Inaugural Opening Ceremony of MBBS Program of the Faculty of Medicine
Macau University of Science and Technology
Group photo of the Inaugural Opening Ceremony
The Faculty of Medicine of the Macau University of Science and Technology held an Inaugural Opening Ceremony for nearly 50 newly admitted students of the MBBS program at 5:30 pm, September 6 2019, in Hall N101. Guests, teachers and students were gathered happily to welcome the new academic year.
The main guests at the ceremony included Ms. Zhang Yang, Director-General, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Li Wei, Director, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Paulo Cunha Alves, Consul General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong, Ambassador Rafael Custódio Marques, Consul General of the Republic of Mozambique in Macao, Dr. Shi Liying, Deputy Secretary-General, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Dr. Cheang Seng Ip, Acting Director of Health Bureau of Macao SAR Government, Mr. Lam Man Tat, Acting Deputy Director of Higher Education Bureau of Macao SAR Government, Dr. Kuok Cheong U, Director of the Conde S. Januário Hospital, Professor Jiang Baoguo, President of Peking University People's Hospital, Professor Fausto Pinto, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Professor Maria Amélia Ferreira, Immediate Past Dean of Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Macau University of Science and Technology Foundation and the University Council Members, Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor of M.U.S.T., Chair Professor Liu Liang, President of M.U.S.T. and other distinguished guests.
The total number of applicants for the first MBBS program reached 494, and 48 students were eventually admitted, 79% of whom are local students and the rest come from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China and overseas. The MBBS program of the Faculty of Medicine at M.U.S.T. is designed based on the modern educational frameworks of similar programs in Hong Kong, the U.K., and the U.S.A., and it uses the textbooks of Harvard Medical School for some of its basic courses. When students pass the assessment for such courses successfully, they will be awarded a course-based certificate issued by Harvard Medical School. The program aims to cultivate tomorrow’s doctors, who are equipped with knowledge, skills, moral qualities and professional attitude.
Prof. Manson Fok, Dean of Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. addressed the ceremony
The Opening Ceremony was inaugurated by the Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Professor Manson Fok, as he extended a warm welcome to the new students. As a pioneer of medical education in Macao, the Faculty of Medicine will always uphold the university motto of “Dedication to practical studies, enhancement of knowledge, ability and quality”, and take up its responsibilities to cultivate outstanding talents and actively promote the development of medical care in Macao. Professor Fok remarked that being the pioneers of Macao’s first MBBS Program, the white coats worn by the students have a profound meaning. They stand for professionalism, integrity, purity and perfection of the medical profession and they also symbolize the trust of patients in doctors. He hoped that students will never forget their initial passions, seek lifetime learning with humility, treat patients with compassion, and make contributions for the advancement of Macao’s medical cause.
The Dean further noted that the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine would nicely complement the Macao Academy of Medicine. By fostering local professionals who satisfy the brand-new medical system, the Faculty of Medicine provides a continuous supply of qualified staff. The two entities complementing each other will further enhance reform to the medical system of Macao and thus elevate local standards. Outstanding medical recourses could help increase the coverage of basic medical services providing the communities with more support, strengthen the research and prevention of epidemic diseases, and improve the abilities of local hospitals in consultation and diagnosis of rare diseases.
Speech by Director-General Zhang Yang, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, National Health Commission of the P.R.C.
Ms. Zhang Yang, Director-General, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, gave a speech at the ceremony. She expressed congratulations to Macau University of Science and Technology on inaugurating Macao’s first medical school dedicated to train professionals, which is truly a new milestone. Director-General Zhang further marked that in the wake of the announcement of the Development Plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Macao’s medical health development is blessed with new opportunities, thus this is a great time to grow medical education. The Mainland also just launched a Healthy China campaign. Regardless if in the Mainland or Macao, people’s demands for high-quality services have been increasing on a daily basis, which requires medical education programs to cultivate higher-level talents. On 13 July this year, Macao Academy of Medicine was established, with 300 doctors awarded honors of Academicians of Macao Academy of Medicine; today, the delight has been doubled, the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. marks a new stage for Macao in its medical health development and training of medical professionals. This, with no doubt, will greatly enhance the recognition and trust of Macao residents in the local medical standards. She hoped that as a pioneer of Macao’s medical education, the Faculty of Medicine could uphold the university motto of “Dedication to practical studies, enhancement of knowledge, ability and quality”, dedicate itself to cultivation of new generations of doctors with morality, professionalism and compassion. The National Health Commission is willing to build a collaborative platform with M.U.S.T. to carry out exchanges, cooperation and internship projects, so as to promote joint progress of the Mainland and Macao in medical education, scientific research and training of talents, and make contributions for the welfare of the people in the two regions.
Faculty of Medicine, M.U.S.T. and Peking University People’s Hospital signed MOU.
Faculty of Medicine, M.U.S.T. signed MOU with Faculty of Medicine of University of Lisbon, and the Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto
At the ceremony, the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. signed MOUs with the Peking University People’s Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine of University of Lisbon and the Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, agreeing to join forces to provide more academic and clinic exchanges for Macao and contribute to medical advancement.
A solemn white coat and oath-taking ceremony
Group photo of teachers and students of Faculty of Medicine, M.U.S.T.
Afterwards, a sacred and solemn white coat and oath-taking ceremony was held. Under the witness of teachers, friends and family, the new students proceeded to go up to the stage to receive and put on their white coats, and bowed to their teachers and parents, thanking them for their cultivation. Then, led by Dean Prof. Manson Fok, the new students read the oath, took the vows of selfless dedication, saving life as a promise, assuming the responsibility of protecting life and contributing to the society.
