Medicine
Mentor: Dr. Clara Poon
Cherene Ngai
During the attachment, I learnt about the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of a physician. In addition to daily ward rounds and clinical consultations, I observed medical procedures such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion surgery.
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During consultations, I had a better understanding of the guidelines for kidney transplants.The renal patients warmed up my heart, hearing that they have to undergo haemodialysis 3times a week and each time takes up 5 to 6 hours, I respected their urge to keep up with the dialysis treatments and stay positive even though most of the time is used for dialysis.
It was fascinating to see how doctors interact and work together during surgery and how they respond when problems arise. It reinforced my interest in medicine and made me more motivated to learn. Dr Poon was also very willing to answer my questions and gave me advice on medical school applications.
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Mentor: Dr Chow Yuen Hon Francis
Kathy Mak & Donata Yip
On 24 July 2024, we were given the precious opportunity to shadow Dr. Chow, a specialist doctor in orthopaedic surgery at Canossa Hospital.
Throughout the day, we observed Dr. Chow’s interaction with different patients. He addressed each patient’s concerns with patience and empathy. Moreover,Dr Chow taught us about spiral fractures and allowed us to touch and see the metal rods and plates that were used for surgical treatments. He further described how to assemble them vividly along with illustrations online. He also explained the purpose of plaster cast after seeing a child patient who cracked his calf bone.
All in all, Dr. Chow taught us a lot about orthopaedics and the whole experience was very fulfilling and informative. We have gained a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by a specialist doctor, which have undoubtedly fuelled our passion for pursuing medicine.​
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​Mentor: Dr. Koljonen
Dorothy Chan, Michelle Sung & Rachel Wong
On 5th-7th August, we were privileged to shadow Dr. Koljonen, a respectable surgeon specialising in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, at Queen Mary Hospital and the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital. The experience was beyond enriching and fruitful, as we had a glimpse of the daily responsibilities of a medical professional while appreciating the art of medicine.
We had the privilege to observe two scoliosis operations at the operating theatre. We were deeply impressed by the professionalism displayed by the surgical team during these lengthy and complicated procedures. From the skills and calmness of the surgeons to the teamwork and communication between different specialities, we have learnt to recognise the significance of seamless collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to uphold patient safety and attain perfection.
Throughout the visit, we witnessed the revolutionary power technology holds towards medicine. From robotic arms, and computer navigation systems to 3D-printed customised prosthetics, implants and even models of patients’ anatomy, surgeries can now be aided to be more effective and efficient.
Apart from surgery, we had the chance to follow Dr Koljonen during ward rounds, through which we realised the importance of longitudinal care and to look beyond the physical. Dr Koljonen’s compassion for all his patients even after the surgery, providing emotional and psychological support, was admirable. One heartwarming moment was when he and all medical staff encouraged a patient to take her first steps post-surgery without support. We came to realise, despite medicine being an intense yet arduous discipline, the joy on the patients’ faces when they slowly recover and regain agency over their lives brings much satisfaction which gives meaning to every effort.
In conclusion, shadowing Dr Koljonen has been an immensely valuable and eye-opening learning opportunity. We have gained deeper insights into the orthopaedics field and hospital operations' complex, collaborative nature. His guidance on navigating through the uncharted waters of medicine has allowed us to redefine our future trajectory and reaffirmed our aspiration to pursue medicine as a vocation for life.
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Mentor: Dr. Ma Wai Kit
Monica Pei
During the 3-day job shadowing, I gained significant insights into the diagnosis and treatment of common urological conditions. Dr. Ma guided me through various procedures, such as the UroLift procedure to tackle prostate enlargement and the observable white spot that appears in ultra sound images to examine kidney stones. Moreover, he provided detailed explanations of the underlying rationale behind his clinical decisions, from gathering information to high lighting the most related issues, until eventually finding out the root cause of all discomforts. I was particularly impressed by Dr. Ma's ability to communicate complex medical information to patients in a clear and empathetic manner, putting them at ease during often sensitive consultations.
Through observing Dr. Ma's dedication to delivering patient-centred care, I developed a deeper appreciation for the essential role that doctors play in maintaining the health and well-being of their patients. This experience has further solidified my interest in pursuing a career in the medical field.
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​​​Mentor: Dr. Sarah Lee
Eunis Chan, Ashley Sia & Scarlett Wong
During our job shadowing experience with Dr. Sarah Lee, a Clinical Oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre, we gained insight into her role in consulting and prescribing treatments for diagnosed patients. Dr. Lee gave us a clinic tour, showcasing the rooms where patients receive IV treatments, and explained concepts like infusion reactions and next-generation sequencing in cancer care.
We observed consultations with 7 patients, and Dr. Lee would use the time in between to explain the patients’ illnesses to us. We also had the opportunity to view CT scans of a patient's lungs, revealing the distant metastasis from his head and neck cancer. Shadowing her consultations with primarily elderly cancer patients offered a firsthand view of the care and expertise required in oncology practice. We also learnt about the significance of effective communication, especially when addressing challenges like elderly patients' forgetfulness. This experience deepened our understanding of the field of clinical oncology, emphasizing the importance of patient-centred care in cancer treatment.
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​Mentor: Dr. Teresa Tse
Chloe Leung
From 29th July to 2nd August, I was given the opportunity to shadow Dr. Teresa Tse in the Department of Oncologyat Prince of Wales Hospital and her private clinic.
During the 5-days attachment, I observed a variety of patient cases and procedures, ranging from lung, and gynaecological, to prostate oncology.Through observing the interaction between Dr. Tse and her patients, I realised that having empathy and good communication skills are crucial for being a doctor, especially when explaining to patients about their conditions and addressing their concerns patiently.
I also had the chance to attend a meeting where different healthcare professionals deliberated on complex patient scenarios, from which I have learnt the importance of teamwork in the medical field as the multidisciplinary team cooperates in order to provide optimal treatment to patients.
Furthermore, Dr Tse shared her experiences throughout her medical journey, providing me with valuable insights into the qualities of being a good doctor. I am grateful for this job shadowing opportunity and I have gained a deeper understanding of the medical field.
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​Mentor: Dr. Wong Pak Hoi
Nicole Kwan
I shadowed Dr. Wong Pak Hoi in his clinic at Tai Koo Shing on 15-16 & 18-19 July from 4:00pm-8:00 pm. Dr Wong Pak Hoi is an experienced doctor, specialized in family medicine. Under his mentorship, I understood more about general clinical procedures such as removing stitches, measuring blood pressure and glucose level, giving an injection, prescribing medicine and making a diagnosis.. This did not only give me a clear picture of a doctor’s duties, but also allowed me to discover more common health problems among different age groups in Hong Kong. Besides, I learnt about the rundown of a clinic through receiving patients’ photo calls, tidying medical report cards as well as managing x-rays and forms. This reminded me of the importance of being careful and patient when working as a doctor. To conclude, this experience broadened my horizons and raised my aspiration to work in the medical field.​
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