Since its launch in 2013/14, the Global Physician-Leadership Stream (GPS) programme at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) has continued to be the top programme with the highest median admission score among all universities in the territory. Recently, CU Medicine held a GPS 10th Anniversary Convention at the Hong Kong Science Park, attracting hundreds of guests. Attendees at the event included Dr Ronald Lam, the Guest of Honour of the Convention and the Director of Health, and Professor Poon Wai-yin, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education). Participants included secondary school principals and representatives.

GPS is the first programme of its kind in Asia, aiming to inspire students, broaden their perspectives, and develop their leadership skills in fields such as healthcare and research. The programme emphasises mentorship and guidance. At the Convention, professors from CU Medicine, healthcare industry leaders who served as GPS mentors, and representatives from institutions providing internship opportunities gathered with GPS graduates and students from different years. The graduates and students shared their experiences, including overseas exchanges, internships at institutions and involvement in research, humanitarian work, community or clinical services, and looked forward to the future development of the programme.

GPS graduates shine brightly in different fields

Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health, remarked, “As a graduate of CU Medicine, I am delighted to witness the remarkable achievements of my alma mater in medical education, research and innovation. I am proud to see numerous graduates from the Global Physician-Leadership Stream dedicating themselves to various fields such as public health, healthcare services, research, education, and disaster and medical humanitarian response. I believe that with strong medical and research capabilities and an unwavering commitment to enhancing medical education quality, CU Medicine shall continue to cultivate more talents and make significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare and public health.”

Professor Francis KL Chan, Dean of Medicine at CUHK, added, “Advancements in medical technology, the application of artificial intelligence and the emergence of new infectious diseases reflect the need for continuous innovation and adaptation in medical education. I am delighted that since I assumed the position of Dean, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with passionate colleagues to plan and develop the GPS programme. In the blink of an eye, 10 years have passed, and GPS has successfully nurtured numerous clinician-scientists, healthcare administrators and pioneers in global health who shine brightly in the fields of cutting-edge technology, healthcare systems and humanitarian services. I would like to sincerely thank the faculty members who have provided immense support for the development of this programme, and I wish all GPS graduates continued success in their respective fields.”

Looking back at the past decade, Professor Justin Wu, GPS Founding Director and Associate Dean (Health Systems) at CU Medicine, said he is proud of the team’s achievements. He commented, “One of the key factors contributing to the success of the GPS programme is that we disrupt the traditional thinking that medical professional training is just about knowledge and skill. We aim to nurture our students to collaborate with individuals from various disciplines and enhance their leadership qualities through a diverse curriculum, equipping them with a global perspective to tackle future challenges. I believe the GPS programme has redefined what is meant by medical excellence.”

Professor Simon Ng, GPS Director and Associate Dean (Student Affairs) at CU Medicine, added, “Despite the rapid developments in the healthcare landscape over the past decade and the earth-shaking impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the founding principles of the GPS programme have remained steadfast. While GPS has achieved a lot in overseas exchanges, we also strive to seize the opportunities emerging worldwide in the expanding field of innovation and technology. We aim to leverage the strengths of our students to respond to ever-evolving healthcare demands.”

GPS has sustained its top position among all universities for the 10^th consecutive year

The teaching philosophy and pedagogy of the GPS programme are highly rated by tertiary educators and valued by prospective students and their parents. It has demonstrated its success by attracting highly motivated and academically accomplished young individuals to enrol and being the leading programme in admission scores in Hong Kong for 10 consecutive years. The GPS team was also honoured with the University Education Award and the Faculty Education Award in 2023. These awards recognise the effective teaching approach and outcomes of the programme, as well as the team’s dedication to education. CU Medicine has recently published a book to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the GPS programme. This student-led production recorded the learning experience and the achievements of GPS students in the past decade.

Here are the highlights of the event,

Grand photo of guests attending the event.

During the conference, professors and GPS graduates reviewed the development and significant milestones of the GPS programme over the past decade through drama.

Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health, states that he is delighted to witness the remarkable achievements of CUHK, his alma mater, in medical education, research and innovation.

Prof Francis Chan says that GPS has successfully nurtured numerous clinician-scientists, healthcare administrators and pioneers in global health who shine brightly in the fields of cutting-edge technology, healthcare systems and humanitarian services.

Professor Ng remarks that despite the rapid development of the healthcare environment over the past decade and the radical changes in the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the founding philosophies of the GPS programme has never wavered.

During the conference, the GPS students and graduates share their unique global learning and medical research experiences.

During the conference, the GPS students and graduates share their unique global learning and medical research experiences.

During the conference, the GPS students and graduates share their unique global learning and medical research experiences.

About the Global Physician-Leadership Stream (GPS)

Established in 2013, the GPS holds the distinction of being the first leadership programme for medical undergraduates in Asia. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing a new breed of physician-leaders and clinician-scientists. The programme goes beyond the basic medical curriculum and provides a diverse learning platform. It is characterised by an enhanced mentorship scheme, personalised guidance, leadership training workshops, local and overseas internships, clinical research and humanitarian missions. These aim to enhance the learning outcomes and efficiency of talented students, and ultimately to cultivate compassionate doctors with a global perspective and well-rounded abilities.

In addition to medical careers, GPS graduates have chosen to further their studies by pursuing doctoral degrees at prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Some graduates have also returned to CU Medicine to serve as faculty members.