Medicine
Mentor: Dr. Tim Au (Queen Mary Hospital Student Volunteer Attachment Programme)
Denise Wong
​
From 8 August to the 22 August, 2017, I took part in The Queen Mary Hospital Student Volunteer Attachment Programme, job shadowing Dr. Tim Au. This programme turned out to be an invaluable and a truly humbling experience for me as I observed the daily hectic and fast-paced work of different medical professionals. Being assigned to the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTSD), I was given the excellent opportunity to work in the Operating Theatre and the C5 and D5 wards, gaining some valuable hands-on experience.
​
The most memorable part of my attachment programme was my observation of a coronary bypass surgery and an aortic valve replacement surgery. It was indeed a precious experience to observe cardiothoracic surgeries which are only provided in three public hospitals in Hong Kong.
​
My time spent in ward D5 taught me how doctors and nurses communicate with the patients in order to comfort them. Seeing the patients and their families feel relieved confirmed my belief that doctors can not only help in the physical healing but their support and reassurance can help calm the anxious patients.
​
Through the observation of the CTSD’s work, I am now able to better understand how demanding a doctor’s job is and that it is sheer hard work and constant quest for knowledge which makes a good doctor. My unforgettable experience this summer has made me motivated to work hard in my studies and put in my best effort to be able to serve in this noble field.
​
Mentor: Dr Emily Chan
Charlotte Kong & Lorraine Cheung
On the 28th July 2017, we were fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to shadow Professor Emily Chan, Director of Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC). CCOUC is a non-profit research centre, carrying out research, training and community knowledge transfer in the area of disaster and medical humanitarian response in Greater China and the Asia-Pacific Region since April 2011. Shadowing Prof. Chan was indeed a valuable learning experience. Our day began with attending a lecture by Professor Chan on ‘Leadership’, in which she also shared her life story with us to demonstrate her perseverance and passion. After the lecture, we then headed to the CCOUC office to have an overview of the daily operations of the organization.
Although we only helped in counting the number of equipment that the team would use during a field trip, we learnt an important lesson that every person in a team counts for the smooth running of an organisation. Although our job may appear to be insignificant as compared to research work, undoubtedly, our contribution cannot be neglected as it ensured the safety of all workers during the field trip. Our assignment made us understand the value of cooperation and coordination in teamwork.
​
​
​
​
Mentor: Dr Carlin Chang (Queen Mary Hospital Student Volunteer Attachment Programme)
Summer Cheng
During this past summer, I was very fortunate to job shadow Dr Carlin Chang for two weeks. I found this opportunity to be truly rewarding and an inspiring experience. Being assigned to the Stroke Rehabilitation ward, I came across many geriatric patients, making me aware how neurological diseases adversely impact and place a huge burden on patients and their families. Although the life of doctors is hectic, I could feel the satisfaction they may feel when witnessing even a minor improvement in their patients’ health.
During this program, I also met a lot of skilled and talented members of the medical team involved in the rehabilitation of patients, such as the physiotherapists and speech therapists. Seeing them at work, I realized how each member plays a vital role in patient recovery. I also understood how important strong and effective communication skills are for doctors in order to provide the best possible medical care to their patients.
​
​
​
​
Mentor: Dr Mimi Seto (Queen Mary Hospital Student Volunteer Attachment Programme)
Candace Chan & Jane Wong
From 17 July 2017 until 28 July 2017, we participated in Queen Mary Hospital’s Student Volunteer Attachment Programme where we had the opportunity to job shadow two doctors from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. We took part in clinic attachments, observed an operation and attended some ultrasound diagnosis sessions. We also collected some statistical data for medical research, and had the chance to observe how different medical staff collaborated in the ward.
This attachment programme provided us with invaluable learning experiences. Not only did we gain an insight into a doctor’s daily work, but also developed a better understanding and appreciation of the interdependence and interrelationship between different health practitioners during an operation, especially in caesarean cases. Also, despite the doctors’ rather hectic and packed schedules, we could feel the positive energy of the doctors at the hospital.
This job shadowing programme has certainly helped further enhance our passion and interest in the medical field!
​
​
​
Mentor: Dr. Theresa Wong
Holy Chan
​
In August 2017, I was fortunate to be allocated a half-day job-shadowing session under Dr. Wong Yee Ling, Theresa, a reputed paediatrician. Throughout my session with Dr. Wong, I observed paediatric consultations of various kinds, including regular check-ups and vaccinations for young children as well as thorough examinations and medicine prescription for patients. Through such a first-hand experience, it became evident to me that being a doctor, in particular a paediatrician is highly demanding. It requires not only extensive knowledge of medicine but also immense patience and excellent communication skills with young patients and their parents.
I am also fortunate to have been given an overview of the entire journey of being a doctor. From studying medicine at college to sub-specializing in different areas, the lengthy yet rewarding course requires much perseverance and passion. My session with Dr. Wong has inspired me to continue to work hard and give my absolute best in everything in order to be a successful doctor.
