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 the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau. We invited Professor Michael Griffin, OBE, Immediate Past President and Advisor of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 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 keynote speech.
Group Photo
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 Macao 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 the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T.; and Professor Niv Patil. Distinguished guests from the medical field and more than 40 teachers and students from the Faculty of Medicine also attended this prestigious event.
Professor Griffin, a renowned authority in the field, addressed the audience, which included esteemed surgeons, and members and students of the Faculty of Medicine. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive training and education in setting up robotic-assisted surgery in the UK. Professor Griffin's extensive insights shed light on the pivotal role that proper training plays in ensuring patient safety and the successful implementation of robotic surgical techniques. The lecture delved into the future potential of robotic-assisted surgery, particularly its role in guiding minimally invasive procedures in urology, thoracic surgery, and colorectal surgery. Professor Griffin's visionary outlook on integrating robotics into these specialties promises advancements that can revolutionize healthcare. 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 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 Professor Michael Griffin OBE to the field and underscoring the importance of education and training in shaping the future of healthcare. It was a momentous occasion that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Professor Michael Griffin gained recognition for his groundbreaking approach to treating esophagogastric cancer and his advocacy for specialization. He played a pivotal role in improving outcomes for upper Gl cancer through the centralisation of services in the 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 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 Oesophagogastric Cancer Unit was established, now recognized 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 University of Newcastle upon Tyne. His clinical and research interests have been focused on early diagnosis and radical treatment of oesophagogastric cancers.
