From 5th July to 11th July, five MBBS students (Zhiqian Li, Ngo Laam Tong, Lam Lei, Chi Tong Ng, Wai Tong Iao) and Assistant Professor Io Nam Wong from the Faculty of Medicine, participated in the 17th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Medical Student Summer Camp organized by the Zhongshan School of Medicine of Sun Yat-sen University. This event attracted over 100 teachers and students from 11 universities in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China, marking the first participation of the MUST Faculty of Medicine. Students spent four days in Gaozhou engaging in teaching and research activities, and visited the Whampoa Military Academy, Lychee Museum, Gaozhou People's Hospital, and the Supercomputer Center. Through this experience, participants gained a deeper understanding of the local history, geography, and culture, enhancing their sense of cultural identity and social responsibility towards the nation.
Group photo of faculty and students from the Faculty of Medicine, MUST
Reflections from Participants
Zhiqian Li:
In the cicada's song of July, we met on the campus of Sun Yat-Sen University From strangers to familiar faces, we transitioned from discussing lesson plans to stepping onto the stage in Gaozhou. The innocent smiles and eager eyes of the children made us forget the tireness of preparation. After class, we walked side by side along the country paths, sharing teaching insights under the starlight. Before parting, we explored the Huangpu Military Academy and the Sun Yat-Sen University campus together; every scenery etched our friendship. As the sound of suitcase wheels echoed, we realized this teaching experience had become the most precious imprint of our youth—filled with our passion, the children’s growth, and an everlasting friendship.
Ngo Laam Tong:
This trip united medical students from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, combining medical education with grassroots research. During the teaching program, they introduced children to human anatomy, dissection simulations, and first aid. The students’ eyes lit up with curiosity as they interacted with the medical models for the first time—a moment where the seeds of "compassion" were planted. The group also visited Gaozhou People's Hospital, observing the grassroots healthcare system up close. Witnessing the dedication and perseverance of frontline medical workers serving in these communities deepened their understanding of the mission and responsibility behind "the art of healing." By igniting children's dreams of medicine and observing experienced practitioners’ devotion, the experience not only strengthened their professional awareness but also deepened their appreciation for the essence of "benevolence and the art of healing." The path of futures healer is not just about imparting knowledge but also about learning and inheriting the noble spirit of medicine.
Lam Lei:
Participating in the 17th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Medical Students Summer Camp was an unforgettable experience, deepening my appreciation for the vastness of medical science and the spirit of compassion in healthcare. The camp offered a diverse range of activities—from public health outreach and grassroots research to volunteer teaching and cultural immersion—each of which enriched me profoundly. During the Gaozhou segment, I joined a research team visiting local community health centers. This firsthand exposure to the realities and challenges of primary healthcare strengthened my resolve to dedicate myself to the medical field in the future. The Guangzhou itinerary was equally inspiring. Visiting the Whampoa Military Academy and the Museum of the 1911 Revolution immersed me in the weight of history, while the academic atmosphere of Sun Yat-sen University and the technological marvels of the National Supercomputing Center filled me with excitement for the future. The expert lectures and closing ceremony provided a perfect conclusion to this remarkable journey.
Chi Tong Ng:
Participating in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Summer Camp trip to Gaozhou gave me a new understanding of the development of rural healthcare in China. At a rural health station in Gaozhou, I was surprised to find that it was not only equipped with a CT scanner but also provided inpatient services, integrating both traditional Chinese and Western medicine in its treatment model. The residents expressed very high satisfaction with the medical services, which shattered my preconceived notions about the limited conditions of grassroots healthcare and made me appreciate the country's efforts in promoting balanced healthcare development between urban and rural areas.
Wai Tong Iao:
This summer camp was my first experience with research. Each team member played their part: some designed questions, while others were responsible for finding information. Everyone helped each other, allowing me to deeply appreciate the power of teamwork. Each person's expertise and effort made our results more complete and in-depth. If I hadn't personally gone to Gaozhou, my understanding of the area would likely have remained superficial. Fortunately, the interviewees were very enthusiastic and patiently answered our questions, allowing us to collect valuable firsthand data. This experience truly highlighted the differences between theory and practice, as well as the importance of collaboration between hospitals and health clinics in patient treatment, along with the difficulties and challenges faced by township hospitals.
Student delivered volunteer teaching lesson
The students visited the Sun Yat-sen University Medical Science Museum
Group photo taken during the volunteer teaching in Changpo Town, Gaozhou
Group photo taken during the volunteer teaching at Gaozhou Children's Palace
Group photo of the students with other participants
