Page 8 - HKU Surgery 110 Anniversary E-Book

Message from the Chairperson
Celebrating 110 years of the Department of Surgery at The
University of Hong Kong is akin to holding a living legacy—both
profound in significance and inspiring in its warmth. It is a story
written not only in ink but in the lives saved, suffering alleviated,
knowledge advanced, and generations of surgical professionals
cultivated. As we mark this anniversary, we reflect not only on our
storied past but also on the enduring foundation upon which our
future continues to be built—advancing community health and
surgical innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.
Founded in 1915 with the establishment of the first professorship
in surgery, the Department has been rooted in a tradition of service
and scholarship. Its early pioneers, operating with limited resources but unwavering resolve,
established a standard of excellence that endures to this day. They recognised that the art and science
of surgery encompass a sacred triad: an unwavering commitment to patient care, a relentless pursuit
of scientific discovery, and a profound duty to educate future generations. This guiding principle
has served as the Department’s compass for over a century.
Throughout the tumultuous challenges of the 20th and early 21st century—including wars,
epidemics, and societal transformations—the Department demonstrated resilience and steadfastness.
The operating theatres at Queen Mary Hospital and affiliated centers have served as vital classrooms,
where countless students learned their first surgical knots and trainees developed into specialists
and masters in the surgical arts.
This volume aims to chronicle this remarkable journey. It highlights pioneering achievements,
such as the first open-heart surgery, the first liver transplant, and the integration of minimally
invasive techniques, which have revolutionised the field. It also honors the pioneers whose efforts
laid the groundwork for contemporary advancements and whose legacy continues to inspire.
This commemorative volume is dedicated to the patients who entrusted us with their care,
the dedicated staff whose commitment sustains our mission, the alumni who carry our legacy, and
the benefactors and community whose support has been instrumental in our progress. It stands as
a testament of gratitude and a reaffirmation of our commitment to ongoing excellence in surgical
care and innovation.
We invite you to explore these pages and join us in reflecting on 110 years of distinguished
history. May this narrative inspire future generations to uphold the values that define us and to
courageously shape the next chapter in the enduring story of the HKU Department of Surgery.
Professor Simon Law
Chairperson
Department of Surgery
School of Clinical Medicine
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong
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Foreword
As a member, it is with immense pride and a profound sense of
honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to the Department
of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of
Medicine of the University of Hong Kong on the momentous
occasion of its 110th Anniversary.
This milestone is not merely a measure of time but a testament to
an enduring legacy of excellence. For over a century, the Department
has stood as a beacon of medical prowess, tirelessly dedicated to its
tripartite mission: providing the highest standards of education for
students and doctors, pioneering groundbreaking clinical and basic
research, and delivering exceptional, compassionate patient care.
This unwavering commitment has firmly established the Department
as a world-class academic surgical unit, recognised and respected
both in Hong Kong and across the globe. Its stellar reputation has been instrumental in elevating
Hong Kong’s status as a world leader in research, education, and healthcare.
As Secretary for Health, I am deeply cognisant of the Department’s pivotal role in shaping
our city’s medical landscape. Your relentless pursuit of innovation in clinical management and the
provision of top-tier surgical and rehabilitative services set the gold standard for both the public
and private sectors. You have not only healed countless lives but have also strengthened the very
foundations of our healthcare system. Furthermore, your contributions to cutting-edge research
have been vital in positioning Hong Kong as an international hub for medical innovation, attracting
talent, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of what is medically possible.
On a personal level, having walked its corridors and learned from its esteemed faculty, my
pride is deeply personal. The Department was more than a place of work; it was an institution that
instilled in me and countless others the values of discipline, inquiry, and unwavering dedication to
patient well-being. The lessons learned and the standards exemplified here continue to guide me in
my public service role today.
As we celebrate this illustrious past, we also look with anticipation to the future. The challenges
and opportunities of modern medicine—from precision surgery and robotic technology to novel
biologic therapies—are vast. I am confident that the Department of Surgery will continue to lead
from the front, embracing these challenges and shaping the future of surgical care for the next
century and beyond.
Finally, I must extend my sincere gratitude to the entire team—the visionary leaders, dedicated
surgeons, nurses, researchers, and support staff—past and present, who have built this extraordinary
legacy. Your collective effort, wisdom, and passion are the lifeblood of this Department’s success.
Thank you for your contributions to medicine, to Hong Kong, and to humanity.
Congratulations on 110 years of excellence. Here’s to shaping the next chapter.
Professor Lo Chung-Mau
Secretary for Health
Health Bureau
The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
of the People’s Republic of China
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