Page 139 - HKU Surgery 110 Anniversary E-Book

Chapter V. Embracing the Modern Age

Dr Tang Ching:
It is a tremendous honor and privilege to celebrate the 110th anniversary of
the Department of Surgery at The University of Hong Kong, a milestone that
speaks volumes about its legacy of excellence, innovation, and dedication
to patient care.

Over the past century, this department has been a beacon of surgical
advancement, fostering groundbreaking techniques and shaping generations
of skilled surgeons. From the pioneering contributions of Professor
James Cantlie and Professor K.H. Digby, to the transformative leadership
of Professor GB Ong and Professor J. Wong, to modern accomplished
surgeon-leaders like Professor Fan Sheung-Tat, Professor Lo Chung-Mau,
Professor Stephen Cheng, and Professor Simon Law—their contributions
and achievements have helped impact the development of the department,
bringing HKU to the forefront of surgical innovation and leaving a legacy
that has shaped the history of surgery in Hong Kong and beyond.

As a surgical trainee, I am continually inspired by the unwavering
commitment of my colleagues and seniors, who strive for excellence not
only in clinical practice and patient care but also in their dedication to
teaching and research. During my rotations across various surgical teams
as a general surgery trainee, I’ve had countless opportunities to assist Surgical Skills Workshop for Higher Surgical Trainees on 18 October 2025.
senior surgeons in the operating theatre - from elective hernia repairs to
complex TEVARs and emergency AAA repairs, from thyroidectomies to
colectomies, esophagectomies, and liver transplantations - their precision dropping, the patient seemed like she had already unknowingly seen her
and composure in the operating room have shown me that surgery is far last sunrise.
more than a technical skill—it is an art grounded in discipline, collaboration,
and teamwork. These moments have fuelled my perseverance as a surgeon- However, over the next hours, the patient slowly stabilised while I witnessed
in-training and deepened my gratitude for being part of such a remarkable how responsibility meets selflessness as colleagues who were not on call
institution. stayed behind to provide us with additional assistance and support, how
leadership meets cooperation while we worked seamlessly with various
This anniversary is a testament to the collective hard work, vision, and specialties to address the patient’s injuries, how technicality meets humanity
passion of everyone who has contributed to the department’s remarkable as, even while operating until the wee hours, the call team made sure to
journey. Congratulations to all who have been part of this legacy. May we give regular updates to the anxious family who stayed up with us all night
continue to build on this foundation of success and embrace new challenges in the waiting room.
and opportunities to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
While this particular patient stands out in my memory, experiences similar
to this one have been commonplace in my surgical training since. Even
Dr Stephanie Yu:
though some patients recover and others perish, I am grateful that I can
“We will do everything in our power to help her see the next sunrise,” my always count on what I believe is the essence of our department - teamwork,
senior said to the distraught mother of our 36-year-old patient who had empathy and competency sprinkled with specks of much-needed humor in
just come into the resuscitation room after a severe road traffic accident. a bucket full of grit.
Over the loud verbal orders and shrill beeping machines that characterise
every trauma call, my senior’s gentle tone pierced through the organised At the end of that sleepless night of my first trauma call, after the patient
chaos like scalpel through jelly. had survived albeit still in a critical condition, I looked out at the window
to see, peeking through the steam of a mug of fresh coffee brewed for me
My eyes widened. Intubated, with blood trickling out of multiple wounds by an equally exhausted colleague - - the first beams of a beautiful sunrise.
and orifice, a shockingly low blood pressure that was still precipitously

138 | Department of Surgery 110 Anniversary Department of Surgery 110 Anniversary | 139
th
th