Collaboration between Chinese and western medicines trains up Chinese medicine talents through clinical practice
The ‘Greater Bay Area Chinese Medicine Visiting Scholars Programme’, commenced since November 2022, promotes professional exchanges in Chinese medicine within the Greater Bay Area, enhancing the clinical competency of local Chinese medicine practitioners in inpatient care, and further facilitating the development of Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine (ICWM) services in Hong Kong. One of the scholars, Chief Physician at the Oncology Department of the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chai Xiao-shu, visited various designated ICWM hospital sites during her exchange to Hong Kong in September last year. In the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and Tuen Mun Hospital where the new cancer care pilot programme was first launched, she collaborated with the western medical team, exchanged knowledge on-site and provided ICWM treatment to suitable patients.
“When collaborating with the western medical team, we respected each other’s expertise and the western medicine doctors recognised the efficacy of Chinese medicine treatment. The collaboration between the Chinese and western medical teams is achieved in the entire treatment process, including ward rounds, case conferences, and treatment plan formulation. Leveraging on the complementary advantages of the Chinese and western medicines, we ultimately fulfilled the shared aspiration to benefit patients.” Chai adds that the programme is groundbreaking that it provides inpatient apprentice training to local Chinese medicine practitioners. Through clinical training and coaching on ICWM services, the clinical capability of local Chinese medicine practitioners can be further strengthened, giving full play to the strength of Chinese medicine.
Dr Fiona Lim, Consultant of Oncology Department at PMH, says the Chinese medicine experts have comprehensive expertise in ICWM cancer treatments, particularly in understanding the clinical conditions at different stages of treatment and with proper management. “We work very well, and our colleagues are willing to cooperate with Chinese medical team. The Chinese medicine experts not only share their valuable experiences and provide guidance to the local Chinese medicine practitioners, but also educate patients on self-care and benefit the western medical team by developing a deeper understanding on the effectiveness of Chinese medicine treatment. During the collaboration, positive feedbacks about ICWM treatment from both clinical teams and the patients have been received.” Dr Lim explains. Chai and Dr Lim look forward to more opportunities for further collaboration and exchange in future.