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Chapter III. Putting Hong Kong Surgery on the World Map
A Stamp of Excellence –
and Exactitude
Ong was a colourful character, renowned matters of surgery. Even small things,
as much for the breadth of his prodigious like requiring students to wear neckties,
surgical skills and professional networks carried a goal: if a surgeon could not tie
as his sharp tongue and fiery temper. He a necktie properly, how could they be
wielded his scalpel in everything from trusted to tie a surgical knot?
brain, paediatric and vascular surgery to
amputations and oesophageal and liver There was also a more considered side to
surgery (the latter two were his special Ong, who believed surgical skills must
interest). He set high standards by being be matched with understanding for the
unbending with everyone. patient. In his address to the Congregation
of The University of Hong Kong in
In the operating room, trainees were 1980, when he received his Doctor of
expected to learn by watching the master Science honoris causa, Professor Ong
at work, rather than through any direct made the following remarks (which also
instruction, and assistants and nurses made a veiled insult to private practice,
were expected to anticipate his needs. In something he often railed against even
the classroom, students were expected to though that is where he ended up):
show up on time and be well-prepared or
Professor Ong (centre) with staff of the University Surgical Unit and Sir Rodney Smith of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. suffer Ong’s “reminders”. Even patients “Medicine is an applied biological
were expected to follow his advice science. As such, skill in diagnosis
he appointment of Professor Guan to the Department. An oft-cited phrase is without question. and treatment becomes an art. This is
Bee Ong as Head of Surgery was that GB Ong brought Hong Kong surgery not for sale but used for the benefit of
Tmomentous on many counts. Ong to the world, while John Wong brought Ong’s approach set the tone for others the sick. Compassion for the sick can
was the first ethnic Chinese and first the world of surgery to Hong Kong. around him, who admitted following be cultivated. Often the physician or
HKU graduate to take up the position. his example and expecting the same surgeon is referred to as competent but
His arrival in 1964 also coincided with Ong inherited the overcrowded wards from junior surgeons and students. But cold and indifferent. One must learn to
Hong Kong’s rapid economic growth and insufficient resources that his there was method to his mercurial ways: have a respect for human life and dignity
and social change, when it started to predecessor Francis Stock had endured. he wanted his students and juniors to regardless of race, intelligence, social or
develop its own culture and identity But he was decidedly unimpressed by acquire the discipline and high standards economic status.”
as one of Asia’s “Four Tigers” (with Stock’s handling of affairs, complaining necessary to deal with the life and death - Professor GB Ong -
Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea). on arrival that the Department had no
The sense of moving onward and upward documentation and a miniscule budget.
permeated the Department, first under Ong saw an opportunity to mould the
Ong and to an even greater extent under Department to his liking and propel it in
Ong’s successor, Professor John Wong. many directions with the boldness and
Both men were instrumental in raising energy that also marked his approach
standards of surgery and bringing to surgery.
international recognition and respect
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