Can Hong Kong become a new centre for frontier medicine?

Alfred Lam, a medical student at the University of Hong Kong, is a finalist in the youth category of the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. This prestigious recognition honors unsung heroes and organizations in Hong Kong whose work may otherwise go unnoticed. The awards are co-organized by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post, with Lam nominated by the non-governmental organization HandsOn Hong Kong.

His volunteering journey began in secondary school, where he participated in HandsOn Hong Kong programs focused on bread collection, meal distribution, and activities for elderly individuals, many of whom lived alone or suffered from dementia. These experiences taught him the importance of looking beyond symptoms and understanding the people he may one day treat as a medical professional.

Lam's dedication to volunteering grew as he joined the Medical Outreachers, a student-led medical volunteer group, where he engaged in health education and outreach programs both in Hong Kong and abroad. During a recent trip to Cambodia, he witnessed firsthand the limited healthcare resources in certain communities. A pivotal moment occurred when a patient disclosed having tuberculosis.

While some students reacted with alarm and protective measures, Lam's reflection on the local doctor's composed demeanor and continued communication with the patient underscored the impact of a doctor's response on the patient's experience. This encounter reinforced Lam's belief that a physician's approach can be as significant as the clinical interaction itself.

Having grown up with comfortable circumstances and access to quality education, Lam recognizes that his future patients may come from vastly different backgrounds. Volunteering has provided him with invaluable interactions with elderly individuals, many of whom he might otherwise not encounter in his daily life. As he progresses through medical school, he hopes to offer more expertise as a professional, building upon the altruistic mindset and diverse community experiences cultivated through his volunteer work.

Despite potential challenges of balancing volunteer commitments with medical training, Lam remains committed to integrating volunteering into his future medical practice.