HKUMed Personal Statement
Engaging in clinical attachments, volunteering work, and academic reading has reinforced
my committed dedication to pursue medicine. My passion for medicine has grown from viewing My
Last Days by Justin Baldoni, which documents the lives of terminal patients with an inspiring drive
to make a global impact. This documentary series revealed how empathetic communication from
healthcare professionals can directly alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable when scientific
treatments are limited, and inspire them to define their worth despite being moribund. I aspire to
promote the coexistence of happiness and health with medicine as a uniting platform.
Reading Fragile Lives by Stephen Westaby revealed to me the profound realities of medicine.
Under the acute pressure of being a patient’s last hope of living, physicians are often immersed in
intense challenges, ethical dilemmas, and prime responsibilities. As an individual who enjoys
problem-solving, this stimulating lifetime vocation inspires me to define my worth. I actively perused
news by the HK Academy of Medicine and by HKUMed on Medium to discover the dynamic nature
of medicine. Reading about how new developments in medicine continuously and increasingly
improve patients’ quality of life and care, I am intrigued by the capacity for doing good empowered
by the depth of medical science, alongside the prospect of lifelong learning.
To further explore this interdisciplinary career, I avidly pursued first-hand experiences. My
cardiology attachment at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital with Dr. Ko Lap Yan Ryan involved a
transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect, wherein the minimally invasive procedure intrigued me
by its cutting-edge technology. My direct observations broadened my perspectives of the duties and
the actualities of this dynamic profession, and allowed me to understand the importance of quick and
accurate decisions in a surgical environment. Most importantly, through the multidisciplinary
medical team’s actions, I realised the essentiality of teamwork and clear communication in delivering
effective and quality care. Moreover, my orthopaedics clinical attachment with Dr. Ho Ka Ki Leo
involved postoperative follow-ups, such as examining the healing of a knee arthroplasty. The
fulfilment gained from witnessing patient recoveries reinforces my dedication to serve in the
forefront of patient care. I observed how empathetic and respectful manners are central to delivering
holistic care and developing trustful relationships with patients, families, and the medical team.
Exploring the medical sphere has inspired me to lead my school’s GENES club, which conducts
scientific research on and raises awareness for genetic disorders.
In Hong Kong, the pandemic has aggravated the shortage of medical professionals, flooding
hospitals with infected patients. I eagerly volunteered with GX Foundation and distributed infection
prevention packages to low-income families. I also attentively listened to their hopeful desires of
alleviating feelings of worry and anxiety caused by the pandemic. Through this volunteering
experience, I realised how even non-medical care can assuage vulnerable feelings by showing care,
empathy, and compassion, which are equally crucial as a healthcare professional in delivering
patient-centred and effective care.
Engaging in clinical attachments, volunteering work, and academic reading has reinforced
my committed dedication to pursue medicine. My passion for medicine has grown from viewing My
Last Days by Justin Baldoni, which documents the lives of terminal patients with an inspiring drive
to make a global impact. This documentary series revealed how empathetic communication from
healthcare professionals can directly alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable when scientific
treatments are limited, and inspire them to define their worth despite being moribund. I aspire to
promote the coexistence of happiness and health with medicine as a uniting platform.
Reading Fragile Lives by Stephen Westaby revealed to me the profound realities of medicine.
Under the acute pressure of being a patient’s last hope of living, physicians are often immersed in
intense challenges, ethical dilemmas, and prime responsibilities. As an individual who enjoys
problem-solving, this stimulating lifetime vocation inspires me to define my worth. I actively perused
news by the HK Academy of Medicine and by HKUMed on Medium to discover the dynamic nature
of medicine. Reading about how new developments in medicine continuously and increasingly
improve patients’ quality of life and care, I am intrigued by the capacity for doing good empowered
by the depth of medical science, alongside the prospect of lifelong learning.
To further explore this interdisciplinary career, I avidly pursued first-hand experiences. My
cardiology attachment at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital with Dr. Ko Lap Yan Ryan involved a
transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect, wherein the minimally invasive procedure intrigued me
by its cutting-edge technology. My direct observations broadened my perspectives of the duties and
the actualities of this dynamic profession, and allowed me to understand the importance of quick and
accurate decisions in a surgical environment. Most importantly, through the multidisciplinary
medical team’s actions, I realised the essentiality of teamwork and clear communication in delivering
effective and quality care. Moreover, my orthopaedics clinical attachment with Dr. Ho Ka Ki Leo
involved postoperative follow-ups, such as examining the healing of a knee arthroplasty. The
fulfilment gained from witnessing patient recoveries reinforces my dedication to serve in the
forefront of patient care. I observed how empathetic and respectful manners are central to delivering
holistic care and developing trustful relationships with patients, families, and the medical team.
Exploring the medical sphere has inspired me to lead my school’s GENES club, which conducts
scientific research on and raises awareness for genetic disorders.
In Hong Kong, the pandemic has aggravated the shortage of medical professionals, flooding
hospitals with infected patients. I eagerly volunteered with GX Foundation and distributed infection
prevention packages to low-income families. I also attentively listened to their hopeful desires of
alleviating feelings of worry and anxiety caused by the pandemic. Through this volunteering
experience, I realised how even non-medical care can assuage vulnerable feelings by showing care,
empathy, and compassion, which are equally crucial as a healthcare professional in delivering
patient-centred and effective care.
