Page 15 - HKU Surgery 110 Anniversary E-Book

I am profoundly honoured to extend my sincerest congratulations It is my immense honour to share in the joy and wonder of the
to the Department of Surgery of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine Department’s 110 Anniversary celebration. While truly magnificent,
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at The University of Hong Kong on the momentous occasion of its let’s pause and reflect together on this remarkable journey over
110 anniversary. This milestone is a testament to an extraordinary time which is marked by innovation, excellence, and an unwavering
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legacy of leadership and a distinguished century of unwavering commitment to surgical practice and education advancement
throughout.
commitment to medical excellence.
Since its inception, the Department has been playing a pivotal
The Department has served as a cornerstone of surgical role in shaping the landscape of medical education and clinical practice
education, cultivating generations of exceptional surgeons and in Hong Kong and beyond. One of the most notable milestones was
clinicians. This mission is shared closely with the Hospital Authority the performance of the first ever liver transplant in Asia in 1991, a
(HA), with whom we have forged an enduring and indispensable landmark achievement that established HKU and the Department
partnership in safeguarding the health of the Hong Kong public. The as a global leader in hepatobiliary and transplant surgery. This was
Department’s major teaching hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, stands as a pillar of this collaboration, followed by pioneering work in living donor liver transplantation, which has since become a life-
where the HA provides essential clinical training and education . A great many graduates continue saving option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Building on these achievement strongholds
their careers within our public hospital network, thereby fortifying the quality and capacity of our and clinical expertise, Queen Mary Hospital is renowned as Hospital Authority’s sole liver transplant
centre in Hong Kong.
healthcare system with their invaluable expertise.
The Department has also made groundbreaking contributions in cancer surgery. Its
Beyond its pivotal role in cultivating world-class surgical talent, the Department is a hub multidisciplinary approach to treating gastrointestinal, breast, as well as head and neck cancer
for accomplished experts who seamlessly integrate clinical practice with pioneering research. This has set benchmark for comprehensive cancer care. Amongst others, there has been pioneer in the
integrated paradigm of teaching, research, and clinical service ensures the agile translation of the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer, reducing the need for extensive lymph node
latest medical breakthroughs into daily practice. This synergy elevates the standard of care across dissection and minimising complications for patients. Another notable area of clinical excellence
our healthcare system and guarantees that patients consistently benefit from surgical treatments of relates to trauma and critical care surgery. The development of advanced protocols for managing
the highest international calibre. severe injuries and complex trauma cases has earned recognition of the Department as a regional
centre of excellence. On recognition, the HA Outstanding Team Award in 2023 for the Neonatal
Today, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era in healthcare, propelled by innovations Surgical Service Team at QMH, led by Professor Kenneth Wong, came as a perfect demonstration
such as artificial intelligence and robotic-assisted surgery. The field is witnessing the application of wide recognition of the clinical excellence and commitment of the Team and the Department.
of AI in predictive analytics for patient outcomes, objective assessment of surgical skills, and even In addition to these clinical achievements, the Department has also been a leader in research
intraoperative guidance . Concurrently, robotic surgery continues to redefine precision in minimally and innovation. On innovation, its work in areas such as cancer biology, regenerative medicine, and
invasive procedures, enhancing patient recovery and surgical efficacy . I am confident that the surgical robotics have all been translated into new therapies and technologies that benefit patients
Department will continue to lead the way, nurturing professional surgeons who remain deeply worldwide. On research, I understand that the Department’s researchers have published extensively
attuned to the needs of their patients while embracing these innovations to strengthen the quality, in high-impact journals, contributing to the global advancement of surgical knowledge.
safety, and efficiency of clinical services.
Lastly, education has remained a cornerstone of the Department’s mission. Over the years,
I eagerly anticipate ever closer collaboration with the Department as it embarks on its next generations of surgeons who have become leaders in their fields, both locally and internationally,
century of excellence. Together, we look forward to a future bright with medical discovery, guided have been trained. The Department’s commitment to ethical practice, patient-centered care, and
by an uncompromising dedication to serving the people of Hong Kong with compassion, expertise, continuous learning ensures that its graduates are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of
modern surgery.
and a reassuring human touch.
All in all, please join me in congratulating the Department for these great milestones and
I wish you a joyous anniversary celebration. achievements. Together I am confident that we can strive to make a lasting impact in clinical services
and enhance further the lives of our patients in Hong Kong West Cluster and territory-wide.

Dr Theresa Li
Dr Libby Lee Cluster Chief Executive

Chief Executive Hong Kong West Cluster
Hospital Authority Hospital Authority

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