NEWSLETTER of

HONG KONG COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS

The Hong Kong College of Pathologists, Incorporated in Hong Kong with Limited Liability


 

 

June 1996 /  Volume 5:2

 

 


Inside This Issue

 1. Examination  Dates  1996

 2. Academy-approved  College  Continuing  Medical Education (CME)  Programme.

 3. Chan  Woon  Cheung Education  and  Research Fund  Regulations.


 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

 

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

The awaited Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme of our College has now been approved by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. The programme, which is for fellows only, will start on 1st July 1996.  The principal goal of this programme is to encourage our fellows to participate in educational activities.  While participation in the programme can be voluntary for some fellows, those College fellows who are also fellows of the Academy, have to fulfil the CME requirements and obtain all necessary points by the end of a 3-year cycle in order to satisfy Academy requirements.  This is essential for the maintenance of  their Academy fellowship and inclusion on the future specialist register of the Hong Kong Medical Council.

The CME programme should be welcomed as we can expect it to encourage greater participation in educational matters and hence promote the standards of pathology.  However, it is not a competition and no-one should feel unhappy if they score less than another fellow and the scoring system will, without doubt, require fine-tuning to achieve the best and fairest results.

Further details will be sent to all fellows in mid-June.  If you have any questions, please direct them to any member of the Education Committee for clarification.  With your participation, the success of the programme will be guaranteed.

Regulations on Postgraduate Training and Examinations

The draft revision of the College manual, Regulations on Postgraduate Training and Examinations, is almost complete.  After it is approved by the TEC and the Council it needs to be passed by the Academy.  The manual is expected to be published later this year and this second edition will expand and clarify some points and so enable the College to function more smoothly.

Inspection of Laboratories and Training Posts

The inspection of laboratories and training posts is being organised at present and will be carried out later this year.  The teams of inspectors from the College will inspect and hold discussions with the unit heads, educational  supervisors, trainers and trainees on a range of issues related to training.

For the procedure to be most beneficial both the inspectors and the inspected will need both consideration and understanding.  This exercise, which is also an Academy requirement, aims to help trainees obtain access to the training required to become successful  consultants of the future.  It too needs the support of all fellows to achieve its goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: EXAMINATION DATES
1996

WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS:
AUGUST 14th, 1996

ORALS / PRACTICALS:
MID-to-LATE OCTOBER, 1996

AUTOPSY EXAMINATION:
MID-SEPTEMBER, 1996

Notification and further detailed  instructions will be sent to successfully registered candidates.

Training and Examinations Committee

 

The Training and Examinations Committee would like to remind all Educational Supervisors to register all new trainees with the TEC by writing to Dr SL Loke, Secretary of the TEC.

 

Please note that the revised Application Form for Recognition of Training Posts in Laboratories will be sent out in July and that laboratories concerned are asked to complete the forms and return them within two weeks to facilitate subsequent inspection. The expiry date for most laboratories is the end of 1996.

 

 

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

 

 

The committee membership has been amended slightly.  It now consists of Dr KL Au (Chairman), Dr KC Lee (Vice-Chairman), Dr TL Que (Secretary), Dr WM Lai (Asst. Secretary), Dr Albert YW Chan, Dr KW Chan, Prof JCK Lee, Dr Lily Ma, Dr WP Mak & Dr MS Tsui.

 

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Progress concerning the College’s Continuing Medical Education Programme has been swift.  The following is the Academy-approved College CME program, which closely resembles the Academy model published in the last College Newsletter.

 

 

 

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME)

PROGRAMME

 

 

 

1. Objective of Continuing Medical Education

 

The purpose is to keep Fellows informed and up-to-date, and to maintain a high standard of professional practice.

 

 

2. Supervision of CME

 

2.1  CME programmes established  by the Hong Kong College of Pathologists will be submitted to the Education Committee of The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM) for formal approval.

 

2.2  Any changes to established CME programmes will also be approved by the Academy Education Committee before implementation.

 

2.3    All Fellows of the College who are also Fellows of the HKAM must satisfy the full requirements of the CME programme by the end of each cycle.

 

2.4  The College will ensure compliance with the CME requirements. Non-compliance will be recorded and reported to the Academy Education Committee.  This Committee may recommend to the HKAM Council the suspension of a Fellow who has failed to comply with CME requirements by the end of each cycle, unless the Committee is satisfied that there are relevant and exceptional circumstances.  Furthermore, the Committee has to be satisfied that the shortfall can be remedied within an acceptable time.

 

 

 

3. The Cycle

 

3.1  A cycle of CME assessment shall consist of 3 years.

 

3.2  The cycle commences within six months after a Fellow of the College is admitted as a Fellow of the Acad-emy.  Normally, the cycles start on January 1st and July 1st of each year. The date of commencement for each Fellow will be recorded.  A new cycle commences at the conclusion of the previous cycle.

 

 

4.  Measurement of Activities

 

A point of CME activity is equivalent to one hour of audience participation in a Formal College Approved Post-graduate Meeting (FCAPM).

 

 

5. Accredited CME Activities

 

 

5.1    Self Study

 

5.1.1  Self study is accepted as a form of CME.

 

5.1.2  One hour of self study is awarded 1 CME Point.

 

5.1.3    Self study is only accredited with prior approval from the College. A written summary of more than 100 words per hour’s study has to be submitted to the Education Committee as evidence to show that the self study has been carried out diligently.

 

5.1.4    CME Points awarded by performing exercise or MCQ after reading articles from pre-approved  pathology

journals or participation in self-assessment programs of pre-approved overseas pathology societies will also be considered upon provision of relevant documents.

 

5.1.5    Self study may be accredited a maximum of 45 CME Points per three-year cycle.

 

 

5.2  Passive Participation

 

5.2.1  One CME Point is awarded for each hour of audience participation at a FCAPM.

 

5.2.2          A maximum of 75 CME Points in each three-year cycle may be accredited for Passive Participation.

 

 

5.3  Active Participation

 

5.3.1  Active Participation is when a Fellow is either chairing or presenting in a FCAPM.

 

5.3.2  Activities at FCAPM :

                                    - Chairing -                                                       each meeting 2 points

                                    - Invited speaker -                                             each lecture 6 points

                                    - Proffered paper accepted and presented:

                                                                        - Presenter -                 5 points

                                                                        - Others -                      3 points

                                    - Proffered poster accepted and posted -                        each author 3 points

 

5.3.3          A maximum of 75 CME Points in each three-year cycle may be accredited for Active Participation.

 

 

 

5.4  Publications

 

5.4.1  Only those related to Pathology are accredited.

 

5.4.2  A publication will accrue CME Points when the material is published.

 

5.4.3  The first author gets the full number of points while others will get half the points.

 

5.4.4  Type of Publications :

                                                - Book/Thesis                                                                            - 10 points

                                                - Chapter                                                                                  - 10 points

                                                - Original paper, in indexed journals (eg. Medline)                        - 10 points

- Original paper, in non-indexed College approved journals           - 5 points

 

5.4.5  Other than the categories listed above, no other publication can be awarded any CME Point unless agreement         from the College has been obtained prior to publication.

 

5.4.6  A maximum of 75 CME Points in each three-year cycle may be accredited for Publications.

 

 

5.5  Research

 

5.5.1  Research activity in itself does not attract any CME Points.

 

 

5.6  Quality Assurance

 

5.6.1  Quality Assurance activity in itself does not attract CME Points.

 

5.6.2  2 CME Points are awarded to each participant for each College approved Quality Assurance reports, up to a maximum of 20 points in each three-year cycle.

 

5.7  Development of New Technologies or Services

 

The development of new technologies and services cannot in themselves attract CME Point.

 

5.8  Undergraduate Teaching

 

Undergraduate teaching cannot attract any CME Points.

 

5.9 .Postgraduate teaching activities, other than those already counted under passive and active participation, cannot attract any CME Points.

 

5.10  College and Academy Activities

 

5.10.1  The participation as an examiner in College examinations can be counted for CME Points.

 

5.10.2  10 CME Points are awarded for one examination.

 

5.10.3  A maximum of 30 CME Points in each three-year cycle may be accredited for participation as an examiner.

 

 

6          Maximum Number of Accreditable Hours

The Education Committee of College would determine the maximum number of hours to be accredited for a FCAPM.

 

 

7.         Minimum CME Requirements

The minimum CME requirement is  90 CME Points in a three-year cycle. A minimum of 15 CME Points is to be achieved each year.

 

 

Professional & General Affairs Committee

 

Home Page

 

Work on the College home page on the WWW. is progressing well. More in the next newsletter.

 

Souvenirs

 

Some suggestions have been received for souvenirs of the college.  These include, a wall plaque, more pewter varieties, etc.  Any members or fellows with bright ideas should contact me with their suggestions. Anyone with contacts with manufacturers etc., should also let me know, so we can explore special consideration for small orders. (Dr. S. L. BEH )

 

College Badges of Office

 

The badge of office to be worn by the College President is now in its final phase of production after a protracted course of development.  The Council has agreed to produce two identical medallions, with that for President distinguished by the ribbon bearing bars with the names of the presidents.  The second medallion is for the use of College representatives at official functions.  ( Dr. S.L. BEH )

 

 

Meetings and Societies

 

 

FORENSIC NEWS:

 

The 14th International Association of Forensic Sciences Meeting will be held in Tokyo during the last week of August.  This is a triennial event and by the attendance at the last few meetings, about 1500-2000 delegates in all forensic fields are expected. Japan’s close proximity to Hong Kong means that there are likely to be experts passing through.  Some of them may agree to give talks or demonstrations at short notice. Attempts will be made to circulate such news to members where possible.  At  this moment, I know that Dr. Kuchheuser will be in Hong Kong from 1-4 September.  He is prepared to talk and demonstrate the use of an electronic stimulator for the estimation of the time of death.  Those interested should contact me at 2855 4863 for details in due course.

 

 

 

Forensic Workshop (November).

 

Following from the autopsy work-shop given last year by Professor B. Knight, there have been some feed-back on the areas of interest.  Most trainees have by now seen Prof. Knight perform an autopsy, and it is envisaged that this year the workshop will be more diversified.  There are some ideas at the moment, but trainees, members and fellows are welcome to make suggestions.  Please contact me with your suggestions or fax me your views. ( Dr. S.L. BEH )

 

 

QUALITY CONTROL COMMITTEE

 

 

From Prof E.D. Janus, Chairman,  QA Committee:

 

The activities so far for 1996 are set out in the table below.  The committee’s objective is to supply four sets of material for each discipline during 1996.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quality Assurance Programmes 1996

 

 

 

No. of

 laboratories

No. of Sets

Sent by June

Anatomical Pathology

16

2

Chemical Pathology

12

1

Haematology

9

2

Microbiology

12

2

Transfusion Serology

26

1

 

 

 

FELLOWS and OVERSEAS FELLOWS.

 

The Council recently discussed the issue related to the transfer back and forth from Fellow to Overseas Fellow, and decided that :

 

1.  Fellows could apply to change to the category of ‘Overseas Fellow’ when they emigrate overseas.

2.  Overseas Fellows could apply to change to the category of ‘Fellow’ when they return to Hong Kong as a resident.

3.  Each application for a change of  status between ‘Fellow’ and ‘Overseas Fellow’ would have to be approved by the Council and would be based on the applicant's place of residence.

 

 

Membership of College

 

 

The total membership of our College is now 232 with 12 Honorary Fellows, 88 Founder Fellows, 62 Fellows, 14 Overseas Fellows, 12 Members and 44 Associates

 

 

 

The Chan Woon Cheung Education and Research Fund ----APPLY NOW!

 

 

All eligible persons are reminded that applications for assistance from the Chan Woon Cheung Education and Research Fund of the College (  see regulations below ) can be made at any time.  Amongst the recent successful applicants are Dr Y.W. Tsang and Dr WH Shek. Closing date for applications this year is 31st August.

 

 

The Chan Woon Cheung Education and Research Fund

 

In 1991, friends, colleagues and former students of the late Dr Chan Woon Cheung endowed a fund in his memory to promote education, training and research in Pathology.

 

Regulations governing the Fund.

a. The fund shall be named "The Chan Woon Cheung Education and Research Fund"

b. The fund shall only be applied towards the promotion of education, training and research in Pathology, such as,

   (i)  Research grants for studies in Pathology, or

   (ii) Grants to support training in Pathology, including passage fees and subsistence, where the training is conducted in  Hong Kong or the applicant is currently working in Hong Kong.

c. Local and overseas workers in Pathology, both members and non-members of the Hong Kong College of  Pathologists,  may apply for grants for the purposes set out in b. above.

d. Applications for support from the fund may be made on the form prescribed by the Council of the Hong Kong College of Pathologists, and shall be subject to academic scrutiny by the Council. The decision of the Council  shall be final.

 

Administrative arrangements.

a. The whole of the sum subscribed shall form the endowment fund and shall be invested at the discretion of the Council.

b. Only the income shall be available for the payment of grants except under special circumstances as decided by the Council.

c. Funds will normally be allocated not more than twice annually, but applications may be submitted at any time.

d. After providing for awards in any one year, or if no award is made, any sum remaining may be carried forward to meet the costs of awards in subsequent years, or may be added to the capital sum for investment.

e. The Council may establish a committee to undertake preliminary assessment of the applications for advice to the Council.

f.  Principal grant holders receiving support from the fund will be required to submit a report at the end of the period of education or training and/or annual progress report to the Council.

g. At the beginning of each financial year, the Hon. Treasurer shall supply to the Council an annual statement of  account for the fund indicating the income available for allocation during the year in question.

 

 

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NEWSLETTER MATERIAL?

 

Please send your contributions to:

 

“ Dr RJ Collins, Newsletter Editor,  Hong Kong College of Pathologists, C/o Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong”

Tel: 2855  4009    Fax: 2872 8098

Email: rcollins@hkucc.hku.hk

 

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Newsletter Production and Editorial Panel:

Dr RJ Collins

Dr Phillip Beh

Dr Dominic Tsang, et al.

 

 

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HONG KONG COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS - OFFICE BEARERS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS  - Addresses and Contact Numbers

 

 


OFFICE BEARERS:

 

President:

 

Dr MAK Wai Ping

Institute of Pathology,

Sai Ying Pun Jockey Club Clinic,

Sai Ying Pun, HK.

Phone: 25409880; Fax: 28582684.

 

Vice-Presidents:

 

Dr CHAN Keeng Wai,

Histopathology Unit,

Canossa Hospital, 1 Old Peak Road, HK.

Phone: 25260867; Fax: 25217081.

 

Dr Robert John COLLINS,

Department of Pathology,

Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, HK.

Phone: 28554009; Fax: 28559641

 

Registrar:

Dr TSE Chun Hing, Christopher

Department of Pathology,

10/F Block M, Queen Elizabeth Hospital,

30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon.

Phone: 29586094; Fax: 23852455.

 

Deputy Registrar:

Dr LOKE Shee Loong

Histopathology Laboratory,

St Theresa’s Hospital

Prince Edward Road Kowloon.

Phone: 27112120; Fax: 27611798

 

Honorary Treasurer:

Dr MONG Hoi Keung

Forensic Pathology Laboratory,

18/F May House Arsenal Street, HK.

or  Hennessey Road PO Box 20449

Phone: 28602111; Fax: 28041714

 

Immediate Past-President:

Professor Faith HO Chi Suk

Department of Pathology,

University of Hong Kong,

Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, HK.

 

 

COUNCIL MEMBERS:

 

Dr AU Ka Leung,

Department of Pathology,

Princess Margaret Hospital,

Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon.

Phone: 29901818; Fax: 23700969.

 

Dr CHAN Yan Wo, Albert

Department of Pathology, Princess

Margaret Hospital, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon.

Phone: 29901806; Fax: 23700969

 

Dr CHU Wan, Raymond,

Pathology Department,

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital,

3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, HK.

Phone: 25260867; Fax: 25159701.

 

Professor ED JANUS

Clinical Biochemistry Unit,

Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, HK.

Phone: 28553202; Fax: 28559915

 

Dr Wilina LIM Wei Ling,

Virus Unit,

Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, HK.

Phone: 28554112; Fax: 28190704.

 

Dr LIN Che Kit,

Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Services,

15 King's Park Rise, Kowloon.

Phone: 27101336; Fax: 27801862.

 

Dr NG Ho Keung

Department of Anatomical & Cellular Pathology,

Prince of Wales Hospital,

Shatin, New Territories, HK.

Phone: 26322334; Fax: 26376274

 

Dr Dominic TSANG Ngai Chong,

Department of Pathology,

11/F Block M, Queen Elizabeth Hospital,

30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon.

Phone: 27102849; Fax: 23852455.