On Saturday, 7 February 2026, the Asian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) Macau, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), organised a festive community outreach visit to the residential home Asilo de Felicidade. The initiative brought together medical students from Year 1, 2, 3, and 5, under the supervision of Associate Professor Laurence Lok and Associate Professor Daniel Baptista-Hon, Patron of AMSA Macau.
In addition to providing companionship, students conducted a series of basic health assessments for elderly residents. These included general physical examinations such as pulse checks, scleral and conjunctival inspection, lymph node palpation, and auscultation of cardiac and respiratory sounds. Brief neuromuscular screenings, including reflex and muscle tone assessments, were also performed. The activity enabled students to apply foundational clinical skills in a real-world community setting while gaining exposure to the healthcare needs of the elderly population.
Medical students conducting physical examinations for the elderly
In celebration of the Chinese New Year season, students also engaged residents in writing “Fai Chun”, traditional festive calligraphy banners bearing auspicious blessings and good wishes. The intergenerational activity created a lively and meaningful festive atmosphere, fostering cultural exchange, joy, and social connection among residents and students alike.
Associate Professor Laurence Lok commended the students’ professionalism and empathy, noting, “Community outreach is an essential component of medical education. It allows students to translate classroom learning into meaningful service, while developing communication skills, compassion, and an appreciation of the social dimensions of healthcare.”
Participating students reflected positively on the experience. Year 3 medical student Sophy Chu shared, “Engaging with the residents reminded us that medicine extends beyond hospitals and textbooks. Writing Fai Chun together was especially memorable — it brought festive warmth to the residents while reminding us of the importance of human connection in care.”
Medical students performing calligraphy
Group photo
The outreach reflects the Faculty of Medicine’s continued commitment to service learning and community engagement, while supporting student-led initiatives that promote social responsibility and holistic professional development.
Asian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA)
The Asian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is a representative organisation for medical students across Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond, founded on the principles of knowledge, action, and friendship. AMSA Macau is a non-profit, student-led organisation established by medical students from the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at the Faculty of Medicine, MUST, in 2020.
AMSA Macau members actively participate in international conferences, exchanges, and collaborative initiatives, while also dedicating themselves to community service and public health outreach. The organisation aims to unify medical students in Macau, facilitate local and international engagement in medical education, and provide a platform for students to develop leadership, clinical, and professional competencies as future healthcare leaders.
