Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation Donates £1 Million for RCSEd International Professorship

HONG KONG: The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation has announced a generous donation of £1 million (approximately HK$10 million) to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd). 

This substantial contribution aims to establish the RCSEd Dr Li Shu Fan International Professorship, signalling a significant advancement in the field of surgical education and research.

The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation’s donation underscores its commitment to promoting international knowledge exchange and driving excellence and innovation in medicine. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance surgical education and research, fostering global collaborations and exchanges that will contribute significantly to the global medical community.

Supporting Research Activities

The funding provided by the RCSEd Dr Li Shu Fan International Professorship will enable a distinguished fellow of the RCSEd, based either in Hong Kong or the United Kingdom, to engage in annual research activities. This financial support will facilitate research endeavors aimed at advancing the field of surgery.

In addition to the Professorship, the Foundation and RCSEd have joined forces to establish the esteemed “Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Presidential Lecture” series in Hong Kong. 

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Michael GRIFFIN, the Immediate Past President of RCSEd, during the Li Shu Pui Symposium hosted by the HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) on September 3, 2023. This annual lecture series will feature distinguished RCSEd fellows sharing the latest developments in international surgical education and research, reinforcing the commitment to intellectual exchange and expertise in the field.

Milestone in Advancing Medical Education

Dr. Walton LI Wai Tat, Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, CEO of HKSH Medical Group, and Chairman and Board of Governors of The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation, expressed the significance of the new professorship. He stated, “The establishment of the RCSEd Dr Li Shu Fan International Professorship is a momentous milestone in our ongoing commitment to fulfilling the vision of advancing medical education and research. It signifies our shared vision with the RCSEd to foster global collaboration and innovation in medicine.”

The Professorship is named in honor of Dr. LI Shu Fan (1887-1966), a distinguished figure in the medical field. Dr. LI was the first Hong Kong surgeon elected as a Fellow of RCSEd in 1922. He played a pivotal role in shaping Western medicine in China and promoting healthcare. Dr. LI’s legacy is encapsulated in The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation, established in 1963, dedicated to promoting medical education, research, and supporting medical charity.

Advancing Global Medicine

Professor Rowan PARKS, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for its unwavering support. He emphasized that the Professorship and lecture series would provide sustainable funding for RCSEd members to conduct impactful research and educational activities on an international scale. This initiative is a significant step towards strengthening global medical connections, fostering excellence, and driving innovation in the medical field.

Past President, Professor S Michael GRIFFIN OBE, a key architect of the new Professorship, commented, “We are building on an important past and investing in an exciting future for our membership and, in the longer term, patients worldwide.”

The Professorship and lecture series highlight the commitment of HKSH and RCSEd to advancing scientific research and patient care, making a global impact on healthcare.

About The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation

The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation, established in March 1963, is dedicated to promoting and supporting medical education, research, and charity in Hong Kong. The Foundation has played a pivotal role in the development and improvement of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital and the HKSH Medical Group through medical research, educational activities, and service improvement.

About HKSH Medical Group

Launched in September 2017, HKSH Medical Group promotes public health and advanced medicine through a multi-faceted approach encompassing clinical services, medical education, scientific research, and public health education. The Group, including Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, HKSH Healthcare, and HKSH Eastern Medical Centre, is committed to offering top-quality holistic care, adhering to the motto ‘Quality in Service, Excellence in Care.’

About the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)

Founded in 1505, RCSEd is one of the world’s oldest surgical corporations, with a global membership of over 30,000, including 15,000 members in the UK. The College promotes high standards of surgical and dental practice through education, training, examinations, and representation of the surgical and dental workforce. It is also home to the UK’s only Faculty of Surgical Trainers, open to all those interested in surgical training, regardless of College affiliation.