Page 26 - HKU Surgery 110 Anniversary E-Book

Chapter I: The Cradle of Our Origins
he story of the Department of
Surgery at The University of Hong
TKong is one of the successes in the
face of challenges and adversity. Over the
past 110 years, its members have produced
ground-breaking achievements,
significantly improved patient outcomes
and attracted worldwide recognition for
their achievements despite formidable
challenges that include war, revolution,
pandemics and political transitions,
as well as everyday struggles such as
overwhelming patient loads, suboptimal
working environments, shortage of
resources and even barriers to getting
graduates registered for practice.
At the helm of the Department,
steering it through these choppy
waters, have been a remarkable group
of leaders. All talented surgeons and
mostly men (women were welcome
26 | Department of Surgery 110 Anniversary
th
to the fore only in recent decades),
they have the foresight and sheer
willpower to advance surgery that
has benefitted Hong Kong, mainland
China and the world.
First among these leaders were Professor
Patrick Manson and Professor James
Cantlie who, together with Sir Ho Kai,
launched the Hong Kong College of
Medicine for Chinese on 1 October
1887 with modest means but a grand
ambition. Manson, the Founding
Dean, articulated their aims at the
College’s inauguration ceremony:
“The spread of medical science in
China, the relief of suffering, the
prolongation of life, and, as far as
hygiene can effect this, the increase
of comfort during life.”
Students and staff at the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese
(circa 1908). Co-founder Sir Ho Kai was seated centre right.
Department of Surgery 110 Anniversary | 27
th