The Academy has been promoting medical professionalism and ethics among Fellows through various conferences and activities. In order to further enhance the education and training on medical professionalism and ethical practice among Fellows and specialist trainees, the Academy Council decided to set up a Professionalism and Ethics Committee. The establishment of the Committee was announced on 16 March 2019 at the Opening Ceremony of the Ethics Conference coorganised by the Academy and The University of Chicago Medicine, titled “Ethical Issues with Advanced Biotechnology”. The Co-Chairmen of the Committee are Prof. Gilberto Leung, Vice-President (Education and Examinations) of the Academy, and Dr. James Chiu, a surgeon and an experienced mediator dedicated in medicolegal matters.

The Committee aims to promote medical professionalism and ethics through reviewing the provision of relevant training by Academy Colleges; responding to requests by the Academy Council and the Education Committee, and collaborating with relevant external organisations on ethical issues related to the practice of specialty medicine and dentistry, public policy and other Academy matters; identifying, examining and bringing forward issues of ethical importance deserving the attention of the Academy Council, its constituent Colleges or committees; as well as formulating relevant code of conduct on the practice of individual specialty where applicable.

The Academy is organising the 5^th Medical Education Conference (MEC) on 4 May 2019. The theme of this year’s conference is “Curriculum Reform”. The one-day Conference features plenary lectures, symposia and workshops, delivered by renowned local and overseas speakers. Details about the programme can be found at the Conference website: http://page.hkam.org.hk/mec2019.

Plenary Speakers:

• Dr. Graham MCMAHON, President and Chief Executive Officer, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
  Topic: Evolving Medical Education to Meet Learners’ Changing Needs

• Dr. David TAYLOR, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Canada
  Topic: Reforming Assessment in Competency-based Medical Education: Entrustable Professional Activities

• Prof. ZHANG Shuyang, Vice President, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
  Topic: Postgraduate Curriculum Reform in China

Please click here to register now.

Call for abstracts: The Conference welcomes the submission of abstracts around “Postgraduate Medical Education” for poster presentation on or before 4 April 2019.

CME accreditation results can be found here.

For enquiries, please contact the MEC 2019 Secretariat at [email protected].

The Academy, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, Academy of Medicine, Singapore and Hong Kong College of Family Physicians are organising the 4^th AMM-AMS-HKAM Tripartite Congress cum 53^rd Singapore Malaysia Congress of Medicine & Hong Kong Primary Care Conference 2019 on 6-8 December 2019. The Congress theme is “People-centred Care: Towards Value-based Innovations”.

More details about the programme and registration will be announced later.

The Young Fellows Chapter (YFC) is conducting a territory-wide study to evaluate the psychological well-being of all practising young Fellows (defined as within 10 years of being awarded Fellowship of HKAM) and residents-in-training in Hong Kong. All young Fellows and residents-in-training should have received an invitation to participate in the study. Please return the survey if you have not done so yet. Results would be announced around May.

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 2019 award is 30 June 2019 (postmark). Interested trainee doctors may download the following documents for details.

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

The co-branded credit card programme between the Academy and Dah Sing Bank will expire on 26 June 2019. Fellows holding the co-branded credit card should have received a formal notification from the bank, regarding the replacement with a generic credit card. Discount and double Bonus Points for spending at the Academy’s Dining Room, Academy Lounge and booking of venues for private functions, as well as settlement of annual subscription fee by direct debit authorisation service will be discontinued. Please be reminded to make all necessary arrangements as appropriate. 

Fellows can still use the card to settle HKAM Fellowship annual subscription before the programme expires.  For details, please contact the bank at (852) 2828 8168 directly.

The Academy and the Colleges have lost contact with the following Fellows and need your assistance in locating them. If you happen to know their whereabouts, please contact the Academy Secretariat by telephone at (852) 2871 8888, fax (852) at 2505 5577 or email to [email protected], or ask the Fellows concerned to contact us directly.

• WAN, Koon Yat (Hong Kong College of Radiologists)
• WONG, Wing Hung Andrew (The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong)

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 (CSEC)
The 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.

For courses in 2019, please refer to the table above. Application has started.

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 HKJC ILCM on the dates listed above. The primary audience is healthcare professionals who would like to start simulation-based teaching in their field.

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

Advanced Simulation Training in Mechanical Ventilation (ASTiM2)
HKJC ILCM has newly developed the ASTiM, in collaboration with Hong Kong Society of Critical Care Medicine (HKSCCM) and Hong Kong College of Critical Care Nursing (HKCCCN), aiming at enhancing knowledge and skills in “Advanced Mechanical Ventilation” through interactive learning activities and hands on simulation training workshops with advanced respiratory ventilator.

ASTiM is a one-day course which will be held at HKJC ILCM on the dates listed above. The primary audience is healthcare professionals taking care of patients requiring mechanical ventilation; while those not in this specialty are also welcomed.

Cost Fee for ASTiM: HK$4,000 (HK$3,200 for HA members)

Applications may need to go through a selection process.

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

Free E-Learning Course: Biological Disasters
The Black Death, Spanish Flu, SARS, Ebola ... In the history of mankind, deadly infectious diseases and appalling disasters are inseparable. Science has given us the ability to hunt down the pathogens. However, pathogens – new and old – keep emerging and evolving in every corner of the planet. In today’s highly interconnected world, a single sneeze may set off a global pandemic. 

Are you prepared for the next pandemic? How can we prepare for disasters caused by infectious diseases? This e-learning module is about biological disasters, the third in the series of CBRN emergencies e-learning modules.

To enroll in this e-learning course, please visit the website: 
http://www.hkjcdpri.org.hk/d06-1-biological-disasters

For further enquiries about the two courses, please contact the HKJCDPRI at [email protected] or (852) 2871 8857.

Free Short Course on “Research Methodology for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response” is Now Open for Application
The free short course “Research Methodology for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response” (31 May 2019; 1 June; and optional 5 Jun 2019) is organised by JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, the Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC) of the CUHK and the HKJCDPRI.

Course description: Participants will receive technical training in research study to address public health needs of populations affected by catastrophic events and in resource-poor settings. On completing the course, the participants will understand the principles of planning, implementing, and disseminating research in the context of disaster and humanitarian settings. It aims to show how public health and research principles can be applied.

For occasional students’ registration and other details, please go onto the course website here.

Deadline for application: 10 May 2019

Demand notes for the 2019 subscriptions have been sent to Fellows in January 2019. 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 defined by Academy 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 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 started to provide credit card online payment service since January 2018. Now, Fellows can save time and settle HKAM Fellowship annual subscription effortlessly, conveniently and quickly through online payment on the iCMECPD website.

What are the benefits?

• Save time and postage cost
• Settle the annual subscription anytime, anywhere by using computer or mobile devices
• 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” in the main menu to settle the payment.

Click HERE to read the quick user guide

Fellows can log into iCMECPD (User's Corner > Receipt for Annual Subscription) to view and print their Annual Subscription receipts online (e-receipts for subscription from 2017 are available). 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:

Research dissemination reports
Research dissemination reports are concise informative reports of health-related research supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund (and its predecessor funds) administered by the Food and Health Bureau. These dissemination reports are published regularly as Supplements to the HKMJ, and the latest is available here: Commissioned Research on Mental Health Policy and Services Health and Medical Research Fund Health and Health Services Research Fund In this edition, we present 11 dissemination reports of projects related to mental health, paediatrics, and neurology. We hope you enjoy this selection of research dissemination reports. Electronic copies of these dissemination reports and the corresponding full reports can be downloaded individually from the Research Fund Secretariat website (rfs2.fhb.gov.hk). Researchers interested in the funds administered by the Food and Health Bureau also may visit the website for detailed information about application procedures. Volume 25 Issue 1 Supplement 3, 2019	Image: © HKMJ
Editorial – Healthcare for Society
“Healthcare for Society”—a column featuring outstanding community contributions For the past six and a half years, the “Doctor for Society” section has been a regular feature in the Hong Kong Medical Journal. The section showcases interviews with hard-working medical professionals who dedicate time and effort to volunteer activities. These individuals serve as an inspiration to all medical professionals, especially the younger generation, and the interviews are conducted by students attending medical school in Hong Kong. To expand the scope of this popular section—to include not only doctors, but all healthcare professionals—from this issue the section will be renamed to “Healthcare for Society”. The very first interview in the newly titled “Healthcare for Society” section is with Prof Kwok-yung Yuen, the Sir David Todd Orator of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in 2018, and a substantial contributor to our community. You can read the interview ‘Professor Kwok-yung Yuen: Embracing life with a beginner’s heart’ here. Hong Kong Med J 2019 Feb;25(1):4–5	Image: HKMJ; CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Medical Practice
Update on the Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings—review of evidence on the definition of high blood pressure and goal of therapy In 2017, the United States adopted a revised hypertension definition for lower blood pressure values of 130/80 mm Hg, in contrast to the international consensus of 140/90 mm Hg. After thorough review of the literature and international guidelines, the Hong Kong Reference Framework for Care of Diabetes and Hypertension in Primary Care Settings has been updated. Hong Kong Med J 2019 Feb;25(1):64–7 | Epub 3 Jan 2019	Image: PCO
CME   Medical Practice
Antibiotic management of acute pharyngitis in primary care Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common out-patient conditions in primary care in Hong Kong. Practical recommendations on the diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngitis are made by the Advisory Group on Antibiotic Stewardship Programme in Primary Care (Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health) based on the best available clinical evidence, local prevalence of pathogens and associated antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and common local practice. Hong Kong Med J 2019 Feb;25(1):58–63 | Epub 31 Jan 2019	Image: CHP
CME   Review Article
Update on the association between dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction Dry eye disease is a common ophthalmic complaint. Dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction are strongly associated with each other; many of their risk factors, signs, and symptoms overlap. This article by Dr Tommy CY Chan et al reviews the current literature on dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction, as well as the relationships between the two conditions. Current treatment options are described and discussed. Hong Kong Med J 2019 Feb;25(1):38–47 | Epub 31 Jan 2019
Reminiscence: Artefacts from the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences
Triturator for smallpox vaccine production Dr Harry Wu recounts a fascinating history surrounding the triturator that was used to produce vaccines, such as for smallpox and rabies, between 1940 and 1982. This decommissioned device witnessed an important moment in the history of disease prevention in Hong Kong. According to the World Health Organization, there have been no smallpox cases in Hong Kong since 1952. Hong Kong was further certified disease free in 1979, 2 years before the worldwide eradication. Despite this, the story that the machine tells is an unfinished one, owing to perpetual speculation about whether Hong Kong would have been able to prevent contagious diseases on its own. Hong Kong Med J 2019 Feb;25(1):86–8	Image: HKMJ; CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The Education Committee of the Academy organised an Assessment Workshop on 16 and 17 February 2019.  The workshop aimed to help Colleges to explore their specific assessment needs and challenges and to discuss assessment principles, blueprinting and specific methods relevant to their training. A total of 25 participants from 3 Colleges attended the workshop and their feedback towards the workshop were positive.

President Prof. C.S. Lau and Council members and College representatives attended the Academy’s media spring luncheon on 18 February 2019.  The event featured presentations by speakers from the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine and The Hong Kong College of Family Physicians sharing thoughts on the development of primary healthcare and the training roles of the Colleges in District Health Centres.  Prof. C.S. Lau and Vice-President (Education and Examinations) Prof. Gilberto Leung also shared the Academy’s upcoming plans including the establishment of a professionalism and ethics committee and its work in the Greater Bay Area.

President Prof. C.S. Lau, as the Expert Adviser of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Health Cooperation Conference, attended the 2^nd conference held in Shenzhen on 25 February 2019. The conference serving as a platform aimed to increase the flow and integration of public health resources within the Greater Bay Area.

To promote medical exchange and enhance young Fellows’ understanding of healthcare development in China, the Academy organised a Study Tour to Sichuan from 27 February to 3 March 2019. Led by Vice-President (General Affairs) Dr. C.C. Lau, the group consisted of 28 participants including Chairman Dr. Kenny Kwan and members of the Young Fellows Chapter and other young Fellows from various Colleges.

With an aim of nurturing young healthcare leaders for Hong Kong, the Academy coordinated an array of activities including meetings with or visits to local government departments and relevant health institutions/ organisations such as Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Sichuan Province, Health Commission of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Centre for Robotics of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China as well as local district health centres. They also visited places to learn about the history and infrastructural developments of Sichuan.

Positive comments were received from the participants. Not only did the tour help them understand the healthcare development in Sichuan, but it also provided a good opportunity to connect with young Fellows in other specialties. The Academy plans to continue the Study Tour initiative in the coming years.

The conference jointly organised by the Academy and The University of Chicago Medicine was successfully on 16 March 2019. The theme of the conference was “Ethical Issues with Advanced Biotechnology”. Distinguished overseas and local speakers discussed various ethical issues relevant to advanced biotechnology across Western and Chinese cultures.  The conference was conducted in an interactive case-based format and attracted around 80 participants.

Council Dinner of the Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA), 1 February 2019

President Prof. C.S. Lau, Honorary Treasurer Dr. Y.F. Chow and Editor Prof. Martin Wong met members of the HKMA’s new council over dinner to exchange views on various topics related to medical profession.

Our first tea-pairing lunch in July 2018 received overwhelming responses. To cope with great demands for similar culinary experience, we are pleased to organsie another session this year. You will learn the art of tea making demonstrated by a renowned tea sommelier Professor Eliza Liu and how to best combine a variety of food with different flavours of tea.

To register, please email us the following details at [email protected].

• Full Name
• Specialty College
• Contact Number
• Number of persons in your group

Deadline for registration: 4 April 2019

Click here to learn more about Professor Eliza Liu.

Spaces are limited. Register now to avoid disappointment!

Online registration for Yum Cha or other culinary experiences on Mother’s Day (12 May 2019) and Father’s Day (16 June 2019) will be open in due course. Please stay tuned to the membership eblast or check our website for the updates.

All Academy Fellows, trainees and medical alumni are welcome to join these dining events.

The Academy offers a wide range of venues suitable for meetings, conferences and your special occasions of different scales. Onsite logistical and technical support, event planning as well as catering services are also available. Please click here for details or enquiry.

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.

Fellows can now get free birthday desserts for organising lunch or dinner parties at the Academy Lounge. Each Fellow would be entitled to this offer once during his / her birthday month every year.

Chinese menu: Chinese birthday buns for up to 6 tables of 10-12 guests each

Ocean Park will launch Family Fun Day on 23 March 2019. Fellows can enjoy 40% discount on admission ticket and free HK$50 dining and retail coupon with extended operating hours until 9:00 pm.

Click here to purchase tickets.

No Fellowship card would be required for online purchase. For enquiries, please call (852) 3923 2323.

Enjoy the hotel’s opening corporate dining offers by presenting a valid Fellowship card at the beginning of meal. Advance booking is required. 

Blocked out dates: 5-7, 14 February and 19-22 April 2019

Maximum party of 12 person(s) per reservation can enjoy the above offers.

*Offers apply before 10% service charge

For details / reservations, please call (852) 3555 1688.

Enjoy 15% off a la carte lunch and dinner by presenting a valid Fellowship card at the beginning of meal for a maximum party of 10 person(s) per reservation until further notice. Advance booking is required. Please click here for details.

Offers are valid for individual travelers only and are not applicable for groups related room blocks or meetings / conferences. Hotels could be contacted directly to enquire about rate details. When making reservations, please quote “Hong Kong Academy of Medicine” and attach a copy of your Fellowship card.

The Fundamental Disaster Response Course (FDRC) 2019 is organised by the Disaster Medicine Subcommittee (DiMSc) of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine (HKCEM) for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute (HKJCDPRI).

The Key learning objectives include: overview and framework of disaster response, issues on overseas Emergency Medical Teams (EMT), WHO’s specification on EMT, patterns of medical issues in different disaster types, health surveillance in disaster, scene security, psychosocial issue, experience sharing, etc.

The FDRC 2019 will be a 4-day course and be conducted on 16 March, 13 April, 25 May and 22 June 2019.

For more information and registration, please click here or visit http://disaster.com.hk/fdrc-2019/

The Health Research Symposium 2019, organised by the Food and Health Bureau, with the central theme of Genomics and Big Data in Health and Disease is now open for registration.

Date:   12 June 2019 (Wednesday)
Time:   9am – 5:20pm
Venue: Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Jockey Club Building, 99 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong

The Symposium serves to foster excellence in health policy research with a view to mitigating the negative impact of emerging health threats through knowledge transfer and synergies of collaborative efforts; promulgate evidence-based practices and disseminate findings of projects supported by the Bureau to the wider community; and facilitate networking among academics and community leaders and advocates from various sectors for improving the health of the population.

• Tentative programme
• Registration form

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

• Opsumit (macitentan) - Assessing the potential risk of liver injury
• Ferriprox (deferiprone) -Assessing the potential risk of brain and nervous system (neurological) disorders in children
• Tecentriq (atezolizumab): A new important identified risk of immune-related myositis
• FDA adds Boxed Warning for increased risk of death with gout medicine Uloric (febuxostat)
• Suspension of fenspiride medicines due to potential risk of heart rhythm problems

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)