Newsletter No. 59

C U H K NEWSLETTER such as neuro-ophthalmology, traumatology and reconstructive surgery. In terms of research, projects will be undertaken with an interdisciplinary approach and the participation of pharmacologists, pathologists, biochemists and molecular biologists, in laboratories and facilities to be located on the top floor of the Hong Kong Eye Hospital which is due for completion next April. Prior to coming to The Chinese University, Prof. Tso held a professorship in ophthalmology at the Medical School of the University of Illinois. He has spent over 30 years on research in macular diseases, ocular oncology and ophthalmic pathology. Running the new department makes him an extremely busy man, but he takes his hectic schedule of activities with good humour. ' A ll of a sudden the unit was transformed from a division of the Surgery Department into a fully independent department. On top of this there is all the management and supervisory work to be done in connection with the ophthalmology units at QMH, PWH, and the Hong Kong Eye Hospital, as well as seven other affiliated eye clinics. Space allocation, staff recruitment, curriculum planning and patient services all take time and effort.' As to his opinion about the selection of faculty and department heads, he thinks the current system of electing faculty deans and appointing department chairmen fair and satisfactory. Prof. Kenneth Chau, Social Work 'I did not come to this job with a personal agenda. My own style has always been to be open and liberal, and to listen to others as much as possible. I always think collective wisdom much superior to individual dictates.' Prof. Chau, new to The Chinese University, thus summarizes his views about being appointed chairman of the Social Work Department. Having taught at the HKU before, Prof. Chau believes that vesting both academic and administrative responsibilities in the same person is in the long-term interest of the department's development. He finds colleagues in his department young, energetic, capable and wide-ranging in research interests, and he believes he can work with them to delineate a common goal for the department, and define a direction for the pursuit of excellence in social work education. As chairman he will base his policies on the strengths and tradition of the department, while bringing in where appropriate his teaching and administrative experience gained in the United States over the past decade. Administrative affairs in the department will be delegated to various committees not only to prove the virtue of division of labour, but also to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to excel in his or her own area of competence. He w i l l encourage students to participate actively in department affairs. He NO.59OCTOBER1994 14