The Ethos Podcast

In this episode of the Ethos podcast, host Kelly Wong sits down with Dr. Andrew Kuk, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong and Honorary Associate Consultant at Queen Mary Hospital. Dr. Kuk shares his personal philosophy and professional journey from his childhood dreams of professional video gaming to finding his calling in oculoplastic and orbit surgery.He reflects on practicing medicine in the UK versus Hong Kong, highlighting cultural differences and the value of strong patient-doctor relationships. Dr. Kuk shares how empathy, emotional intelligence, and clear communication can prevent burnout and de-escalate conflict. The conversation also covers practical eye health advice around screen time, the role of AI in future clinical practice, and his teaching philosophy rooted in visual and tactile learning. He speaks honestly about how fatherhood reshaped his sense of work-life balance and the importance of being present. Finally, he offers advice on staying connected to the humanistic side of surgery and medicine.This episode is hosted by Kelly Wong, Senior Editor at Ethos.Video Chapters1.⁠ ⁠From Video Games To Ophthalmology 0:00  2.⁠ ⁠Early Life: Harrow, Music, Imperial 3:40 3.⁠ ⁠Working in the NHS vs. Hong Kong Healthcare System 14:304. Relocating to Hong Kong: The Challenges and Advice 18:43 5.⁠ ⁠What Is Beautiful About Ophthalmology? Oculoplastics, Orbit Surgery, LASIK 27:09 6.⁠ ⁠How To Maintain Visual Hygiene 32:25  7.⁠ ⁠Dr. Kuk’s Teaching Philosophy & Important Values to Hold As a Medical Professional 39:09 8.⁠ ⁠Maintaining a Work Life Balance & How AI Affects The Future of Medicine 49:34  9.⁠ ⁠Dr. Kuk’s Day In The Life, Parenting Philosophy & Lessons From His Children, Advice To His Past Self 53:5910.⁠ ⁠The Importance of Compassion vs. Compassion Fatigue & The Erosion of Empathy from Burnout 1:07:14Website and Socials:Website: https://www.ethos.hku.hk/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkue...Instagram:   / hkuethos  

Today's guest is the Honourable Dr. Leong Che-Hung GBM GBS OBE JP. He is a distinguished surgeon, a key figure in Hong Kong's public health governance, and a dedicated public servant.Dr. Leong's career is marked by his leadership across major medical and civic institutions. He has served as the Chairman of the Hospital Authority, the Chairman of the Council of the University of Hong Kong, and represented the medical functional constituency in the Legislative Council. A founding force behind the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, he served as its President. His contributions to medicine and public service have been recognized with a Grand Bauhinia Medal; he has also been appointed Justice of the Peace. He remains an Honorary Professor of Surgery at HKU, continuing to shape the future of medical education and policy.This episode is hosted by Hoi Kiu Wong, former Head of Design for Ethos.

The guest for today is Dr. Bryant Lin. He is a primary care physician, researcher, educator, and humanist at heart. He is currently a clinical professor at Stanford Medicine, a medical device engineer, and an advocate for combining medicine and art. Diagnosed with non-smoker lung cancer in 2024, Dr. Lin now dedicates much of his time to teaching about his journey from physician to patient. His research and educational interests span (1) Developing and testing novel medical technologies, (2) Improving the health of Asian populations with Precision and Population Health, and (3) Increasing expression and interconnections in the Health Community with the Humanities and Arts. After receiving his undergraduate and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, he completed his MD and internal Medicine training at Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center. At Stanford, Dr. Lin co-founded the Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE), directs the Medical Humanities and Arts program, and leads innovative courses like "Storytelling in Medicine" and "Generative AI and Medicine." His work bridges medicine, technology, and storytelling to address unmet human-centered needs and improve healthcare for all. This episode is hosted by Ivan Lam, Founding Editor-in-Chief of Ethos. Special thanks to Ben Szeto for his assistance in facilitating this conversation.Video Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:49 Diagnosis11:31 Life21:40 Career30:50 Favorite Pizza Topping & MoreOn behalf of Ethos, we want to sincerely thank Dr. Bryant Lin for his openness, wisdom, and for being a profound inspiration to everyone who hears his story. His perspectives are both enlightening and thought-provoking, and it’s been a privilege to share this meaningful dialogue.-Ethos is an award-winning platform for storytelling and dialogue at the intersection of narrative medicine, medical humanities, ethics, and law.We are dedicated to exploring the human side of healthcare.Ethos Links and Contact: Website: https://www.ethos.hku.hk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkuethos/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos Email: [email protected] to the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2Uvs

The guest for this episode is Dr Aron D. Rose. He is a musical composer, board-certified ophthalmologist, and former Associate Clinical Professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and the School of Nursing. He has taught and practiced clinical medicine throughout the world, in places including the United States, Europe, Central Asia, India, the Far East, and Africa.Dr Rose was the youngest invited faculty member of the prestigious international flying eye hospital Project Orbis in 1989. He then served as Director of Residency Training at the Yale Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, where he designed and implemented the surgical training curriculum.  He has also served as section editor for Techniques in Ophthalmology, published widely in the peer review literature, consulted for emerging surgical technology, and served as primary investigator for numerous clinical research projects.The host for this episode is Ivan Lam.Video Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Orbis 3:53 Humanitarian Missions 11:03 Brain Drain16:03 ‘How has seeing the world changed how you see your home?17:22 White House Commission 22:46 As an ophthalmologist, is being blind your biggest fear?25:15 Soviet Union 35:27 Music and composition 39:00 ReflectionsRelevant links: Dr Aron D. Rose’s profile: https://theeyecaregroup.com/our-doctors/aron-d-rose-md/ Ethos Links and Contact: Website: https://www.ethos.hku.hk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkuethos/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos Email: [email protected]: #Orbis #HumanitarianAid #Medicine #Opthamology #Yale #YaleMedicine #Medicine #Yalesom #schoolofmedicine #eyecare #HumanitarianWork #HealthcareForAll #MedicalMissions #MedicineAndMusic #PodcastEpisode #MedicinePodcast 

The guest for this episode is Professor Rosie Tse Tse Young, an Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor for the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). She was the first female dean of HKUMed, as well as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university. She is a prominent figure in the development of Hong Kong's healthcare system and clinical research scene, publishing over 100 papers throughout her career, especially on hypoglycaemic attacks in hepatic carcinoma patients and periodic paralysis in patients with thyrotoxicosis. She has chaired numerous pivotal bodies, including the Medical Council of Hong Kong, the Working Party on Primary Health Care, and the Education Commission. Her contributions have been recognised with honours including Justice of the Peace, OBE, CBE, GBS, and GBM.In this episode, she reflects on her upbringing in a scholarly family, her leadership at HKUMed, and her role in shaping Hong Kong’s healthcare system. She provides insights on medicine, life lessons, and invaluable advice for future healthcare professionals.The host for this episode is Victoria Chu, an Editor at Ethos.This interview also draws on the book "Rosie Young: A Lifetime of Selfless Service" by Moira M. W. Chan-Yeung, published by Hong Kong University Press (2024). Special thanks to the author and publisher for their remarkable work.CHAPTERS(00:00) - Introduction(01:01) - Biography(02:26) - Upbringing and family history(07:02) - Experience as Medical Dean(12:48) - Past research focuses(17:14) - Awards and accolades(20:49) - Motivations and mantras in life(24:19) - Reflections on teaching(26:06) - Nature vs Nurture debate(27:58) - Advice for future medical professionals(29:16) - Past, present, and future of healthcare(33:28) - Personal life(35:33) - Closing remarksIntroduction animation by Veda Lee (@sakuraopalart)Introduction sound composition by Brian MaABOUT ETHOSEthos is an award-winning publication platform built by students in collaboration with the Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit (MEHU) at HKUMed. The podcast hosts conversations with people within medicine and beyond, diving into their expertise and insights on recent news events. We also explore their personal stories—their upbringing, motivations, struggles, and philosophies that shape who they are.WEBSITE & SOCIALSWebsite (Publications, Essay Competitions, and more): https://www.ethos.hku.hkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkuethos/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethosSubscribe to the Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2UvsAVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMSSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0fClXGv5KdC6V0b3UMPEbuApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ethos-podcast/id1782772402Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/217f18a9-4ed2-48f7-aa71-5b47a941d987/the-ethos-podcastYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hkuethosEmail: [email protected]

The guest for this episode is Professor Jens Scherpe, a Chair Professor of Comparative Law at Aalborg University. As the founding director of the Nordic Centre for Comparative and International Family Law, he is an authority in comparative family law with a particular focus on the legal frameworks that govern martial relationships across different jurisdictions. He has written and edited multiple volumes about family law in various cultural contexts, ranging from same-sex marriage, registered partnerships to surrogacy. In this episode, we will explore Professor Scherpe’s insights on the development of family law, addressing issues related to the evolving institution of marriage and the criminalization of surrogacy. He shares his perspective on the concept of ‘family’, and the dilemma of defining it in contemporary legal contexts. Additionally, he reflects upon his journey into academia, and provides inspiring advice for students. Join us for a stimulating conversation that examines the intersection of law, culture, and family dynamics, while gaining valuable perspectives from one of the leading experts in the field. The host for this episode is Leo Lee, an Editor of Ethos. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - Family law and the institution of marriage (15:25) - Journey into academia (17:27) - Musings about ‘family’ (19:46) - Teaching philosophy (23:42) - Most Rewarding (25:50) - Advice for law students (35:27) - International surrogacy (47:57) - Legal developments in Hong Kong (49:50) - Meaning of life WEBSITE & SOCIALS Website (Publications, Essay Competitions, and more): https://www.ethos.hku.hk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkuethos/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2Uvs Introduction Animation by Veda Lee (@SakuraOpalArt) Introduction Sound Composition by Brian Ma AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0fClXGv5KdC6V0b3UMPEbu Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ethos-podcast/id1782772402 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/217f18a9-4ed2-48f7-aa71-5b47a941d987/the-ethos-podcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hkuethos

The guest for this episode is Prof. Keiji Fukuda, a global authority on emerging infectious diseases with over 30 years of experience in public health. After training in clinical medicine, he spent two decades at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) before joining the World Health Organization (WHO), where he held key roles, including Director of the Global Influenza Programme and Assistant Director-General for Health Security. His expertise spans a wide range of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, avian and pandemic influenza, SARS, MERS, and antimicrobial resistance. Following his tenure at WHO, he became the Director of the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, furthering his contributions to global health. The host for this episode is Ivan Lam, the Founding Editor-in-Chief of Ethos. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction (00:49) - Covid-19 Response (07:00) - Antimicrobial Resistance (12:02) - World Health Organisation (26:25) - HKU School of Public Health (31:02) - Personal Journey (32:39) - Gap Year (39:20) - Miscellaneous Questions WEBSITE & SOCIALS Website (Publications, Essay Competitions, and more): ⁠www.ethos.hku.hk⁠ Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/hkuethos⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos/⁠ Subscribe to the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2Uvs Introduction Animation by Veda Lee ​⁠ @SakuraOpalArt Sound Composition by Brian Ma

The guest for this episode is Prof. Mark Mercurio. He is a Professor of Pediatrics, Founding Director of the Program for Biomedical Ethics at Yale School of Medicine, and Founding Director of the Yale Pediatric Ethics Program at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. He served as Chief of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Yale for many years, stepping down from the role in 2022. Dr. Mercurio received his undergraduate degree in Biochemical Sciences from Princeton University, an M.D. from Columbia University, and completed his Pediatrics Residency and Neonatology Fellowship at Yale. He also earned an M.A. in Philosophy from Brown University. His career spans decades as an attending neonatologist, educator, and leader in medical ethics. Dr. Mercurio has been deeply involved in neonatology and bioethics education for medical professionals at all levels, as well as serving as a faculty member for the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) since 2010. He is a Fellow of The Hastings Center, a former Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Bioethics, and a co-editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics Resident Curriculum in Bioethics. Widely published and frequently invited to speak around the world, he was honored with the 2023 William G. Bartholome Award for Ethical Excellence by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The host for this episode is Ivan Lam, the Founding Editor-in-Chief of Ethos. This interview took place in New Haven, Connecticut. VIDEO CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction  (01:00) - Professional Identity Formation  (09:03) - Neonatal Ethics  (24:43) - Life WEBSITE & SOCIALS Website (Publications, Essay Competitions, and more): ⁠www.ethos.hku.hk⁠ Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/hkuethos⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos/⁠ Subscribe to the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2Uvs Introduction Animation by Veda Lee  @SakuraOpalArt  Sound Composition by Brian Ma

The guest for this episode is Dr. Jian Yang, a Principal Lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed), University of Hong Kong (HKU). Dr. Yang graduated from Peking University Health Science Center with MBBS and went on to pursue a PhD in neuroscience at University of Bristol. He is the head of the anatomy education, Deputy Director of EdTech HKUMed, and Coordinator of HKU Body Donation Programme. He dedicates his effort to converting instructional anatomy and histology classes into indispensable active-learning experience. The host for this episode is Marjovie Cheuk Nam Liu and Conrad Helau, who are both Founding Editors of Ethos. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction  (00:38) - Body donation and the HKU programme  (10:40) - Dealing with cultural sensitivities  (14:16) - Informed consent and challenges in obtaining cadavers  (18:32) - International oversight and scandal stories (American Association for Anatomy)  (21:31) - Digitalizing anatomy learning and virtual reality (VR)  (27:54) - The Death Café, MEHU at HKUMed, and empathy  (31:43) - Personal philosophy: meaning of life, death, and legacy (34:10) - Closing WEBSITE & SOCIALS Website (Publications, Essay Competitions, and more): ⁠www.ethos.hku.hk⁠ Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/hkuethos⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos/⁠ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2Uvs Introduction Animation by Veda Lee  @SakuraOpalArt  Sound Composition by Brian Ma

The guest for this episode is Dr. Siddharth Sridhar, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology at The University of Hong Kong. As a clinical virologist, Dr. Sridhar’s research centers on novel emerging causes of viral hepatitis and their impact on immunocompromised individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he emerged as a key public educator, tackling misinformation and guiding the public through unprecedented times. We explore combating misinformation and learn about how governments responded to academia and research during the pandemic. He shares the surprising challenges he faced as a public educator and discusses effective strategies to address misinformation, particularly among vulnerable populations. Dr. Sridhar also reflects on his path into medicine, including overcoming language barriers, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring medical students. He provides profound reflections on how being a doctor has transformed his perspective on life and death. This interview is rich with valuable advice and inspiring stories, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the medical field or public health. The host for this episode is Ivan Lam, the Editor-in-Chief of Ethos. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction (00:48) - Science Communication (10:48) - Medical School Journey (20:17) - Life & Death (25:24) - Art of Naming Microbes (29:38) - Story that Changed Dr. Sridhar’s Life (31:32) - How to Use An Elevator Button (35:24) - Meaning Of Life WEBSITE & SOCIALS Website (Publications, Essay Competitions, and more): www.ethos.hku.hk Instagram: instagram.com/hkuethos Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hkuethos/ Subscribe to the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iG2Uvs Introduction Animation by Veda Lee (@sakuraopal on Instagram) Sound Composition by Brian Ma