Passionate Professionals Series 1

Dr Heyson Chan – sharing a wealth of medical expertise with patients and pupils

Great work by good people is an everyday event at the Hospital Authority. To recognise the selflessness and dedication of HA colleagues, the “Passionate Professionals” series of interviews will introduce the recipients of the ‘Teacher of the Year Awards 2015’ organised by the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the ‘Outstanding Nurse Awards’ organised by the Association of Hong Kong Nursing Staff. The interviews provide insights into what fuels the enthusiasm of these inspiring individuals as well as how they celebrate the happy times and handle the challenges they face in their chosen careers.

“I teach my students how to properly administer medication and carry out clinical diagnoses, but I also put strong emphasis on the importance of developing a good bedside manner. To be an outstanding doctor, having a kind and sympathetic attitude is as important as having excellent medical skills,” says Dr Heyson Chan.

After achieving 6As in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, Dr Chan gained early admission to the Faculty of Medicine at CUHK. Since graduating seven years ago, he has been working as a physician and doing voluntary clinical teaching work at Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH). Last year he attained specialist qualifications in gastroenterology and hepatology, and was awarded the ‘Medical Officer’s Teaching Award’ by CUHK’s Faculty of Medicine.

Dr Chan’s work as a volunteer clinical instructor stems from his positive experience as a student. “When I was student, I was fortunate enough to enjoy tuition from Professor Joseph Sung, now Vice-Chancellor of CUHK; Professor Justin Wu, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology; and Professor Vincent Mok, a specialist in neurology, during practical training on the wards,” he says. “I observed how they used patient’s first names and offered sympathetic words or a kind touch, and how valuable this was in building trust with patients. I was also impressed by how willing they were to share their vast experience and knowledge with me and my fellow doctors in training.”

Dr Chan says it can be challenging to juggle his medical duties and teaching. “I have to get up very early and often finish very late. But I really enjoy teaching, because I’m helping new generations of doctors and it incentivises me to keep learning about the new advancements being made in the field of medicine every day.”

Dr Heyson Chan (left) says the generous and inspiring teaching of Professor Joseph Sung, Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, continues to influence him until today.