Page 9 - HKU Surgery 110 Anniversary E-Book

Message from the Chairperson Foreword

Celebrating 110 years of the Department of Surgery at The As a member, it is with immense pride and a profound sense of
University of Hong Kong is akin to holding a living legacy—both honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to the Department
profound in significance and inspiring in its warmth. It is a story of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of
written not only in ink but in the lives saved, suffering alleviated, Medicine of the University of Hong Kong on the momentous
knowledge advanced, and generations of surgical professionals occasion of its 110th Anniversary.
cultivated. As we mark this anniversary, we reflect not only on our This milestone is not merely a measure of time but a testament to
storied past but also on the enduring foundation upon which our an enduring legacy of excellence. For over a century, the Department
future continues to be built—advancing community health and has stood as a beacon of medical prowess, tirelessly dedicated to its
surgical innovation in Hong Kong and beyond. tripartite mission: providing the highest standards of education for
students and doctors, pioneering groundbreaking clinical and basic
Founded in 1915 with the establishment of the first professorship research, and delivering exceptional, compassionate patient care.
in surgery, the Department has been rooted in a tradition of service This unwavering commitment has firmly established the Department
and scholarship. Its early pioneers, operating with limited resources but unwavering resolve, as a world-class academic surgical unit, recognised and respected
established a standard of excellence that endures to this day. They recognised that the art and science both in Hong Kong and across the globe. Its stellar reputation has been instrumental in elevating
of surgery encompass a sacred triad: an unwavering commitment to patient care, a relentless pursuit Hong Kong’s status as a world leader in research, education, and healthcare.
of scientific discovery, and a profound duty to educate future generations. This guiding principle As Secretary for Health, I am deeply cognisant of the Department’s pivotal role in shaping
has served as the Department’s compass for over a century. 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
Throughout the tumultuous challenges of the 20th and early 21st century—including wars, and private sectors. You have not only healed countless lives but have also strengthened the very
epidemics, and societal transformations—the Department demonstrated resilience and steadfastness. foundations of our healthcare system. Furthermore, your contributions to cutting-edge research
The operating theatres at Queen Mary Hospital and affiliated centers have served as vital classrooms, have been vital in positioning Hong Kong as an international hub for medical innovation, attracting
where countless students learned their first surgical knots and trainees developed into specialists talent, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of what is medically possible.
and masters in the surgical arts.
On a personal level, having walked its corridors and learned from its esteemed faculty, my
This volume aims to chronicle this remarkable journey. It highlights pioneering achievements, pride is deeply personal. The Department was more than a place of work; it was an institution that
such as the first open-heart surgery, the first liver transplant, and the integration of minimally instilled in me and countless others the values of discipline, inquiry, and unwavering dedication to
invasive techniques, which have revolutionised the field. It also honors the pioneers whose efforts patient well-being. The lessons learned and the standards exemplified here continue to guide me in
laid the groundwork for contemporary advancements and whose legacy continues to inspire. my public service role today.

This commemorative volume is dedicated to the patients who entrusted us with their care, As we celebrate this illustrious past, we also look with anticipation to the future. The challenges
the dedicated staff whose commitment sustains our mission, the alumni who carry our legacy, and 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
the benefactors and community whose support has been instrumental in our progress. It stands as from the front, embracing these challenges and shaping the future of surgical care for the next
a testament of gratitude and a reaffirmation of our commitment to ongoing excellence in surgical century and beyond.
care and innovation.
Finally, I must extend my sincere gratitude to the entire team—the visionary leaders, dedicated
We invite you to explore these pages and join us in reflecting on 110 years of distinguished surgeons, nurses, researchers, and support staff—past and present, who have built this extraordinary
history. May this narrative inspire future generations to uphold the values that define us and to legacy. Your collective effort, wisdom, and passion are the lifeblood of this Department’s success.
courageously shape the next chapter in the enduring story of the HKU Department of Surgery. 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 Simon Law
Chairperson Professor Lo Chung-Mau
Department of Surgery Secretary for Health
School of Clinical Medicine Health Bureau
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The University of Hong Kong of the People’s Republic of China

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