e-Bulletin May 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Teamwork
Extends Knowledge, Skills and Insight
Professor David Bishai

This newsletter issue highlights one of the superpowers that the School endows us with. Our lead article is about teamwork sweeping up awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Teams of staff helped to plan the visits of Dr Kumanan Rasanathan and plan Fun Day and teams conducted the scientific studies highlighted in our monthly research roundup. Being on a team extends our knowledge, skills, and insight. It has been the key to our success as a school since our inception and will carry our success into the future.

Professor David Bishai
Director and Clinical Professor

School of Public Health, HKU

RECOGNITION
Professor Michael Chan, Professor Kenrie Hui, Dr Rachel Ching, and Dr Angel Ma win awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva
Breakthrough Projects in Infectious and Respiratory Diseases Received 2 Gold and 1 Silver Medals

Three projects supervised under Professor Michael Chan, Associate Professor, Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences and Centre for Immunology & Infection (C2i) received prestigious awards at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva for their breakthrough projects revolutionizing patient care and informing public health policies in the field of infectious and respiratory diseases.

The awards are:

  • Gold medal – Human alveolar epithelial-capillary model for lung injury assessment and drug screening
  • Gold medal – Risk assessment platform for tropism and disease severity of respiratory viruses
  • Silver medal – Personalized specific human respiratory organoids: revolutionizing drug screening

Team members include Professor Kenrie Hui, Assistant Professor; Dr Rachel Ching, Research Officer of the Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences and C2i; as well as Dr Angel Ma of C2i. They have worked tirelessly to achieve these incredible results. More about their invention can be found here.

The School extends our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Chan, Professor Hui, Dr Ching and Dr Ma.

  • (From left) Professor Kenrie Hui, Professor Michael Chan, Mr Simon Muller, Senior Manager - Project & Public Relations, 2Ci, as well as Dr Rachel Ching
  • Professor Michael Chan and his Team received prestigious awards at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April 2024

RESEARCH
Publications in April 2024
Scholars’ Output Highlighted
Scholars’ Output Highlighted – Publications in March 2024

The following are research papers published by SPH researchers in April 2024:

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of contemporary H14N2 Avian influenza A virus in domestic ducks in Southeast Asia (Cambodia)
Emerging Microbes and Infections, Open Access, Volume 13, Issue 1, 2024, Article number 2297552
Siegers, Jurre Y.; Wille, Michelle; Yann, Sokhoun; Tok, Songha; Sin, Sarath; Chea, Sokha; Porco, Alice; Sours, Sreyem; Chim, Vutha; Chea, Samban; Chhel, Kimtuo; Tum, Sothyra; Sorn, San; Hak, Makara; Thielen, Peter; Dhanasekaran, Vijaykrishna*; Karlsson, Erik A

Self-administered acupressure for probable knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged and older adults: a randomized clinical trial
JAMA Network Open, Open Access, Volume 7, Issue 4, Pages E245830, 19 April 2024
Yeung, Wing-Fai; Chen, Shu-Cheng; Cheung, Denise Shuk Ting; Wong, Carlos King-Ho; Chong, Tsz Chung; Ho, Yuen Shan; Suen, Lorna Kwai Ping; Ho, Lai Ming*; Lao, Lixing

Contribution of systemic factors on macular vessel density: a sex-specific population-based study
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology, 2024
Zhu, Ming Ming; Choy, Bonnie Nga Kwan; Chan, Jonathan Cheuk Hung; Ng, Alex Lap Ki; Shih, Kendrick Co; Cheung, Janice Jing Chee; Wong, Jasper Ka Wai; Shum, Jennifer Wei Huen; Ni, Michael Yuxuan*; Lai, Jimmy Shiu Ming; Leung, Gabriel Matthew*; Wong, Ian Yat Hin


Remark:

  • This list is compiled by searching in Scopus using the keywords “School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong” for April 2024
  • * Member of School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
  • In alphabetical order of journal title

EVENT SNIPPETS
Lecture by Dr Kumanan Rasanathan of WHO
Discussion of Primary Health Care Research Frontiers in the Era of Polycrisis

The School of Public Health hosted a lecture titled “Primary Health Care Research Frontiers in the Era of Polycrisis” on May 10 by Dr Kumanan Rasanathan, Executive Director of Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research of the World Health Organization (WHO). The event took place at the HKU medical campus and saw an in-person participation of over 50 attendees.

The event commenced with an opening remark by Dr Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health, Department of Health, HKSAR Government, followed by an introduction of the speaker by Professor Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean of the LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU. Dr Kumanan Rasanathan shared the current state of primary health care and health systems and the necessary research to address the failings and challenges in managing and preventing crises.

Dr Rasanathan also discussed how interdisciplinary research could be better mobilized to implement primary health care, as well as strategies that the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research has been advocating.

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Professor David Bishai, Clinical Professor and Director of HKU SPH, where participants actively engaged in the discussion.

  • Group photo of distinguished guests
  • Dr Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health, Department of Health, HKSAR Government delivers the opening remarks
  • Professor Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, introduces the speaker
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan delivers his lecture on “Primary Health Care Research Frontiers in the Era of Polycrisis”
  • Professor David Bishai, Director of SPH, moderates the Q&A session
  • Professor Chak-sing Lau, Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, engages in the Q&A session
  • Attendee participates in the Q&A session
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan interacts with participants
  • Professor Vivian Lin presents a souvenir to Dr Kumanan Rasanathan
  • (From left) Dr Ronald Lam, Dr Kumanan Rasanathan, Professor Vivian Lin and Professor David Bishai
  • Dr Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health, Department of Health, HKSAR Government delivers the opening remarks
  • Professor Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, introduces the speaker
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan delivers his lecture on “Primary Health Care Research Frontiers in the Era of Polycrisis”
  • Professor David Bishai, Director of SPH, moderates the Q&A session
  • Professor Chak-sing Lau, Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, engages in the Q&A session
  • Attendee participates in the Q&A session
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan interacts with participants
  • Professor Vivian Lin presents a souvenir to Dr Kumanan Rasanathan
  • (From left) Dr Ronald Lam, Dr Kumanan Rasanathan, Professor Vivian Lin and Professor David Bishai
  • Group photo of distinguished guests
  • Professor David Bishai, Director of SPH, moderates the Q&A session
  • Professor Chak-sing Lau, Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, engages in the Q&A session
  • Attendee participates in the Q&A session
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan interacts with participants
  • Professor Vivian Lin presents a souvenir to Dr Kumanan Rasanathan
  • (From left) Dr Ronald Lam, Dr Kumanan Rasanathan, Professor Vivian Lin and Professor David Bishai
  • Group photo of distinguished guests
  • Dr Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health, Department of Health, HKSAR Government delivers the opening remarks
  • Professor Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, introduces the speaker
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan delivers his lecture on “Primary Health Care Research Frontiers in the Era of Polycrisis”
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan interacts with participants
  • Professor Vivian Lin presents a souvenir to Dr Kumanan Rasanathan
  • (From left) Dr Ronald Lam, Dr Kumanan Rasanathan, Professor Vivian Lin and Professor David Bishai
  • Group photo of distinguished guests
  • Dr Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health, Department of Health, HKSAR Government delivers the opening remarks
  • Professor Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, introduces the speaker
  • Dr Kumanan Rasanathan delivers his lecture on “Primary Health Care Research Frontiers in the Era of Polycrisis”
  • Professor David Bishai, Director of SPH, moderates the Q&A session
  • Professor Chak-sing Lau, Dean, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, engages in the Q&A session
  • Attendee participates in the Q&A session
SPH Fun Day – Highlights of 20th Anniversary Celebration
Enhancing Camaraderie, Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Our highly anticipated Fun Day has been successfully organised on April 29, 2024! As the highlight of the SPH 20th Anniversary Celebrations, it was a day where camaraderie was enhanced, connections were strengthened, and fond memories were created.

The event began with an opening session where Professor David Bishai, School Director, showed recognition and appreciation to members serving the SPH 20th Anniversary Working Group, i.e., Professors Chung Pui Hong, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Wendy Lam, and Dr Polly Wong. Ms Kate Chan, Chairperson of the Global Health Development (GHD) Society, also shared insightful remarks, highlighting the Society’s participation in the SPH Fun Day and their upcoming community engagement activities.

Team-building games brought together School members in a fun and engaging way. These games also enhanced participants’ communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Laughter filled the air as participants enthusiastically competed and worked towards common goals. The winning team was comprised of GHD and MPH students.

The GHD Society booth served refreshments to participants. School members enjoyed delicious snacks and engaged in conversations, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Division Photo-taking was organised after the team-building activities, providing an opportunity for divisions to capture their unity and spirit in group photos. Smiles and camaraderie were evident as everyone posed for the camera, creating lasting memories.

An additional highlight of the event was the Wishing Wall, where attendees expressed their blessings and aspirations for the School.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of all attendees, the event was a resounding success. The School expresses gratitude to everyone who made the Fun Day a memorable experience. We hope that the Fun Day brought joy and a sense of belonging to the SPH community.

  • Professor David Bishai delivers the opening remarks and welcomes participants
  • (From right) Professor David Bishai thanks Dr Polly Wong, Professor Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran and Professor Chung Pui Hong for serving the SPH 20th Anniversary Working Group
  • Ms Kate Chan, Chairperson of the Global Health Development (GHD) Society, shares insightful remarks
  • The team-building games bring School members together
  • The winning team of “From Brick to Bridge”
  • The game is not only fun but also enhances communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • “We are almost there!”
  • Laughter fills the air as participants enthusiastically work towards common goals
  • The overall winning team is comprised of GHD and MPH students
  • GHD Society booth serves local delicatessen to participants
  • Everyone enjoys delicious snacks
  • Participants engage in conversations and foster a sense of togetherness
  • Participants engage in conversations and foster a sense of togetherness
  • Professor David Bishai and Professor Sophia Chan, Senior Advisor, President’s Office, HKU; Professor and Director, HKU Primary Health Care Academy; Professor Division of Community Medicine and Public Health Practice, School of Public Health, HKU enjoy watching and cheering the team-building teams
  • Participants have fun in a card game
  • Ms Kate Chan, Chairperson of the Global Health Development (GHD) Society, shares insightful remarks
  • The team-building games bring School members together
  • The winning team of “From Brick to Bridge”
  • The game is not only fun but also enhances communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • “We are almost there!”
  • Laughter fills the air as participants enthusiastically work towards common goals
  • The overall winning team is comprised of GHD and MPH students
  • GHD Society booth serves local delicatessen to participants
  • Everyone enjoys delicious snacks
  • Participants engage in conversations and foster a sense of togetherness
  • Participants engage in conversations and foster a sense of togetherness
  • Professor David Bishai and Professor Sophia Chan, Senior Advisor, President’s Office, HKU; Professor and Director, HKU Primary Health Care Academy; Professor Division of Community Medicine and Public Health Practice, School of Public Health, HKU enjoy watching and cheering the team-building teams
  • Participants have fun in a card game
  • Professor David Bishai delivers the opening remarks and welcomes participants
  • (From right) Professor David Bishai thanks Dr Polly Wong, Professor Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran and Professor Chung Pui Hong for serving the SPH 20th Anniversary Working Group
Early Summer Hiking
Enjoy Greenery, Rejuvenise Body and Mind

The SPH Hiking organizers recently hosted a delightful hike in early May. Participants embarked on a scenic journey from Sassoon Road to Pok Fu Lam along the Hong Kong Trail. Throughout the hike, they immersed themselves in the lush greenery and experienced a rejuvenation of both body and mind.

The participants enjoy the picturesque trail

CALENDAR
Hong Kong Cancer Survivorship Symposium 2024
Embracing Life After Breast Cancer: Uniting Patients and Healthcare Providers

Join the Hong Kong Cancer Survivorship Symposium 2024 on June 8 co-hosted by HKU Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care and the Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kowloon West Cluster! The symposium, “Embracing Life After Breast Cancer: Uniting Patients and Healthcare Providers”, aims to bring together healthcare professionals from different disciplines in oncology to discuss ways to develop cancer survivorship care services in the community.

Date: June 8, 2024 (Saturday)

Time: 14:00 – 18:15

Venue: LT1, 1/F, LKS Faculty of Medicine, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Format: In-person / Zoom

Don’t miss this opportunity to unite and brainstorm with healthcare professionals in the field of oncology! Register here.

Hong Kong Cancer Survivorship Symposium 2024