President's Message

A New Era of Surgical Excellence: Embracing Innovation and Upholding Our Values

Dear Fellows and Members of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong,

It is with immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I assume the presidency of our esteemed College. I am deeply honoured and privileged for the trust you placed in me. I am also indebted to my predecessors, whose visionary leadership has built a strong foundation upon which we can continue to advance the art and science of surgery in Hong Kong.

Our College has always been at the forefront of surgical excellence, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care. As we navigate a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, we must embrace innovation while remaining steadfast in our commitment to our core values. In the coming three years, I hope to focus on the following five key areas:

The Digital Transformation of Surgical Training

The future of surgical education is digital. We will continue to invest in and expand our e-training initiatives, providing our trainees and Fellows with access to online resources, interactive modules, and virtual surgical simulations. Our goal is to create a flexible and accessible learning environment that complements traditional hands-on training. A key part of this transformation is the e-Portfolio system, which will be fully implemented soon to streamline the tracking of our trainees' progress and competencies, ensuring that our surgeons are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Surgery

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize every aspect of surgery: pre-operative planning, intra-operative guidance, post-operative care and surgical training. With the aim of supporting our surgical community to navigate this exciting frontier, the College will be holding a series of AI workshops for our Fellows and Members. By embracing AI, we can unlock new possibilities for surgical innovation and education, further solidifying our position as a global leader in the field.

A Renewed Focus on Competency-Based Assessment

The College is committed to ensuring that our trainees will be competent both in clinical bedside and operative capabilities. Thus, the College will continue to refine our competency-based assessment framework, moving beyond traditional assessments to a more holistic evaluation of surgical skills, decision-making, and professionalism. This will involve the use of advanced simulation, direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), and other innovative assessment methods to ensure that our surgeons meet the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Upholding the Highest Standards of Professionalism

Professionalism is the bedrock of our profession. As surgeons, we are entrusted with the lives and well-being of our patients. We must continue to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and respect in all our interactions. The College will continue to promote a culture of professionalism through education, mentorship, and by setting a strong example for the next generation of surgeons.

Strengthening Our Community: Members Coherence

Our greatest strength lies in our dedication and unity. The Council is dedicated to fostering a greater sense of members coherence by promoting collaboration, communication, and camaraderie among our Fellows and Members. By working together, we can share our knowledge, support one another, and collectively advance the field of surgery.

The current Council is confident that by embracing these five pillars, we can build a brighter future for the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. The Council is excited to embark on this journey with you, and we are confident that together, we can reach new heights of surgical excellence.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Peggy Sau-kwan CHU

President, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong