Non-locally trained doctor returns to serve Hong Kongers

A delegation from the Hospital Authority (HA) has staged recruitment events in London and Sydney this year to invite non-locally trained doctors serve in the public hospitals in Hong Kong. Dr Strathan Dino Chun moved back to Hong Kong after 14 years in the UK in response to the appeal and now is working as a Resident of the Department of Ophthalmology at Tuen Mun Hospital. He says, “Hong Kong is my home. I wish to serve the people of Hong Kong.”

Strathan explains, “I always wanted to return to Hong Kong to work, but I didn’t have an actual timeframe. It wasn’t until the recruitment event in London in April that I discovered there was a new pathway to obtain full registration in Hong Kong, as well as specialist training opportunities. So, I decided to give it a try.” Despite the heavy workload and long working hours in Hong Kong, as well as the complex cases in the public healthcare setting, in a positive way, Strathan believes he will be benefited from these experiences.

Before going to work, Strathan had a two-week attachment at the Tuen Mun Eye Centre to get him used to Hong Kong working practices. The biggest difference he found was dealing with translating medical terms, but he has no difficulty communicating with patients in both Cantonese and Mandarin.

Strathan left Hong Kong to study in the UK at the age of 15. He is a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery, a Master of Science in Anatomical Science, a Master of Public Health, and is studying for a Master of Business Administration (Clinical Leadership), having completed his second foundation year. The epidemic was a powerful motivation for Strathan to return home as he was unable to see his family in Hong Kong for three years and is now able to spend time with his parents. “They were certainly happy when they learnt that I would be back to Hong Kong, but they will always support me whatever decision I make,” he smiles.