According to the new section 3(2)(ha) of the Medical Registration Ordinance in relation to the composition of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK), there are two additional seats from the Academy in the MCHK, i.e. the “2 registered medical practitioners who are Fellows nominated and elected by Fellows in accordance with the regulations or procedures of the Academy of Medicine”, as stipulated in the said new section of the Ordinance.

Nominations are now open for the said election. The notice of election and associated materials have been posted to Fellows recently. Nomination must be delivered to the Honorary Secretary, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, 10/F, HKAM Jockey Club Building, 99 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, before 5 p.m. on 15 June 2018.

This year marks the Silver Jubilee of the Academy. The anniversary slogan is “Medical Excellence for a Healthy Future”, which conveys our mission to uphold medical professionalism and nurturing young leaders for better healthcare. A series of celebratory events will be held during the year.

The Academy launched the commemorative website (http://hkam25.hkam.org.hk). Please visit the website for details of the exciting celebratory activities.

The finale 25^th Anniversary Congress, with the theme “Beyond 25: New Paradigms in Healthcare”, will be held on 7-9 December 2018. The Congress will serve as an excellent platform for local and international healthcare leaders and experts to share views on medical advances, innovative technologies and challenges across different specialties. Details about the provisional programme can be found at the Congress website http://page.hkam.org.hk/25Congress. 

We are pleased to announce that speakers for the Academy’s named lectures have been confirmed.

Halnan Lecture

David Todd Oration

Register now: Register on or before 31 August 2018 at the early bird rate!

Submitting your abstract: The Congress welcomes the submission of abstracts around the main theme for oral or poster presentation on or before 15 September 2018.

For enquiries, please contact the Congress Secretariat at [email protected].

Your support and participation in the anniversary activities would make our anniversary memorable and meaningful. Please join us and be part of this auspicious occasion! For latest updates on the activities, please visit the anniversary commemorative website at http://hkam25.hkam.org.hk.

For enquiries, please contact the 25^th Anniversary Secretariat at [email protected].

The Prize for Best Original Research by Trainees of the Academy recognises excellence in research done by doctors who are having specialist training. Submission deadline for the year 2018 award is 30 June 2018 (postmark). Interested trainee doctors please download the following documents for details.

• Information about Prize for Best Original Research by Trainee
• Abstract Form (PDF, Word)
• Sample Abstract

HKJC ILCM Upcoming Courses:

For details of the above courses, please visit ILCM website at www.hkjcilcm.hk
Enquiries: 2871 8718 or [email protected]

Course Highlights:

Comprehensive Simulation Educator Course
The Comprehensive Simulation Educator Course (CSEC) aims to provide the essential knowledge, and develop learners’ competence, in planning a simulation-based education activity, scenario development, direction, execution and debriefing methods. This course will enable the participants to have an understanding of the basic concepts of learner-centred education. 

Different types of simulators and simulation techniques, and their respective applications will be covered to provide the participants with the resources for their teaching purposes. At the end of the course, the participants will have the basic knowledge and skill to plan and run a simulation-based training course, develop the necessary training material, direct a scenario and debrief the learners on the learning objectives. The course also intends to cultivate interest and passion in simulation-based education, and learners are provided with different methods to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills in simulation-based education.

The coming batches of this 4-day course will be held on 18-19 and 25-26 August 2018; and 3-4 and 10-11 November 2018 respectively.

For details and application, please kindly visit HKJC ILCM website at www.hkjcilcm.hk

Debriefing Skills for Simulation Instructors Course (DSSIC)
This newly developed DSSIC aims to provide the essential knowledge and skills to develop learners’ competence in debriefing methods commonly used in simulation training courses. This course is suitable for those who wish to learn more about simulation-based learning and to apply the techniques of debriefing and feedback as a tool in teaching adult learners.

DSSIC is a two-day course and will be held at ILCM on 21-22 July 2018 and 1-2 December 2018 separately. The primary audience is healthcare professionals who would like to start simulation-based teaching in their field.

For more details of the course, please visit here.

Advanced Debriefing Course (ADC)
With an emphasis on debriefing skills, this course is designed to enhance and extend instructional techniques learned in the IMS Simulation Instructor Course. Using high-leverage methods from experiential learning and organizational psychology, this 4-day intensive immersion in debriefing, taught by senior faculties from Institute for Medical Simulation (IMS) / Harvard Medical School, uses extensive practice and feedback to help attendees become more reflective about their instructional practices.

The course is scheduled on 17 and 19 – 21 June 2018 at HKJC ILCM for graduates of IMS Simulation Instructor Course (IMS Course) or ILCM Comprehensive Simulation Educator Course (CSEC).

Demand notes for the 2018 subscriptions have been sent to Fellows in January 2018. Please settle the payment as soon
as possible.

Reminders:

1. All payments must be received by the Academy before 30 September.
According to Bylaw 6.4:
If a member's fee or any other moneys due by a member to the Academy is not received by the Academy within 9
months after such payment falls due, despite two written reminders by the Academy to pay, the member shall
automatically forfeit his membership.

2. It is Council's policy that late subscriptions received by the Academy after 30 June will be subject to a surcharge of 5% on the subscription amount.

3. For Fellows who have authorised payment via bank transfer/credit card, payments will be deducted from their bank
accounts or credit card automatically.

4. Fellows aged over 70, or have reached 70 before the beginning of the next subscription year, do not need to pay any
subscription and will not receive a debit note.

5. Fellows residing outside Hong Kong or have reached the age of 65 and have retired from all remunerative
practice/job/business must submit written applications for reduced rates before 31 December if they wish to enjoy the
reduced rates next year. For details, please visit http://www.hkam.org.hk/fellows_area/reduced_rate.pdf.

To facilitate more efficient payment procedures, the Academy has launched the credit card online payment service in mid-January 2018. Now, Fellows can save time and settle HKAM Fellowship annual subscriptions conveniently and quickly through online payment on the iCMECPD website.

What are the benefits?

• Save time and postage cost
• Settle annual subscription anytime, anywhere by using computer or mobile device
• Ensure your subscription can be settled on-time without delay
• Payment history and e-receipt are available anytime
• Go paperless to help the environment and reduce paperwork

How to get started?

Fellows can log into iCMECPD (https://www.icmecpd.hk/) and choose “Annual Subscription” under “Fellow’s Area” of the main menu to settle the payment.

Click HERE to read quick user guide

A new function "e-Receipt" on the iCMECPD website is now available.  Fellows who have settled the payment for 2018 subscription can login to iCMECPD (User's Corner > Receipt for Annual Subscription) to view and print their Annual Subscription receipts online. To reduce environmental impact, Fellows can indicate their preference in the debit note on whether to receive official receipt by post while settling the payment by cheque or Dah Sing HKAM Platinum Card.

Please note that the CME/CPD Principles & Guidelines for the cycle 2017-19 will remain unchanged, i.e. no more than 75 points can be awarded for passive participation in a 3-year cycle. Fellows are strongly advised to maintain a balanced CME/CPD profile with a mix of different activities, in order to capture the full benefit of different types of CME/CPD activities.

The document, Principles & Guidelines 2017-19, is available online here on the Academy website.

(Note: Individual Colleges will have their own set of guidelines based on what have been agreed at the Academy level. There may be specific rules or requirements that the Colleges determine to be relevant for their specialties.)

The Academy sometimes gets error messages when sending messages to Fellows' registered emails, which may be caused by full mailboxes, invalid addresses, etc. A valid email address is an essential detail for Fellows to gain access to iCMECPD account and view the CME/CPD profile. In order to help us maintain an up-to-date database, please keep us informed whenever there are changes to your email address, mailing address or contact number by logging into your account of iCMECPD (http://www.icmecpd.hk). Please also be reminded to keep your registered emails active by ensuring there is sufficient mailbox capacity.

To further enhance the online services for CME/CPD, the Academy has developed a mobile application for capturing attendance - iCMECPD App. It is now available at Apple's App Store and Google's Play. Fellows may download the App by scanning the respective QR code below (or search "icmecpd" from App Store/Google Play) and install it in their smartphone with operating system in iOS (8.0 or above) or Android (4.3 or above).

Starting from 2017, Fellows may capture their attendance by using the App to scan the QR code for CME/CPD activities held by the Academy/Colleges at the HKAM Jockey Club Building. The Academy has started liaising with organisers on pilot runs of the App for their activities to be held so that they will gradually use this paperless online accreditation application and attendance capture process from 2017 onward. In addition, briefing sessions will be conducted for organisers to further promote the App and the system.

iCMECPD App

Latest articles available at www.hkmj.org:

Original Article
Outcomes of a pharmacist-led medication review programme for hospitalised elderly patients Having clinical pharmacists perform standard checking procedures can enhance the safety and quality of prescriptions for elderly in-patients, report Patrick KC Chiu et al. After implementing a pharmacist-led medication review programme in a geriatric unit of a local hospital from December 2013 to September 2014, the research team found a significant reduction in the use of inappropriate medications among hospitalised elderly patients, as well as in all-cause unscheduled readmissions within 1 month of hospital discharge. Hong Kong Med J 2018 Apr;24(2):98–106 | Epub 9 Feb 2018
Original Article
Outcomes and morbidities of patients who survive haemoglobin Bart’s hydrops fetalis syndrome: 20-year retrospective review In the first local report of all known survivors of haemoglobin Bart’s hydrops fetalis syndrome, a once-considered fatal disease, Wilson YK Chan et al systematically review antenatal care, counselling, and diagnosis; perinatal and long-term treatments; and short- and long-term complications. By studying records from eight public-hospital paediatric haematology units, the authors identified nine locally born patients who survived the syndrome, two of whom underwent stem-cell transplantation and have become transfusion-independent. Hong Kong Med J 2018 Apr;24(2):107–18 | Epub 6 Apr 2018
Original Article
Intra-operative periarticular multimodal injection in total knee arthroplasty: a local hospital experience in Hong Kong Pain management after total knee replacement for knee osteoarthritis is more effective if an extra injection step is added during the operation, Jason CH Fan has found after reviewing patient records of a local hospital between 2005 and 2012. From June 2009, injections of a drug cocktail (including levobupivacaine, morphine, and adrenaline) around the joint were added to the routine intra-operative procedure. Compared with patients before that date, patients receiving the extra injections used significantly less patient-controlled analgesia morphine in the first 36 hours after surgery. Hong Kong Med J 2018 Apr;24(2):145–51 | Epub 14 Mar 2018	Image: HKAM Press
Original Article
Bacteriology and risk factors associated with periprosthetic joint infection after primary total knee arthroplasty: retrospective study of 2543 cases In the past two decades of primary elective surgery for total knee replacement in Hong Kong, the occurrence of infection around the artificial knee after surgery has been low, according to a retrospective study by KT Siu et al. The incidence of periprosthetic joint infection was 1.34% (34/2543), and rheumatoid arthritis was the only consistent factor identified in the series to be significantly associated with joint infection. Hong Kong Med J 2018 Apr;24(2):152–7 | Epub 29 Mar 2018
Original Article
Endobronchial valve for treatment of persistent air leak complicating spontaneous pneumothorax Patients underdoing chest-tube drainage for spontaneous pneumothorax may experience persistent air leakage but may not opt or be able to have remedial surgery. However, the alternative—fitting an endobronchial one-way valve—has a low success rate, according to WC Wu et al. The researchers report that only about a fifth (22%) of cases of air leakage treated with an endobronchial valve had “unequivocal success” among 37 patients in an 8-year period. They then analyse which factors were associated with treatment success and failure. Hong Kong Med J 2018 Apr;24(2):158–65 | Epub 4 Apr 2018	Image: HKAM Press

The Symposium, jointly organised by the Academy and the Department of Health was held on 7 April 2018 at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Jockey Club Building. It focused  on  the  existing  legislation  relevant  to  the  operation  of  private healthcare facilities and issues on infection control. Honorary Treasurer of the Academy Dr. Y.F. Chow delivered a talk on “Administration of Operating Room: the Patient Safety Perspective”, while Vice President (Education and Examinations) Prof. Gilberto Leung also served as the moderator in a session.

The symposium attracted around 550 participants. The presentation files can be downloaded here.

The Young Fellows Chapter (YFC) of the Academy organised the forum at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, aiming to enhance understanding of both types of coverage available in medical indemnity insurance, i.e. occurrence-based and claim based policies. Representatives from insurance brokers were also invited to introduce different alternatives available in the market. Mr. Woody Chang, solicitor from Mayer Brown JSM, also shared views on some medico-legal issues and the impact of recent introduction of the Apology Ordinance on medical practice. President Prof. C.S. Lau hoped the audience found the forum informative and could enable Fellows to make the best choice for their medical indemnity insurance. Useful information of the forum would be summed up in the next issue of the Academy’s newsletter.

The Academy delegation, led by President Prof. C.S. Lau, visited The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital on 4 May 2018. Officers and College Presidents/ representatives had a meeting with the officials of the Health and Family Planning Commission and Public Hospital Administration of Shenzhen Municipality; and senior management staff and representatives of HKU-Shenzhen Hospital. Discussions covered collaboration on specialist training between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The delegation also visited the hospital facilities such as smart pharmacy, emergency rooms and operation rooms.

The MEC, jointly organised by the Academy and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Innovative Learning Centre for Medicine, was held on 5 May 2018. The MEC is one of the flagship events of the Academy to pursue the goal to maintain high standards of medical education. This year’s theme is “Cultivating Professionalism and Research in Medical Education”.

Secretary for Food and Health Prof. Sophia Chan attended the Opening Ceremony as the Guest of Honour. After the welcome address by President Prof. C.S. Lau, plenary lecturers including Prof. Sir Terence Stephenson, Chair of the General Medical Council (United Kingdom), joined the prominent panel of speakers to deliberate on ways to cultivate the development of healthcare providers with professional attributes and to nurture research in medical training, as well as future directions of post-graduation education. The Academy also actively engaged the younger generation and organised a forum for young Fellows to share experience. The one-day conference provided a rich programme delivered through plenary lectures, symposia and workshops and attracted around 220 participants.

Internal Medicine Meeting of the American College of Physicians (ACP), 19-21 April 2018
President Prof. C.S. Lau participated in the International Forum, which featured an in-depth panel discussion on social determinants of health. The participants exchanged views on the role of physicians in identifying and addressing the determinants, the challenges being encountered, strategic planning and actions to be taken by the government of different countries, etc. During Prof. Lau’s stay in New Orleans, he also attended the ACP’s convocation ceremony as a member of platform party congratulating the College’s newly admitted Fellows on their achievement.

Annual Dinner cum 50^th Anniversary Celebration of the Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (HKAPI), 26 April 2018
President Prof. C.S. Lau attended the annual dinner of the HKAPI and celebrated its 50^th anniversary with the medical fraternity.

Book your table(s) early for yum cha on Father’s Day.  We offer ample parking space free of charge.

Online reservation is available now! You can scan the QR codes or visit https://www.hkamonline.hk/yumcha to make bookings.

Registration deadline: 8 June 2018

During Yum Cha on 17 June, Mr. Billy Chau will demonstrate Chinese Calligraphy, with the theme around the Academy’s 25^th Anniversary.

Click here for details

To register for the workshop, please send email to [email protected] and provide the following details.

● Your full name and HKAM ID number
● Contact number
● Number of persons in your group

A wide range of well-designed, quality Academy gifts and accessories are available at the Academy Lounge. You may also place an order by completing and returning an order form to the Secretariat.

• Order Form

The Academy Lounge is a nicely decorated place with cosy atmosphere ideal for social occasions. The Lounge offers a menu of gourmet appetizers and drink specials, as well as BBQ menus.

Enjoy fresh Spring air and BBQ buffet at the Academy Fellows’ Garden!  Our chefs will grill hearty meats and seafood skewers at our outdoor BBQ counter in the Fellows’ Garden. The indoor buffet stations will feature a tasty assortment of starters and main courses. A wide selection of luscious desserts will be prepared to complete the feast.

Menu

Present your valid HKAM Fellowship card to enjoy 18% off semi-buffet lunch, buffet / a la carte dinner and holiday brunch. The offers are valid until 31 December 2018. Please click here for details.

The 8^th IDKD Intensive Course in Hong Kong will be held on 15-17 June 2018 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong College of Radiologists is honoured to co-organise this event, together with The University of Hong Kong.

Registrations are accepted online at www.idkd.org

Please click the following links for detailed information.

• Invitation Letter
• Announcement
• Registration (Early Bird Registration until 13 May 2018)

The Hong Kong College of Family Physicians will host the 8^th Hong Kong Primary Care Conference on 23-24 June 2018 (Sat-Sun) at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Jockey Club building.  The theme of this year’s conference is “Family Physician – Nexus of the New Era of Primary Care”.  For details about the conference, please visit http://www.hkcfp.org.hk/pages_4_1103.html or contact Ms. Windy Lau at 2871 8899 or [email protected].

• Announcement
• Registration

The Hong Kong College of Radiologists (HKCR) will be organising the 2018 AIRP Course in Hong Kong with the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) on 30 June – 2 July 2018 (Saturday to Monday) at Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Jockey Club Building.

Subspecialty Focus
Musculoskeletal Radiology
Breast Imaging
Women’s Imaging

Please click the following links for detailed information.

• Announcement
• Registration (Early Bird Registration until 30 April 2018)

Organised by the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, the HKCPsych International Mental Health Congress will be held on 14-16 December 2018 (Friday – Sunday) at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Jockey Club Building. The theme of this Congress is “Changes and Opportunities beyond 25 Years”.

The congress aims to provide a platform for medical practitioners and other allied health professionals from the Asian regions and other parts of the world to share the latest advances and challenges in the field of mental health care.

• Pamphlet
• Poster
• Programme
• Registration (Early Bird Registration until 1 October 2018)

Pre-congress Workshop on Advanced Leadership and Management Skills

The Pre-congress workshops of the 2018 HKCPsych International Mental Health Congress will be held on 13 December 2018 (Thursday) at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Jockey Club Building. The topic is on Advanced Leadership and Management Skills.

This one-day workshop will be conducted by Professor Dinesh Bhugra, President-Elect of the British Medical Association. The workshop is suitable for doctors at their mid- or advanced career who are taking leadership roles in their respective medical or related field.

• Pamphlet

For details about the Pre-Congress workshop and main congress, please visit http://www.psy2018.hk/ or Congress Secretariat at (852) 2559 9973 or via email to info@psy2018.hk.

Organised by the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society and supported by the Academy, the Symposium on Cancer Challenge in Hong Kong will be held on 6 October 2018. With the theme “Sustainable Cancer Control Plan for Hong Kong”, the symposium aims to provide an opportunity for more professionals, academia and policy makers in Hong Kong to learn and deliberate on how we can develop a sustainable cancer control plan for Hong Kong. Please click here for the tentative programme.

Please note the following announcement from the Drug Office of Department of Health:

• Health Canada Safety Information on Several GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Vaccines: Potential Risk of Underdosing
• FDA warns of serious immune system reaction with seizure and mental health medicine lamotrigine (Lamictal)

The eHealth News is published to help people understand better the latest eHR development. The most recent issue of eHealth News has been published and is available at the Electronic Health Record (eHR) Office website:

• eHealth News (English | Chinese)