We Care

L K C Leung 梁貫哲

HK Pract 2003;25:336

Like any doctor, Family Physicians care about our patients. Unlike other medical brethren, our care extends beyond patients' physical needs and embraces their psychological and social well-being. That is the art of Family Medicine.

The SARS attack came as a dead-ringer. It not only swept away the lives of many chronically ill and debilitated individuals, it took the lives of at least four members of the medical profession who were in their prime of their lives and most importantly, courageously fought the SARS battle until they succumbed and rested in God's love. In honour and memory of their heroic acts, our College donated HK$5,000 to Dr Tse Yuen Man's family on 30th May 2003 and HK$5,000 to Dr Cheng Ha Yan's family on 11th June 2003.

The impact of SARS on the public medical services was unprecedented. There was a shortage of hands within the Hospital Authority and basic trainees of HKCFP were deployed to help on the wards and A+E Departments during the contingent moments. In recognition of their services, our College has made allowance for their deployment towards training and has requested that the Hospital Authority extend their training contracts accordingly.

When SARS spilled over to out-patient clinics and community elderly homes, experienced family physicians were recruited to staff extra clinics and to cover the health screening of elderly homes. To facilitate these tasks, our College contacted and invited Fellows and Members as volunteers.

Last but not least, the College has been pro-active both in the media and the Hong Kong Practitioner journal to ensure accurate and prompt reporting regarding issues related to SARS: