The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine’s (HKAM) Annual Fellowship Conferment Ceremony 2024 was held right after the Annual General Meeting on 6th December. As in the previous years, the President of HKAM had given an opening speech to kick start the occasion. This year, Professor Gilberto Leung, delivered his speech for the last time as President of the Academy as he was to complete his second term in office. He thanked all the Colleges and the Academy staff for the great support rendered during his Presidency. In fact, the feelings were mutual, we were all very grateful to have Professor Leung as our Academy’s President over the last few years, going through the thick and thin with us all especially during the COVID-19 pandemic years. Thank you Gilberto! We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. 

The David Todd Oration took place right after the Academy’s conferment ceremony. This year, we had the great privilege to have Professor Grace Wai-king Tang, Chairman of The Medical Council of Hong Kong, and Academy’s Past President (2004 – 2008) and Honorary Fellow of the HKAM as the Orator. 

Her Oration was entitled, ‘Changing Landscape of Medicine in Hong Kong’. Professor Tang shared with us her insights into the development of Medicine in Hong Kong over the last century, from undergraduate to postgraduate medical education, training, and professional development. Professor Tang brought up the topic of over-specialisation and subspecialisation over the years, and queried if that trend would be beneficial for all concerned. There is indeed food for thought for us all to ponder upon.

The Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians also took place in early December as in the previous years. The annual reports of the HKCFP were adopted at the AGMs and the appointments of office bearers for a new Council term were approved also. As traditions go, we held the HKCFP Annual Dinner right after the AGMs at the HKAM building. We had hosted over 200 guests including members, Fellows, and their spouses for a Chinese dinner. We all had a great time meeting up with new friends and old acquaintances. Thank you for all your support. 

As we are approaching Christmas, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year ahead!