The Distinguished Lecture Series and Sino-Luso International Medical Forum – “Robotic Assisted Surgery: Education & Training”

The Distinguished Lecture Series and Sino-Luso International Medical Forum, is academically chaired by the Medical Sciences Division (MSD) of M.U.S.T. and organized by the Macau Healthcare Management and Promotion Association (MHMPA). The lecture was held on 31st October 2023, in the Club Lounge of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau. Professor Michael Griffin, OBE, Immediate Past President and Advisor of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was invited to give a lecture entitled " Robotic Assisted Surgery: Education & Training ". Vice-President Paul Tam presented a souvenir and extended a warm welcome to Professor Michael Griffin for giving our students and teachers a lecture.

Group Photo

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Vice-President Paul Tam (right) Presented a Souvenir to

Professor Michael Griffin (left)

Professor Michael Griffin Gave a Lecture

Attending guests included: Dr. Kuok Cheong U, Deputy Director of the Health Bureau of the Macau SAR Government and the Director of Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (CHCSJ); Professor Wai Sang POON, Director of the Neurological Medicine Center of the Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital; Dr. Zhu Li Wen, Vice President of the Macau Surgical Association; Chair Professor Paul Tam, Vice President of M.U.S.T., Dr. Valencia Chang, Director (Development & Clinical) of Medical Sciences Division (MSD) of M.U.S.T., Professor Manson Fok, Dean of Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T.; Professor Niv Patil, distinguished guests from the medical field, and more than 40 teachers and students from the Faculty of Medicine attended this prestigious event.

Prof. Griffin first introduced the comprehensive training system, training programme and training standards set by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd). He emphasized the importance of comprehensive training and education in setting up robotic assisted surgery and the pivotal role that proper training plays in ensuring patient safety and the successful implementation of robotic surgical techniques. Robotic assisted surgery has the precision, flexibility, and control to perform a wide range surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater confidence, make more informed decisions, resulting in better outcome for patients. The lecture also delved into the future potential of robotic assisted surgery, particularly its role in guiding minimally invasive procedures in urology, thoracic surgery, and colorectal surgery. Following the lecture, a dynamic and engaging discussion session ensued, with insightful questions and discourse coming from surgeons in the audience, as well as enthusiastic participation from the faculty of medicine and the next generation of medical professionals, the students.

This event marked a significant step in advancing the knowledge and understanding of robotics in surgery, highlighting the dedication of Prof. Michael Griffin OBE to the field and underscoring the importance of education and training in shaping the future of healthcare.

Professor Michael Griffin gained recognition for his groundbreaking approach to the treatment of esophagogastric cancer and his advocacy for specialisation. He played a pivotal role in the improvement of outcomes for upper Gl cancer in the National Health Service (NHS) of U.K., earning him the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty The Queen in 2013 in recognition of his contributions to cancer treatment. Having served as a consultant esophagogastric surgeon at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne for 30 years. He then transitioned from clinical practice to assume the position of President at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2018. Under his leadership, the Northern Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Unit was established, now recognised as the largest unit of its kind in both Europe and North America. Since 2009, Professor Griffin has been a Council member and currently serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee for Intercollegiate Examinations (JCIE) while holding the esteemed position of Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Newcastle Univeristy. His clinical and research interests have been focused on early diagnosis and radical treatment of oesophago-gastric cancers.