The blessing of meeting an inspiring mentor

Dr Thomas Dao
Associate Consultant (KWC Family Medicine and Primary Health Care)
Yan Chai Hospital

The Ha Kwai Chung General Out-patient Clinic on Lai Cho Road, Kwai Chung, looks just like any other General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs). However, since 2016, Dr Thomas Dao has given it a vital role: the first GOPC in Hong Kong to provide point-of-care echocardiography.

Five years after joining the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Dr Dao always wanted to perform echocardiography on patients with suspected heart problems in order to identify the causes more quickly and accurately. To acquire relevant knowledge, he studied for a Master of Science degree in diagnostic ultrasound after work and was supported by the Department Head and the Department of Medicine of Princess Margaret Hospital to learn the skill in the Echocardiography Laboratory.

“Dr Choy Chi-chung, cardiologist of Princess Margaret Hospital at that time, was my mentor. He explained the cases patiently and shared his profound experiences with me. Only then can I become the first group of family doctors who can perform cardiac ultrasound.” Dr Dao wept silent tears when he recalled memories with Dr Choy, who sadly passed away three years ago. “I went from knowing nothing about echocardiography to getting a professional qualification, the guidance and encouragement given by my mentor was rewarding. I am determined to pass on his selflessness and now I share with family doctors and colleagues on how to use point-of-care abdominal ultrasound and echocardiography, both in the College and my department.”

He adds, “In the past, we could only refer patients in need to the cluster hospitals, but since 2016, we have been able to perform point-of-care echocardiography for patients in our GOPC within a short period of time, and refer them to the hospital only if they are seriously ill. This reduces the burden on the hospital and shortens the waiting time for patients with serious conditions to see cardiologists in hospital.”

Dr Dao is currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree in medical ethics and law, and his desire to walk an extra mile for his patients and to learn more is probably the result of his mentor’s example.