Presidential Inspiration for Medical Practice

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” It seems fitting that this quote by the late United States President FD Roosevelt should resonate with Geoff Wong Shue-hei, since in addition to being a first year MBBS student at HKU, he was also chosen by the University to be a President’s Scholar. “The quote of course is a reminder that often we hold ourselves back from exploring new fields and stepping into new opportunities,” he says, adding, “Being named a President’s Scholar was one of the highest honours that I could have received as a university student. This award motivates me to move forward and continue pursuing academic excellence. On top of that, the scholarship will substantially ease my financial burdens for tuition, and will provide solid financial support towards my future overseas exchange.”

Although Geoff had received offers from UK universities, including Imperial College London and University of Glasgow, he decided to pursue his medical studies at HKU because of the exceptional curriculum, most notably the Enrichment Year programme. This programme encourages students to take their own initiative in exploring their personal interests further, and the global insight and skill sets they acquire will be valuable assets. “The DMS scheme was also a factor I took into consideration when deciding on which university to choose,” he notes. “I could plan early and in an informed manner on my future career, thanks to my elite mentor who very kindly gave personalised guidance and provided many inspiring exposure opportunities.”

His interest in medicine emerged during his secondary school years. While participating in different medicine-related programmes hosted by medical schools and the local healthcare authorities, he found his enthusiasm and aptitude for medical work growing. “I feel it’s exceptionally empowering to apply one’s abilities towards the preservation of human integrity and dignity,” he reflects. “I took the MBBS course so that I will be equipped with the essential practical skills and qualities to do that.”

During a two-week attachment at Queen Mary Hospital in Form Five, he followed a doctor from the HKU Department of Medicine in his daily rounds, and came to understand that medical work was particularly meaningful because of the vast knowledge that informed the decision-making taking place behind the scenes, the robust teamwork and rapport in the healthcare teams, and most importantly the sense of success and relief practitioners can feel as patients recover.

Additionally, his discovery that doctors can also be clinical researchers has fuelled his medical passion even more. “I can engage in studies and research, the results of which may contribute to the medical community. This sounds rewarding to me and is absolutely worth the time and effort,” he says.

On a lighter note, he is also enjoying student life at HKU. “I just cannot overstate my excitement towards my university life,” he says with a grin. “In such an internationalised setting, I hope to connect and exchange ideas with the brightest minds from all over the globe. On top of academic excellence, I also hope to be active in hall and society activities, create great memories and make lifelong friends.”

His first couple of months as a university student have been going quite smoothly and the transition from school has gone really well. “Becoming a more independent and self-initiated learner is a tough but rewarding process. I’m at the JCSV IV residential hall and have enjoyed my dorm life a lot! It’s really a pleasure to meet like-minded hallmates and to participate in numerous hall events.”

“As a Year One medical student there is still much for me to learn and to explore. In the long run, I will not say that I have a definitive plan for myself after graduation, but I remain, as always, open to all possibilities and am enthusiastic about the prospect of more experiences,” he says. “I will strive to maintain my academic performance, while also taking advantage of various opportunities as they appear, be they within or outside HKU, to enrich my university life. Actually, I’ve already been involved in some voluntary work, such as the Orbis Future Vision Leaders Programme and Generations Connect.”

Geoff has taken time to carefully and thoughtfully consider the nature of his chosen vocation, its responsibilities and its challenges. “Yes, I know that some days, it will be difficult. For example, witnessing the large number of patients awaiting liver transplants in the ward was especially unforgettable. Even though I’d read in the media about the shortage of liver donors, I was still stunned to see and experience that in person,” he observes quietly. “It made me feel, very strongly, that I absolutely must do my part in the medical field, and do my very best to make a difference.”

He reiterates Roosevelt’s exhortation, pointing out, “If you give in to fear, this results in, basically, the hindered progress and realisation of our own selves. That’s why I always bear in mind those words of wisdom, and remind myself to break through self-imposed or societal constraints in my endeavours.”