Message from the President, G. Tang, December  2004 Academy AGM Dinner Speech on 17 December 2004 �@ Professor Huang, Professor Davies, College Presidents, Council Members, Fellows of the Academy, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen Good Evening and welcome to the Annual Dinner (the Family Dinner) of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. Speaking for the first time as the President of the Academy of Medicine , I feel extremely honored, privileged, happy and apprehensive. Honored and privileged I am to be able to serve the Statutory Body of the  Specialists, the highest organization in Hong Kong that upholds the standard of medical and dental practice, that has the infra-structure for life-long learning, and that which is accountable to the Public via mandatory CME and CPD for the Specialist Register of the Hong Kong Medical Council. I am happy to assume the post for I know I have in the Academy solidarity, unison and collegiality. We all work towards the common goals which are clearly spelt out in the Objects of the Academy �V (which I reiterate) l           To promote the advancement of the art and science of medicine; l           To foster the development of postgraduate medical education and continuing medical education, the study and practice of medicine and its specialties; l           To promote the integrity of the medical profession, ethical conduct, improvement of standards of such practice through approved training programs; l           To promote the improvement of health care for Hong Kong citizens; l           To foster a spirit of co-operation among medical practitioners; and l           To facilitate the exchange of medical information and ideas. Despite the diversity in the training programs and the different CME/CPD, the Academy Colleges have agreed on the principles which are crucial in the maintenance of standard and professionalism for Specialists. Though at times we disagree, the disagreement is still constructive, is apolitical and is intended for the betterment of the medical profession and the Public. The Academy is the Organization that upholds the image of the medical and dental profession in the Hong Kong Community too. We are the Statutory Body that admission is only possible through rigorous assessment of competence and good character, and not by the mere payment of fees. I am apprehensive as you will all understand. My predecessors, Professor Sir David Todd, Dr David Fang and Dr CH Leong, are all giants in the medical profession with prominent track records and extensive contribution to the Academy of Medicine . No amount of words can describe adequately what they have done for the Academy. You will agree with me that the success of the Academy will not be what it is now without the work of these 3 gentlemen. Their foot-steps are not easy to follow (not because I wear high heels and they don��t), but I shall do my very best. I know I can count on their support and wisdom, and together with Presidents of Colleges, Council Members and Fellows of the Academy, I am certain the Academy will continue to thrive. The Council of the Academy at its Strategic Meeting on 28th August 2004 has mapped out the direction of the tasks of the Academy. We shall work towards extending the networking and collaboration with sister institutions and key universities nationally and internationally in the training of specialists and in the development of CME/CPD. An Office of CME/CPD shall be established aiming to enhance, facilitate, monitor and research into this very important aspect of life-long learning in medicine and dentistry. More specifically, I would like to see evidence of ��knowledge transfer��, ie, how CME/CPD can effectively and positively change practice outcome��. In this aspect, I am looking forward to international collaboration research through which the Profession and the Public can be enlightened that life-long learning is beneficial to all. For my tenure in the next 2 years, I shall strive to uphold the role of the Academy as stipulated in its statute, to extend the recognition of the Academy by organizations locally and abroad, and to serve the Public at large. I wish you a very pleasant evening. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!   Thank you. Professor Grace Tang President �@