flight.”

But why am I telling you this? Why am I telling you this on this particular day, for this particular occasion, at this particular place?

I have my reasons.

You are the centenary graduates of the University of Hong Kong, which was built on the foundation of the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese established in 1887. Keep in mind that in 1887, post-mortem examination was still considered by most Chinese as a sacrilege, an offense, if not a crime; keep in mind that in 1897 when Lu Xun（魯迅）’s father was fatally ill, the local doctor’s prescription for him was to find a pair of crickets, which must be “yuan pei”（元配） – a pair from first mating. Only in this historical context you come to realize that the founding of the Hong Kong College of Medicine 124 years ago was a ground-breaking, epoch-making milestone and the people who made it possible must have been people with a tremendous sense of commitment and, above all, with the power of vision. It’s people like Ho Kai（何啟）and Patrick Manson who paved the way for you to arrive in this hall today.

Speech by Professor Lung Ying-TaiFaculty Graduation and

Prize Presentation Ceremony 2011Queen Elizabeth Stadium

November 28, 2011

Spotlight

college of the University of Hong Kong, which began with the daring dream of a handful of people, is turning out some of the best scientists and professionals shaping the future of the global community.

And you are part and parcel of this heritage. However, if so much has been accomplished by your “village elders” like Patrick Manson and Sun Yat Sen, is there anything left for your generation, for you, to dream, to dare, to devote yourselves to?

I think yes, there is.

Before the 43-year-old Dr Manson decided to help found the Hong Kong School of Medicine, he had studied his place and time. The place was Hong Kong, where health care for the local population was in a miserable state. The time was late Ching, when old structures had begun to crumble and new values had not been formed. Sun Yat Sen was 26 when he graduated from this college but decided to make the country his patient. He studied medicine, he walked the streets of this colony, and he pondered upon the maladies of the nation, looking for remedies.

So what is your place and time? First let us look at who you are. About 20% of you, the medical students of HKU, come from families with both parents or one of the parents being healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, Chinese Medicine practitioners. Close to 60% of you come from families with

a post-secondary education. It is pretty safe to say that you are, or will be, the elite of the society.

But exactly what kind of society do you find yourselves in?

There is something very “unique” about this “village” you belong to. In a city of seven million people with an average per capita income of nearly US$30,000, 1.2 million people live below the poverty line. If that sounds abstract, try stand on a corner of Bonham Street and count the children who walk by – one, two, three, four – one out of every four children in this glamorous city live in poverty.

7Spotlight • Medical Faculty News

On October 1, 1887, the inauguration ceremony for the Hong Kong College of Medicine took place and its first Dean, Dr Patrick Manson, who is still revered today as the founder of the tropical medicine field, gave the address. This medical college, he predicted, will offer an opportunity for Hong Kong “to become a center and distributor, not for merchandise only, but also for science.” Looking at the freshmen amongst the audience, he added, “The old Greek cities used to boast of their great men, and claim them with jealous care. Let us hope that in the new and greater China of the future, when the learned dispute of their great men, not a few may be claimed for Hong Kong and for the school today inaugurated.”

Among the 30 some students inaugurated in 1887, only two graduated, in 1892. One became a country doctor in Malaysia, and the other, thinking that “healing men” is not as important as “curing the country,” gave up the medical profession for something else.

Originally, when Sun Yat Sen（孫中山）was still a student in Hong Kong, he had in mind only a very modest project. So impressed by the modern management of this colony, he intended to carve out a Hong Kong “on small scale” out of his hometown, Heungshan（香山）. The young man began to build a road with shovel and pickax, hoping that it would connect his own village with the next. Only when this small project failed due to local corruption, he turned to something bigger – he overthrew the Chinese empire.

From Manson’s inauguration address of 1887 to this graduation speech of 2011, our lives – yours and mine – have been changed by many extraordinary people. Some men of vision transformed education; some men of action started a r e v o l u t i o n a n d f o u n d e d a n e w nation; some men and women with perseverance and intelligence created vaccines or provided cure – small pox and rinderpest are eradicated, malaria is largely eliminated, cholera is under control, and most school girls of Taiwan and Hong Kong today do not know what head lice are. 124 years down the road, this medical

8 Medical Faculty News • Spotlight

And have you ever paid attention to those elderly women who are pushing heavily loaded trolleys up the steep hills in Central? In this society, nearly 40% of the elderly fall below the poverty line. When visitors arrive at the airport, they immediately see an attractive slogan: “World City of Asia.” What’s not spelled out in that slogan is that income equality of this city is the worst in Asia, worse than India or Mainland China, and the wealth gap here ranks the biggest among all developed economies in the world.

This society that you and I have membership of is probably the easiest place in the world for a photographer to find a spot on any street and he can catch the moment when a Rolls Royce or a Bentley happens to be driving by an elderly man who is scavenging a garbage bin.

I am not suggesting that you should follow Lu Xun and turn to radical writing, or emulate Sun Yat Sen and engage in politics or become social workers. Life offers too many interesting as well as surprising possibilities. But as centenary graduates of this institution of such important heritage, you might consider spending more thoughts on where you have come from and where you may choose to go. The first stone of the road was laid down 124 years ago with the hope to connect to the next village, which is where you are today. Patrick Manson fought against ignorance and insisted on learning; Sun Yat Sen fought against corruption and insisted on good governance; as the torch relay continues, what will you fight against, and what will you insist on?

I hope you don’t have ready answers for me, because if you do, I would be suspicious. What one fights against and what one insists on, taken in its totality, are called personal beliefs. Personal beliefs are not declared. They are practiced in the minute details of life. They are revealed in the smallest decisions of daily routine.

Patrick Manson later worked as advisor to the Colonial Office in London and his main job was to examine recruits and select those who are physically fit for jobs in the tropics. An unexpected problem arose, that is, he discovered that more than 90% of the applicants for subordinate positions such as railroad workers had bad teeth, which by regulation should disqualify them. He had to make a decision what to do.

Manson wrote to the Colonial Office: “To reject these would amount to almost wholesale rejection of all men of their class.” He therefore suggested that the government provide dental care for those who couldn’t afford it. Some professionals would see decayed teeth just as decayed teeth, but some others, people like Manson, would see things on the existential level – he sees human plight. And it’s small, banal decisions such as this that make us what we truly are.

My family moved to a fishing village when I was 14. We were so poor that, when the children got sick, my mother would not dare to go to a clinic. One day, my youngest brother had a fever so high and coughed so badly that my mother was forced to go to the village doctor. We all went – four children of different age and height stood face to face with this very quiet man. He hardly spoke, and when he did speak, with a very soft voice, it was either Japanese or the Fukien dialect, which we could not understand a word of. He checked the little boy, pressed the medicine into my mother’s hand, coached her in the unintelligible language how to care for the young, and refused to accept fees. And thereafter, throughout our childhood, he declined any fees from us.

That was my very first memory of a doctor’s visit. The room was barely furnished but extremely clean and outside the room was a small courtyard, glittering with afternoon sunshine, and I could smell the scent of the summer jasmine in full bloom.

I wish you success and happiness, and thank you all.

Faculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony 2011

On November 28, 2011, over 2,000 graduands, awardees and their families and friends gathered in

the Queen Elizabeth Stadium for the Faculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony. Officiated by Professor Roland Chin（錢大康）, Acting Vice-Chancellor and with Professor Lung Ying-Tai（龍應台） as the guest of honour, the Ceremony was a precious moment marking the conclusion of our graduands’ study life, as well as the start of a new chapter in their life-long professional endeavour.

Spotlight

9Education Matters • Medical Faculty News

EducationMatters

Six-year MBBS Programme to Broaden Student Experience Beyond Medicine

The education reforms will also see the existing four-year Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) transformed into

a five-year programme in 2012. With the extra year and a re-designed curriculum, there will be unprecedented room for undergraduate students to broaden their vision and knowledge base. The new programme will enable students to develop generic and specialised skills, engage in diverse local and global learning experiences, and monitor their own study and learning needs. In addition, students will be able to enhance their capabilities in communicating with others as well as tackling novel situations and ill-defined problems.

G r a d u a t e s f r o m t h e f i v e - y e a r B N u r s programme will be inquisitive, l ife-long learners , who have a cr i t ica l mind for intel lectual pursuits and a humanist ic or ientat ion for improv ing the human condition. They will also have the competence to pursue professional excellence and the vision to promote global health.

A s part of the 3+3+4 curriculum reform, the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme

will be lengthened from five to six years, starting in 2012.

Like the current programme, the six-year MBBS will be system and problem based. However, there will also be important differences, which are aimed at broadening the students’ horizons. Students will be required to complete six Common Core Courses in areas beyond medicine. In addition, the first year of the new programme seeks to serve as an “Introduction to the Art and Science of Medicine”, embracing life sciences medical ethics, humanities and public health.

Language training will be an important part of the new MBBS programme. In addition to two English courses, one of which targets the use of English in the discipline, a Chinese language course with emphasis on healthcare professional

use will be introduced. Another important feature is the elective programme in the second semester of the third year, which will provide opportunities to widen students’ education in various cultural, geographical, clinical or research settings.

Ready to Set the Pace with Five-year BNurs Programme Comparison of the 4-year and 5-year BNurs programmes

Year 1

Introduction to Health SciencesMechanism of Diseases

Health and the Local/Global CommunityMedical Ethics and Humanities

CCC

CCC and General English Course

Year 2RESP CVS GI URO MSS

CCCCCC

Year 3CNS H & N HI ENDO

ElectiveProfessional Use of Chinese

Year 4Integrated Block Junior Clerkship

English in the Discipline

Year 5 Senior Clerkship Specialty Clerkship

Year 6 Specialty Clerkship Elective Pre-internship

6-year MBBS curriculum structure

4-year programme

• 60creditsperacademicyear•Total43courses&240credits: • 30 Core courses (144 credits) • 1 Chinese language course (3 credits) • 2 English language courses (6 credits) • 2 Common core courses (12 credits) • 1 Nursing elective course (6 credits) • 7 Practicum courses (69 credits)

5-year programme

• 60creditsperacademicyear• Total45courses&300credits: • 28 Core courses (168 credits) • 1 Chinese language course (6 credits) • 2 English language courses (12 credits) • 6 Common core courses (36 credits) • 1 Nursing elective course (6 credits) • 7 Practicum courses (72 credits)

For more details about the programmes, please visit the Education section of the Faculty website at www0.hku.hk/facmed/03edu_undergrad.htm.

Inside the Faculty

Medical Faculty News • Inside the Faculty 10

18th Hong Kong International Cancer Congress

Department of Surgery Distinguished Lecture by Professor SP Lee

T he 10th Distinguished Lecture organised by the Department of Surgery, entitled “Romancing the Gallstone”, was delivered by Professor SP Lee（李心平）, Dean of Medicine, on October 28, 2011. Using personal reflections on a lifetime’s journey in different places and times, Professor

Lee vividly illustrated his interest in gallstone research and touched the hearts of the audience of more than 400 in the packed auditorium.

The lecture was followed by a dinner in honour of Professor Lee, with an inspiring after-dinner speech by Dr Luk Che Chung（陸志聰）, Cluster Chief Executive of the Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority.

F rom November 10-12, 2011, the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium (SCRMC) hosted the “Re-engineering Regenerative Medicine” Symposium. Thirty overseas experts spoke

at the event to more than 500 registered participants from over 15 countries. The conference, sponsored by the Innovation and Technology Commission and The Croucher Foundation, was jointly organised by SCRMC, Days of Molecular Medicine Global Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Science Translational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Fondation IPSEN.

Br i l l i ant minds gathered to explore the inter face bet ween t i ssue engineering and stem cell biology, and how to overcome barriers in translating new research advances into tangible cl inical benef its . Professor Ronald Li（李登偉）, SY and HY Cheng Professor in Stem Cel l Biology and Regenerat ive Medicine and Director of SCRMC, acknowledged the efforts made by academics and government in supporting this research area. He also pointed out that the pioneering symposium was an important leap forward for Hong Kong in this revolutionary field, with Hong Kong presenting to the world over 50 new stem cell projects which are conducted by over 100 local investigators.

“Re-engineering Regenerative Medicine” Symposium by SCRMC

T he 2011 Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, entitled “Integration and Collaboration – The Way Forward” was held on November 3-5, 2011, attracting over 1,100 participants.

Topics tackled in the 20 sessions included targeted therapy, tumour microenvironment, traditional Chinese Medicine, pain management, family medicine, gynaecology and psycho-social oncology. Twelve internationally renowned overseas scientists and over 30 leading local scientists and practitioners were invited to deliver talks. To acknowledge research excellence, four Young Investigator Awards were presented to Mr Adrian Wan（溫浩然）of the Centre on

Behavioral Health and Ms Angel Au（區可兒）of the School of Public Health, Mr Nicholas Wong（黃仲廉）of the Department of Surgery, and Dr Anna Tsang（曾智敏）of the Department of Anatomy. Four Best Poster Prizes were awarded to Ms Li Jie 李潔）of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Mr Oscar Yeung（楊偉豪）of the Department of Surgery,

Mr Man Cheuk Him（文卓謙）of the Department of Medicine, and Dr Liu Jing（劉靜）of the Department of Pathology.

Inside the Faculty • Medical Faculty News 11

Symposium to mark the Establishment of the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care

W ith a generous donation from the Temasek Foundation, the “Training-of-Trainers Programme for Advancement in Nursing for Educators, Managers and Community Nurses in China” has been successfully completed. A closing ceremony was held on July

25, 2011 in Guangzhou, with Mr Feng Xhaoming, Director of Division for Exchange and Cooperation of the Department of Health of Guangdong Province, Mr Gerald Yeo, Director of Programmes and Partnerships of the Temasek Foundation, Professor Agnes Tiwari（羅鳳儀）, Head of the School of Nursing, HKU, and Professor Sophia Chan（陳肇始）, Project Director, officiating at the ceremony. About 100 guests and course participants attended.

At the event, Professor Chan gave a brief report on the outcomes and achievements of the project. Selected champions also shared their learning experiences and showed their appreciation of the opportunities provided by the Temasek Foundation. All attending guests were impressed by the outstanding achievements of course participants and the impact on other nurses in the province.

T he Family Medicine and Primary Care Symposium, “Enhancing Quality Primary Care through Research and Evidence in Hong Kong”, organised by the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care,

took place on November 26-27, 2011. Dr York Chow（周一嶽）, Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Donald Li（李國棟）, Regional President of WONCA Asia-Pacific and Professor SP Lee, Dean of Medicine, were invited to officiate at the inauguration ceremony for the recently formed Department.

Highlights of the symposium included a keynote presentation by the 2011 Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) Visiting Professor David Mant of the University of Oxford, who presented research studies and evidences that really makes a difference to patient care. Around 200 participants attended the plenary sessions. The event also provided stakeholders in primary care research with an opportunity to share their views at the symposium forum and workshops.

Closing Ceremony of HKU-Temasek “Training-of-Trainers Programme”

Hong Kong Public Health Forum 2011

“A Growing Alcohol Epidemic: Uncontrolled and Uncontrollable?” was the theme of the Hong Kong Public Health Forum held on December

12, 2011. Around 150 health professionals, students and government officials attended the event, with distinguished guests Dr CH Leong（梁智鴻）, Council Chairman; Professor Paul Tam（譚廣亨）, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research); Dr Lam Ping Yan（林秉恩）, Director of Health, Department of Health; and Dr Lo Su Vui（羅思偉）, Director (Strategy and Planning), Hospital Authority.

Professor Sally Casswell delivered the Anthony J Hedley Lecture entitled “Recent Developments in Intervention Research: Regulation of Alcohol Promotion”. The forum also featured a thought-provoking discussion with Professors Anthony J Hedley and Sian M Griffiths who shared their views on alcohol control in Hong Kong. Professor Lam Tai Hing（林大慶）, Director of the School of Public Health, concluded that alcohol was a human carcinogen, and public awareness and media concern should be aroused.

Medical Faculty News • Inside the Faculty 12

Inside the Faculty

A round 200 overseas and local par t icipants attended the annual flagship conference

“Frontiers in Medical and Health Sciences Education”, held on December 2-3, 2011, organised by the Institute of M edica l and Hea l th Sc iences Education (IMHSE). The theme of the meeting, centred on “Holistic Approach in M edica l and Hea l th S c iences Education”, comprised plenary sessions focused on a number of different areas namely “Educational Approaches in Medical and Health Sciences Education”, “Electives/Special Study Modules”, “Humanities/Ethics and Law” and “Global Health”.

From educational approaches and strategies focusing on experiential and self-directed learning, to curriculum content

Reception for Dr Cheng Yu Tung Fellows 2011/12

Frontiers in Biomedical Research, HKU 2011

T he 2011/12 Reception for Dr Cheng Yu Tung Fellows was held on November 29, 2011, with 17 Fellows offering a vote of thanks to Dr Cheng for enabling

them to receive training opportunities in the Faculty.

“F rontiers in Biomedical Research 2011”, the Faculty’s 10th Research Symposium, took place on December 9, 2011, attracting over 900 participants from

around the world. The successful symposium focused on the Faculty’s strategic research areas including cancer; heart, brain, hormone and healthy ageing; infection and immunology; public health; reproduction, development and growth; and the emerging field of stem cell and regenerative medicine. Ten distinguished international keynote speakers, together with four Best Research Output and Outstanding Young Researcher Awardees and 10 experts from HKU and sister institutions were invited to present their latest research discoveries. Two

and themes which include humanities, social responsibilities and global health, and teaching partners who are drawn from increasingly diverse backgrounds and organisations, it is apparent that a holistic approach is vital to nurture the development of healthcare professionals of tomorrow.

Plenary sessions were presented by distinguished overseas and local scholars, including Professor Richard Drake, Cleveland Clinic; Professor Hong Yi Hu, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Dr Videsh Kapoor, University of British Columbia; Dr Michael Krasner, University of Rochester; Professor Graham Watt, University of Glasgow; and Professor NG Patil, Professor SP Lee and Dr Philip Beh of HKU.

Frontiers in Medical and Health Sciences Education, HKU 2011

At the gathering, Dr Cai Sa（蔡颯）, a Dr Cheng Yu Tung Fellow in 2008/09 who has now become a Postdoctoral Fellow, shared her experiences as an awardee. Dr Cheng also encouraged fellows to make the best use of their learning opportunities, and transfer the knowledge acquired at HKU back to their home institutions in the Mainland. Details of the scheme can be found at www.hku.hk/facmed/04research_fellow_drcheng.htm.

prominent speakers from Mainland China also shared the latest clinical services and biomedical developments in China.

T he ninth Centenary Distinguished Lecture was held on December 2, 2011. The speakers were Professor Elizabeth H Blackburn, winner of the Nobel Prize in

Physiology or Medicine in 2009, and Professor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, Chancellor of the University of California, San Francisco.

At the lecture, entitled “The Future of Medicine: Connecting Patients to Promising Research”, the two international experts on biomedical research and drug development discussed Professor Blackburn’s groundbreaking work on ageing and how it applies to the future of medicine.

Professor Blackburn is a leader in the area of telomere and telomerase research. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for solving one of biology’s great mysteries: how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Her research also let people understand how cells and bodies age.

Professor Desmond-Hellmann is an oncologist and a renowned biotechnology leader. In 2009, Forbes magazine named her as one of the world’s seven most “powerful innovators”, calling her “a hero to legions of cancer patients”.

The talk was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Shaw Prize recipient Professor Kan Yuet Wai（簡悅威）, with Dr Hardy Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Tanvex Biologics, Inc, and Professor SP Lee, Dean of Medicine, as panelists.

To foster knowledge exchange and help secondary school students broaden their horizons, a group of 20 senior students and HKU undergraduates met Professor Blackburn at a “Lunch with a Laureate” gathering the same afternoon at the University Lodge. During the lunchtime dialogue, Professor Blackburn answered students’ questions on her research findings and her role as a parent.

13

A record 11,000-plus visitors attended events at the Medical Faculty during HKU Information Day for Undergraduate Admissions on October 29 and 30, 2011. The Faculty showcased its programmes, activities, teaching departments

and facilities to enable members of the public, particularly secondary school students, teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the Faculty and campus life. Guided tours, clinical skills demonstrations, video shows, exhibitions and a series of admission talks were all well attended.

HKU Centenary Distinguished Lecture by Experts in Medical Research

Information Days Attract Over 11,000 Visitors

Inside the Faculty • Medical Faculty News

Health Exhibition 2011: “Skin Republic”Health Exhibition Organising Committee, Medical Society (MS), HKUSU

Next Generation

Medical Faculty News • Next Generation14

Medic Festival 2011

Medic Festival 2011 was held between October 24-28, 2011, with fun event

centred around the theme of “Panacea”. Many different student activities were held during the five-day programme, including a Halloween Carnival, Uniform Day, Phytomedics - the Ms & Mr MBBS16 pageant, and a Talent Quest. Ms Annabel Choi and Mr Henry Pang of M16 were named champions of the singing division. Other festival highlights included a performance by Dr Li Ka Yan（李家仁）in the finals of the Talent Quest.

In Hong Kong, many people are troubled by skin problems. While most are keen to keep their skin looking smooth, they

often ignore the fundamentals of good skin care. To boost public awareness of a healthy skin regime, the Health Exhibition Organising Committee held an exhibition entitled “Skin Republic” over three weekends in October 2011.

Highlights of the exhibition included well-designed and informative display boards, cream-making demonstrations, basic health checks, health counselling, public lectures by renowned

dermatologists and guided tours. The 2011 exhibition marked the 25th anniversary of the successful Health Exhibition series, which has drawn more than 6,000 people in total.

HKUSU’s Health Exhibition Organising Committee is an ad hoc organising committee comprised of students from all curricula of the Medical Faculty. The committee aims to communicate sound health messages to the public and raise awareness on important health issues.

New Friends Lunch Gathering – Buddy Scheme 2011/2012

Following the Student Orientation Programme, a Buddy Lunch was held on September 28, 2011. This reunited hundreds of Year

One students from different Faculty programmes, with senior students acting as mentors for the happy occasion. As part of the Programme for Effective Transition and Student Support (PETSS), the gathering began with a warm welcome address by Professor Chan Ying Shing（陳應城）, Associate Dean for Academic Networking & Student Affairs. The relaxed and enjoyable event also featured sharing, coaching and guidance from senior students, providing a great opportunity for new students to gain insights into the challenging but rewarding nature of life at the University.

Next Generation • Medical Faculty News 15

Students Establish Children’s Charity

Eleven medical and dental s tudents f rom HKU have founded the Vision of Inspiration and Child Empowerment

(VOICE) charity. In collaboration with other non-governmental organisations, VOICE seeks to assist children in poor areas of the Mainland China by improving their health and education as well as inspiring them to strive for higher goals. A special fund-raising bake sale was held at the Medical Faculty on October 31 and November 1, 2011 to raise money for the charity, with committee members donning costumes to promote the newly launched initiative. More information about VOICE can be found at: http://sites.google.com/site/ourchildrensvoice.

Near ly 300 s tudents del ivered poster and oral presentations at the 16th Research Postgraduate

Symposium on December 7-8, 2011. The symposium was honoured to have six renowned academics from overseas and 14 Medical Faculty members as chairpersons or adjudicators for the poster and oral presentation session and the plenary session. Congratulations to Miss Fan Ngo Yin（樊傲賢）, PhD candidate from the Department of Pathology, who won the Best Presentation Award.

The 16th Research Postgraduate Symposium Plenary session runners-up First runner-up: Miss Ge xuan（戈萱）, PhD, Department of MedicineSecond runner-up: Mr Lai Chun Cheong（黎振昌）, PhD, Department of MicrobiologyThird runner-up: Ms Germaine Fung Ching Man（馮靜雯）, PhD, Department of Psychiatry

Best poster presentationsMs ana Cheong wan yee（張韻怡）, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMs Shen yun（沈筠）, PhD, Department of BiochemistryMr Song Erfei（宋二飛）, MPhil, Department of Pharmacology & PharmacyMiss Ginger wong tsz Hin（黃芷軒）, MPhil, Department of PsychiatryMr alan Kai Ka Lun（奚家麟）, PhD, Department of PathologyMr Shuen wai Ho（孫偉豪）, PhD, Department of Clinical OncologyMr Kelvin Lam Ki Fung（林琪鋒）, MPhil, Department of Community MedicineMiss wang neng（王能）, MPhil, School of Chinese MedicineMiss Lim ai Ing（林艾盈）, MPhil, Department of MedicineMr Manio Michael Magtoto, PhD, Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Fan Pui Lunchtime Programme 2011: Art Jamming at the Medical Campus

The Fan Pui Garden became an enchanting art gallery on November 15, 2011, when students had the opportunity to

take part in an on-site art jamming experience. Organised with the help of an art studio, students were able to paint freely and showcase their artistic talents, with each participant seated in front of their own easel. The activity not only allowed students to explore their creativity, but let them express their emotions as well as take a relaxing break from their studies.

ApplauseDr yang Lin（楊琳）, Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Community Medicine, received a grant from the Young Scientist Fund at the Fourth ESWI Influenza Conference in September 2011.

Mr wilson wong（黃棨麟）, PhD candidate, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, became a Winning Solver of an InnoCentive Challenge in November 2011.

Medical Faculty News • Alumni News16

Alumni News

50th Anniversary Reunion – Dinner at the Kiangsu Chekiang & Shanghai Residents (HK) Association Restaurant (December 17, 2011)

Class 1961

Class 1981

30th Anniversary Dinner at the Hong Kong Jockey Club – Happy Valley Clubhouse (October 16, 2011)

20th Anniversary Dinner at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (October 15, 2011)

Class 1991

Class 2001

10th Anniversary Dinner at Royal Plaza Hotel (September 4, 2011)

Class 1966

45th Anniversary Reunion – Dinner at the Hong Kong Medical Association’s Clubhouse (October 29, 2011)

Class 1971

40th Anniversary Dinner at the Ho Choi Seafood Restaurant (November 6, 2011)

17Alumni News • Medical Faculty News

Reunion with Esteemed Teacher

HKU Medical Alumni Day

The HKU Medical Alumni Association (HKUMAA) organised an Alumni Day on December 17, 2011 to commemorate the University’s 100th

anniversary and to allow both overseas and local alumni to learn about the latest developments at the Medical Faculty. Programmes included guided tours, an exhibition of the Medical Faculty’s history and achievements, and a display of class photos and publications. A homecoming reception was held the same afternoon, with HKUMAA President Professor NK Leung 梁乃江） and Dean of Medicine Professor SP Lee welcoming visitors. Over

120 alumni and their family and friends attended.

HKUMAA Young Alumni Tea Gathering

On November 5, 2011, Professor Rosie Young（楊紫芝）(MBBS 1953) and Dr Tso Shiu Chiu（曹紹釗）(MBBS 1959) had an enjoyable lunch with

their respected teacher Dr Kwan Siu Yee（關肇頤）(MBBS 1939). Dr Kwan taught at the Faculty in the 1950s.

Over 40 alumni and friends tasted some of the finest tea from around the world at the Leaf Tea Boutique in Central on

October 15, 2011. Organised for young graduates by the HKUMAA, the event proved a great occasion for socialising, with most participants from Classes 2005 to 2010. Highlights included sharing by senior members and a lucky draw for HKU and Faculty souvenirs.

Medical Faculty News • Alumni News18

Alumni News

HKU Centenary Gala Dinner – A Delightful Evening of Celebrating and Sharing

The University held a grand celebration dinner at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 18,

2011. Over 5,000 guests including alumni, staff and students participated in this memorable event, including over 700 medical alumni from different generations and all corners of the world.

To affirm the University’s values and mission over the years, a 100-year-old anthem was revived and used as background music for the short film, Sapientia, produced by alumni and well-known directors Mabel Cheung（張婉婷）and Alex Law 羅啓銳）. Another highlight was a new Canto-pop song,

Brighten Me with Virtues《明我以德》, produced through an unprecedented collaboration involving three HKU graduates . The song was composed and produced by Sam Hui 許冠傑）, with lyrics by Lin Xi（林夕）,

and was arranged and co-produced by Adrian Chow（周博賢）.

Different halls and Faculties also took turns to showcase their celebratory spirit, with the Medic Song and Medic Cheers providing an inspiring finale. Hundreds of medical alumni and students took part in the performance.

19Alumni News & Congratulations • Medical Faculty News

Congratulations

P r o f e s s o r R i c h a r d Yu Yu e H o n g 余宇康）(MBBS 1958) received a Doctor

of Social Science, honoris causa , from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in December 2011 in recognition of his contributions to medical education and the healthcare profession in Hong Kong.

Appointments and Promotions

Achievements & Awards

Professor Irene Ng Oi Lin（吳呂愛蓮）, Loke Yew Professor in Pathology and Chair of Pathology, has been appointed Head of the Department of Pathology for three years from December 1, 2011.

Professor George Tsao Sai Wah（曹世華）, Professor of the Department of Anatomy, has been appointed Head of the Department of Anatomy for three years from January 1, 2012.

Professor Ian Wong Chi Kei（黃志基）, Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, has been appointed

Professor Sophia Chan Siu Chee（陳肇始）, Professor of the School of Nursing, has been given the award of Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Anti-smoking) by the Food and Health Bureau of HKSAR for the project entitled “Youth Quitline: An accessible telephone-based smoking cessation hotline for youth”. The award was presented at the Health Promotion Symposium in November 2011. Co-Investigators of the project included Professor Lam Tai Hing（林大慶）, Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health and Director of the School of Public Health, Dr Daniel Fong Yee Tak（方以德）and Dr Angela Leung Yee Man（梁綺雯）, Assistant Professors of the School of Nursing and Dr Debbie Lam Oi Bing（林愛冰）, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Work & Social Administration.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu Chee（陳肇始）has also been appointed Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (2011-2013). Professor Keith Luk Dip Kei（陸瓞驥）, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, has

been elected President Elect for the Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SICOT).

Dr Chan Koon Ho（陳灌豪）, Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of Medicine, Dr Billy Chiu Chi Fai（趙志輝）, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, and Dr Julian Tanner, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biochemistry, have been awarded Faculty Teaching Medals at the Faculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony held in Novembe 2011.

Dr Frankie Leung Ka Li（梁加利）, Associate Professor of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, has been elected Chairperson of AOTrauma Research Commission.

Dr Dino Samartzis , Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, has been awarded The SICOT/SIROT Award at the SICOT Triennial World Congress held in Czech Republic in September 2011.

Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy for three years from December 4, 2011.

Professor Ronnie Poon Tung Ping（潘冬平）, Suen Chi-Sun Professor in Surgery and Clinical Professor of the Department of Surgery, has been conferred Chair Professor.

Professor Tse Hung Fat（謝鴻發）, William MW Mong Professor in Cardiology and Clinical Professor of the Department of Medicine, has been conferred Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Congratulations

D r D a v i d Wo n g Ta i Wa i （黃大偉 (MBBS 1974) was awarded the 2011 Order of Prince Edward Island, Canada, in October 2011 for his contribution to neonatal care and medical education. The accolade is the highest honour accorded to a citizen of Prince Edward Island and recognises excellence and outstanding leadership in their profession and the community.

Dr Laurence Hou Lee Tsun（侯勵存 (MBBS 1956) was conferred Honorary Fellow of HKU in September 2011 in recognition of his support for the University and the local community.

Photo Courtesy: The Chinese University of H

ong Kong

Medical Faculty News • Media Highlights & Donations 20

Oct 13 HKu with an international research team reveals a novel paradigm for forming biological patterns

Oct 21 HKu introduces a new generation of glaucoma treatment

Oct 25 HKu introduces the role of family doctors in managing HIv/StI in men-having-sex-with-men (MSM)

Oct 26 HKu launches Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Programme

Nov 26 HKu medical students organise “Be aCtIvE and LIvE” activity to encourage dancing exercise for better health

Nov 27 HKu medical students organise road show to call for support for breastfeeding

Dec 7 HKu medical students petition for an update of the government’s air Quality Objectives 港大醫學生請願要求更新政府空氣質素指標

Dec 15 HKu finds occult hepatitis B infection in patients with liver cancer due to “unknown cause”

Dec 19 HKu researchers find new gene mutations that cause stomach cancer

Dec 21 HKu announces the result of the first phase household survey of the FaMILy Project (a project funded by the

Hong Kong Jockey Club) with data from over 8,000 Hong Kong families

1,000,000 or above

Hong Kong Cancer FundIn support of the research activities for optimising cancer patients’ decision making and providing supportive care for cancer patients, undertaken by Dr Wendy Lam of the Department of Community Medicine

Li Ka Shing (Canada) FoundationIn support of Professor Guan Yi’s collaborative research programme between the State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the International Institute of Infection and Immunity at Shantou University Medical College

500,000 or above

the Society for the Relief of Disabled ChildrenTo assist eligible patients to purchase the Magnetic Growing Rod at the Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology

100,000 or above

Medwaves Hong Kong Ltd.In support of the clinical research on the treatment of liver tumour undertaken by Professor Ronnie Poon of the Department of Surgery

Mrs Paula OngIn support of the GB Ong Visiting Professorships and Visiting Fellowships in Surgery and other activities at the Department of Surgery

united ally Research Ltd.In support of the project entitled “Development of a Novel Non-coding RNA-based Blood Test for Early Detection, Prognostication and/or Treatment Monitoring of Breast Cancer” undertaken by the Department of Surgery

In alphabetical order of last name or organisation name

Donations

The Faculty sincerely thanks the following donors for their generous support.

Media Highlights

To keep the Hong Kong community informed of the latest developments in health-related issues, and to encourage a healthy lifestyle, the Faculty produces regular radio programmes and health columns in local newspapers. Newspaper columns include the Oriental

Daily News《東方日報醫健寶庫系列》 (Sundays) and am730《香港大學李嘉誠醫學院矯形及創傷外科學系五十周年紀念系列》, 香港大學李嘉誠醫學院皮膚共和國系列》and《香港大學李嘉誠醫學院整形外科系列》(Mondays). Please visit our Public Health

Information section at www.med.hku.hk to find out more. Recent Faculty press events were as follows:

21People • Medical Faculty News

People

HelloDr Edwin Lee Ho Ming（李浩銘）joined the Department of Psychiatry as Clinical Assistant Professor in January 2012. Prior to joining HKU, he served at the Chinese University of Hong Kong where he obtained his medical and master degree in 2002 and

2006 respectively. He is a specialist in psychiatry with subspecialty interest in psychosis. His current research interests include early intervention of psychosis, schizophrenia, psychopharmacology and medical comorbidity.

Mr Cheung Wai Keung（張偉強）joined the School of Nursing as Assistant Professor (Nursing Practice) in October 2011. He graduated from the School of Nursing, Queen Mary Hospital in 1995 and started his career as Critical Care Nurse, and worked at the

Intensive Care Unit of the Queen Mary Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital for over 10 years. After the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, he joined the International Programme in Applied Epidemiology co-organised by the Emory University and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005. In 2008, he was promoted to Advanced Practice Nurse in Hospital Authority’s Infectious Disease Centre and helped establishing the simulation training centre with focuses on infectious disease, acute medicine and nursing training. He obtained his Master Studies in Nursing, Applied Epidemiology and Public Health from the University of Newcastle (Australia), Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of London in 2005, 2008 and 2010 respectively.

Ms Celia Chow Si（周思）joined the School of Nursing as Assistant Professor (Nursing Practice) in December 2011. She graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1995 and obtained her master degree in Clinical Gerontology in 2002

and post-registration diploma in Sports Medicine in 2007 from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is an accredited assessor of the Mini-data set (Health care) since 2000. Prior to joining HKU, she has worked in the Medical & Geriatrics Department and the Community Care Division of New Territories West Cluster, Tuen Mun Hospital. She has been the visiting lecturer and mentor coordinator of the Post-registration Certificate Course in Gerontological Nursing at the Institute of Advanced Nursing since 2008. Her research interests include Community and Geriatric Care.

Professor Chan See Ching（陳詩正）joined the Department of Surgery as Clinical Professor in December 2011. Professor Chan obtained his medical degree from HKU in 1995 and joined the liver transplant team of Queen Mary Hospital in 2002. The

team received the State Scientific and Technological Progress First-class Award from the National Office for Science and Technology of China in 2005. In 2007, he was promoted to consultant surgeon in liver transplantation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Staff Award of the Hong Kong West Cluster of Hospital Authority. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, 10 book chapters, and delivered over 50 invited lectures on liver surgery. His current research interests include small-for-size syndrome and bioethics of liver transplantation. He obtained his Master of Surgery and PhD from HKU in 2005 and 2011 respectively.

Dr Chen Jeng-Haur（陳正豪）joined the Department of Physiology as Assistant Professor in September 2011. He obtained his PhD in Molecular Physiology from the University of Bristol, UK in 2005; and pursued his postdoctoral research in Dr Michael J. Welsh’s

lab at the University of Iowa, USA. His research focuses on a lethal genetic disease cystic fibrosis, caused by mutations on the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, an epithelial anion channel. The current goal of his study is to understand how CF-associated mutations cause CFTR dysfunction initiating the pathogenesis of lung diseases.

Dr Philip Kwok Chi Lip（郭智獵）joined the Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy as Assistant Professor in September 2011. He obtained his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney in 2002. He became

a registered pharmacist after one year full-time community pharmacy training. He then undertook his PhD studies on pharmaceutical aerosol electrostatics in the Advanced Drug Delivery Group at the University of Sydney and obtained his PhD in 2007. He became a research associate in the same group, conducting research on novel aerosol formulations, particle engineering, and pharmaceutical nanotechnology until August 2011. He has collaborated with academic and industrial researchers on formulation-focused as well as cross-disciplinary projects.

GoodbyeWe would like to express our gratitude and send our best wishes to the following staff members who have left/ will be leaving the Faculty:

Dr Mo Feizhi（莫飛智）, School of Chinese Medicine

Dr Charas Ong Yeu Theng（王予婷）, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Student CourseDateFebruary 17-19, March 23-25, April 20-22, 2012VenueSurgical Skills Centre, 10/F, Laboratory Block21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationCourse Administrator, Department of SurgeryTel: 2819 9691 / 2819 9692 Fax: 2818 9249Email: hkussc@hku.hkWebsite: www3.hku.hk/surgery/atls.php

Breast Cancer Symposium 2012: Survivorship CareDateFebruary 17, 2012VenueLecture Theatre, M/F, Hospital Authority Building147B Argyle Street, KowloonInformationMs Wong Ling (TWH) / Ms Chung Mun Yee (QMH) Tel: 2589 8151 / 2255 1257 Fax: 2547 5009Email: w1397@ha.org.hk / cmy533@ha.org.hk

Advanced Study Institute on Esophageal Cancer ManagementDateFebruary 24, 2012VenueMrs Chen Yang Foo Oi Telemedicine Centre2/F, William WM Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationASI Secretariat, Department of SurgeryTel: 2819 9691 / 2819 9692 Fax: 2818 9249Email: hkussc@hku.hk Website: www3.hku.hk/surgery

International Academy of Cytology Tutorial on Gynaecologic and Non-Gynaecologic Cytology DateFebruary 24-27, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 3 & 4, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Elaine Szeto, Department of PathologyTel: 2818 0726 Email: elainefs@pathology.hku.hkWebsite: www.cytology-iac.org/hong-kong-tutorial-2012

Update Certificate Course in GeriatricsDateFebruary 25-26, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Celia Chor, Department of MedicineTel: 2255 4607 Fax: 2816 2863 Email: wlchor@hku.hkWebsite: www.hku.hk/medicine/postdip_certcourse.htm

March7th International Symposium on Healthy Aging “Live Well Age Well”DateMarch 3-4, 2012VenueSheraton Hong Kong Hotel and TowersTsim Sha Tsui, Hong KongInformationMs Phoebe Chow, Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy AgingTel: 2819 9866 Fax: 2816 5258 Email: hbha@hku.hkWebsite: www.med.hku.hk/hbha/

ForthcomingEvents

JanuaryCroucher Advanced Study Institute 2012 “Tumor Microenvironment – New Concept and Molecular Mechanisms”DateJanuary 9-13, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 4, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformation Ms Jackie Luk, Department of PathologyTel: 2255 4875 Fax: 2218 5214Email: jackluk@pathology.hku.hkWebsite: www0.hku.hk/patho/events/events.html

17th Medical Research ConferenceDateJanuary 14, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformation Ms Celia Chor, Department of MedicineTel: 2255 4607 Fax: 2816 2863 Email: wlchor@hku.hkWebsite: www.hku.hk/medicine/mrc.htm

Digby Memorial Lecture by Mr Anthony WuDateJanuary 14, 2012VenueUnderground Lecture Theatre, New Clinical BuildingQueen Mary Hospital, PokfulamInformationForum Secretary, Department of SurgeryTel: 2819 9691 / 2819 9692 Fax: 2818 9249 Email: hksf@hku.hk Website: www.hku.hk/surgery

Hong Kong Surgical Forum – Winter 2012DateJanuary 14, 2012VenueUnderground Lecture Theatre, New Clinical BuildingQueen Mary Hospital, PokfulamInformationForum Secretary, Department of SurgeryTel: 2819 9691 / 2819 9692 Fax: 2818 9249Email: hksf@hku.hk Website: www3.hku.hk/surgery

Symposium on Developmental Genomics and Genetics DisordersDateJanuary 17, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 2, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, , 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Irene Poon, Department of BiochemistryTel: 2819 9240 Fax: 2855 1254 Email: biochem@hku.hk

FebruaryMPH/PDipPH/PCPH Information DayDateFebruary 11 & March 17, 2012VenueSeminar Room 6, G/F Laboratory BlockWilliam MW Mong Building, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Cindy KoonTel: 2819 9923 Email: ckoon@hku.hk

Update Certificate Course in Clinical PharmacologyDateMarch 3-4, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Celia Chor, Department of MedicineTel: 2255 4607 Fax: 2816 2863 Email: wlchor@hku.hkWebsite: www.hku.hk/medicine/postdip_certcourse.htm

Foregut Disorder WorkshopDateMarch 9-10, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationWorkshop Secretariat, Department of SurgeryTel: 2819 9691 / 2819 9692 Fax: 2818 9249 Email: hkussc@hku.hk Website: www3.hku.hk/surgery

3rd International Symposium on Development of the Enteric Nervous System: Cells, Signals and GenesDateMarch 26-28, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Irene Poon, Department of BiochemistryTel: 2819 9240 Fax: 2855 1254 Email: biochem@hku.hkWebsite: http://ensdevelopment2012.org

AprilHKU-Pasteur Cell Biology CourseDateApril 15-27, 2012VenueHKU-Pasteur Research Centre, Room 1041/F, Dexter HC Man Building, 8 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Anne Li Tel: 2816 8403 Fax: 2872 5782 Email: anneli@hku.hkWebsite: www.hkupasteur.hku.hk

Update Certificate Course in CardiologyDateApril 21-22, 2012VenueLecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference CentreG/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, PokfulamInformationMs Celia Chor, Department of MedicineTel: 2255 4607 Fax: 2816 2863 Email: wlchor@hku.hkWebsite: www.hku.hk/medicine/postdip_certcourse.htm

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