Dear members,

 

It has been 2 months since I took up the president post. It is my honour to serve you all. Although I have been serving in the council for more than 12 years, to be the leader of the society representing the neurosurgical profession is quite challenging to me for a number of reasons.

First of all, the objective of our society is basically academic as stated in our society constitution. However, having all neurosurgical specialists and specialist trainees in Hong Kong as our member, we have to take up the role in training as well as being a trade union from time to time. Decision made must be accountable to all members.

Secondly, being part of China, we should have more connection with colleagues in the mainland. Knowing that there are quite substantial differences in practice, culture and language, it is not an easy task. Thanks to the work done by our past presidents, in particular Dawson and Prof. Poon, I think I can facilitate higher level of exchange such as co-organization of international meeting and joint scientific meeting.

Thirdly, we are in an era of rapid change. The HKSAR Chief Executive's proposal in setting up a centre of excellence in neuroscience in his policy agenda 2007 has a very good intention of boosting the standard of neurosurgery in Hong Kong. His strong leadership is reflected in the setting up of the Steering Committee on the Centre of Excellency in Neuroscience a few months after his proposal. Being a member of this committee, I have to represent our members who may vary from those employed to private and maturing to retiring. I envisage this as a rare chance that may enable us to become one of the best in the world in clinical services as well as science research. To be successful, it is my opinion that we should not follow our old colonial system. We have to mutate to adapt to the environment of the 21 st century. Since there is no pre-requisite on the profession arrangement from the government at this moment, this means that we can propose the best system we wish. On the other hand, we have to work out a way by ourselves. This is going to have fundamental impact on all our young fellows. For this reason, I have to consult your opinion throughout the process.

Having these in my mind, I am going to set up zones in our web site for opinion collection as well as a forum in the coming Wednesday academic meeting. A formal survey will follow.

 

Please, Participate!

CK Wong

The President

30 May 2008