Newsletter No. 60

CUHK NEWSLETTER ENT Professor Urges Proper Perspective on Technology 'The desire for technical prowess must not be allowed to override the need to solve patients' problems,' Prof. C. A. van Hasselt, professor of surgery (otorhinolaryngology) at CUHK, warned. In his professorial inaugural lecture 'Silence, Sound, Balance' delivered on 7th October, Prof. Van Hasselt seriously questioned the adoption of technology as an end in itself in ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgery, and urged surgeons and others to take a balanced view. Using surgical treatment for patients with the ear disease 'cholesteatoma' as an example, Prof. Van Hasselt said that although the patients' main concern was to get rid of the smelly discharge in their ears, many were still left with this problem after surgery. This could be because the surgeons were too preoccupied by the intricate procedures of implanting sophisticated electronic devices that can restore hearing to the patients. Instead of pursuing the latest technology as an end in itself, Prof. Van Hasselt said surgeons should use their skills to provide solutions for real problems. A prime example of this is the simple Hong Kong Flap procedure developed by Prof. Van Hasselt and which is gaining acceptance world- wide. It involves using living skin to cover the ear cavity to stop the discharge. The procedure owes little to advanced technology but is most effective in relieving patient distress. Prof. Van Hasselt started the Ear, Nose and Throat Unit in the Medical Faculty of the University at the Prince of Wales Hospital in 1985 and is an acknowledged expert in the management of nasopharyngeal cancer. Orientation for Sixth-Formers The University held an Orientation Day on 8th October to familiarize sixth-form students with its diversified academic programmes and facilities. The event was mainly designed for the 26,000 Secondary 7 students seeking admission to universities next year through the Joint University and Polytechnic Admissions Scheme (JUPAS). This year it attracted over 10,000 secondary students. Programmes on that day were hosted by the seven faculties. They included exhibitions, counselling sessions, talks, video shows, tours of teaching facilities and laboratories. CU teachers and students were on hand to answer questions concerning the programmes and admission requirements. Along with these programmes was an Information Technology Fair which demonstrated the most up-to-date computer facilities of the University. The Chinese University has admitted around 2,800 first-year undergraduates to its 37 major programmes for the current academic year. Admission figure is expected to rise to 3,000 next year. NO.60 NOVEMBER 1994 6