Page 12 - CUHK MEDICAL ALUMNI Newsletter Issue 2 Vol 12 2019

Collegiality and Innovation…

A painting by Surgeons

Innovation in the midst of gruelling career
Dr Wong, who specialises in Western art, says he is
proud of the way they had combined Chinese art,
calligraphy and Western-style painting. Like the other
three surgeons-slash-artists, his love for art is what keeps
him going. "We are now facing challenges of long working
hours. If you truly treat your career as work, you will
suffocate and burn out. But for us, we love our job as well
as art.”
It’s definitely one for the record books - a painting
depicting the daily work of surgeons…by surgeons.
Combine empathy with science
in treatment of patients
Besides being artistically talented, these four doctors Professor Chiu's message is that
have another thing in common - they are world-renowned as a medical doctor, one should not
surgical specialists in minimally invasive surgery – always apply medical knowledge to
Professors Philip Chiu and Enders Ng specialise in treat a patient. “We need the skills
upper GI, Professor Anthony Yim in thoracic surgery and of interpersonal communication,
Dr Randolph Wong is a cardiothoracic surgeon. They like combining art with science. The
also all work at the Prince of Wales Hospital except that painting is a demonstration of how
Professor Yim has since retired.
a surgeon can adopt an art skill and
participate in a surgical conference as á Painting of
Their unique art piece offers an incredible peek into well.” Professor Philip Chiu
two operations in action through a mirror in front of the
scrub sink. The reflection of the room at the front shows
a surgeon performing endoscopy, while on the right, an
aortic stenting procedure is taking place.

Painting conceptualises cycle of life in OT ß Paintings of
Professor Anthony Yim
Professor Yim says the concept behind the painting was
to bring the public into the daily working environment of
surgeons.

"The reflection of the light, which emanates from the
operating theatre on the right, and encompasses the right
side of the sink symbolises the cycle of life," he explains.
The painting also represents collegiality and innovation -
two key elements for success, Professor Yim adds. Calligraphy of à
Professor Enders Ng
Cross-generational artwork symbolises teamwork
For Professor Ng, who did the calligraphy, the artwork
signifies collaboration and harmony among several
generations of surgeons. “Professor Yim was my teacher;
I was the teacher of Dr Wong and Professor Chiu and I
are from the same generation. So what I would like to say,
especially to young doctors, is that there must always be
teamwork."
ß Paintings of
Dr Randolph Wong

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