8 - 9 November 2003
Dr Matthew Cheng
HKOA Ambassador 2003
The 23rd Annual Hong Kong Orthopaedic Annual Congress took place on 8-9 Nov 2003. The location at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, a large, modern, glass covered building next to the harbour gave an impressive view of the sea with mountains in the background. With the Wan Chai area, it has easy access to the many tourist sites and restaurants nearby.
This year, with the looming SARS situation, death of several healthcare workers and overall uncertainty, organising this event was a real challenge and cancellation was always a lingering thought. The committee had to book the venue 6 months in advance and hope for participants to contribute the the success of the meeting. The usual lunch at the venue for the registrants was cancelled due to an uncertainty about numbers but I was well taken care of with the generosity of the Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association committee members. Moreover, I received invitations to many fine restaurants for the lunches and dinners during my stay there.
The main theme was 'Foot and Ankle Disorders'. The sub theme was 'Work Related Physical Impairment in Orthopaedic Perspectives'. There were lively discussions from the 2 main overseas foot and ankle faculties, Dr Patrice Diebold from France and Dr Douglas Beaman from the USA. Views from both sides of the Atlantic differed on many aspects of management in this still developing field and participants demonstrated unity within the orthopaedic community with their tolerance of contrasting views. Forefoot, hindfoot, flatfoot disorders, foot trauma, ankle replacements were among the topics addressed. Dr Beaman also conducted a workshop on Iliazarov techniques for foot and ankle problems.
The interaction with the other ASEAN visiting ambassadors was another high point for me. Overall, the meeting was a success and I would like to thank the SOA for sending me there and our HK colleagues for their kind hospitality.
Report Submitted by : Dr Mathew Cheng
HKOA Ambassador 2003