Page 157 - HKU Surgery 110 Anniversary E-Book

Chapter V. Embracing the Modern Age

Going Forward

Throughout its long journey of growth, Hospital Authority and Health Bureau.
from early days tucked in a corner of And they have served at high levels in
Alice Memorial Hospital teaching a dozen many international organisations for
students, to a very modern surgical outfit surgical specialities.
with a footprint across several major
hospitals in Hong Kong and Shenzhen What happens next? Over the past
and hundreds of new students each decade or so, society has experienced
year, the HKU Department of Surgery rapid fundamental changes. Technology
has gone from strength to strength. The is upending everything, including
key to its success has always been its surgery, while at the same time many
people. By setting standards very high young surgeons want a more balanced
and providing rigorous training, it has life. But there are still those who share
been able to attract some of the brightest, the Department’s ideals. The Department
most capable people to its ranks. has also adapted its training programmes,
created more opportunities for junior
The Department has been fortunate in staff and put more effort into building
being led by strong, talented academic- a sense of belonging – making HKU
surgeons, who have all been committed Surgery a place that is highly rewarding
to their mission. The private sector may for all involved. As a result, more young
pay more, other universities may beckon, people are opting to be based with us.
but they have remained here to lead the
way. War, pandemics and other challenges These newer recruits will carry our
have all been met with energy and vigour. legacy forward in advancing surgery
Whether it was James Cantlie, Kenelm to improve patient care and engaging
Digby, GB Ong, John Wong or any of with the Mainland, while upholding
the recent leaders in charge, they have the Department’s highest standards of
all led with discipline and a commitment care. This is still the best surgical unit in Departmental photo with Professor Lo Chung-Mau, Secretary for Health, in September 2025.
to excellence. Moreover, many members Hong Kong – a major referral centre for
of the Department have embraced the complex cases from across the city – and it
opportunity to serve beyond our walls, retains a strong international reputation. “As we celebrate this 110-year milestone, we stand at a new frontier. The scalpel is now joined by
in the University, the community and In the words of its own members, the robotics, diagnostic and therapeutic innovations that were undreamt of a century ago, the genome
the surgical profession. For instance, Department of Surgery at HKU remains map, personalised medicine, and the power of artificial intelligence. The challenges of global health,
HKU Surgeons have held leadership a deeply valuable and fulfilling place to health inequity, and an aging population demand new paradigms of surgical care. Guided by our
positions in the Faculty of Medicine, work. rich past, but with eyes firmly fixed on the future, the Department is poised to lead once more. Our
Senate and Council of The University of commitment is to advance not just surgical science, but the very art of healing—to train surgeons
Hong Kong. They have been leaders in who are not only technically superb but also empathetic innovators and leaders, for the benefit of
the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, our patients and community. ”
College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, - Professor Simon Law -

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