29th Asian Medical Students' Conference in Tokyo Hello Tokyo!
Similar to previous AMSCs, the conference was composed of both academic and cultural exchange. The Hong Kong delegation participated in both the paper and poster presentation competitions in Japan. Motivated by the high prevalence of RSIs in the occupational setting worldwide and in Hong Kong, our academic paper (which you may read here) focused on the risk factors and social awareness of RSIs, as well as the tackling strategies of the HK government. Our poster, on the other hand, discussed the importance of preventive family medicine. Thanks to the much appreciated efforts of our academic team, both works were very well-received amongst students from other countries.
The Hong Kong delegation gained a lot of insight from the entire academic competition process, as well as from the keynote lectures and symposium led by Dr. Shigeru Omi – Regional Director of Western Pacific for WHO); and Professor Jimba – a humorous man with a passion for global health promotion. We also acquired appreciation of the problem of NCDs in other countries during group discussion. Most of us, however, enjoyed our local hospital visit more than anything else: some of us had the privilege of visiting the only hospital in the world with an operating theatre built in junction with an MRI and CT scanning room, which would allow, for example, a brain scan in the middle of a tumour-removal surgery so the head would be opened and sewed back once, as opposed to the common practice to resew, scan, and reopen the patient’s skull to remove tumour remnants that the surgeon missed on the first attempt…honestly, how cool is that? In addition to being a truly eye-opening experience, the visit allowed delegates to learn more about the running of the healthcare system and working culture of Japanese medical practitioners. On the other hand, cultural events were also highly remarkable. The cultural workshop provided an authentic platform for us to appreciate Japanese culture, such as, martial arts and kendo, origami, yukata-wearing, as well as a wide range of musical instruments. Cultural Night, an AMSC tradition, offered opportunity for countries to showcase their respective cultures through performance. In order to illustrate Hong Kong’s unique mix of oriental and western influences, our cultural team deliberated a medley, kicking off with a kung-fu routine from the girls, proceeding with a graceful Chinese dance by the boys, and finally rounding off with a joint hip-hop performance. And judging by the intensity of applause from the audience, we definitely brought the house down!
Outside the conference, the Organising Committee also planned tours introducing delegates to the fascinating architectures around Asakusa and allowing delegates to indulge themselves on shopping sprees in the busy streets of Harajuku.
This conference was a great experience that was not only fulfilling and enriching in academic and cultural aspects – numerous friendships bloomed and developed over the course of eight short days. If you’ve been to an AMSC, you’ll get what I mean. And if you haven’t, there’s always the 30th AMSC in Taiwan to look forward to! http://www.amsahk.org |
© 2008 Asian Medical Students' Association Hong Kong (AMSAHK)
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