Medical school contenders must clearly define strengths, vision

After the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology revealed its proposal to open the city's third medical school, Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University followed it with theirs saying why they should be given the right instead to run the new school.

A question stands out as the evaluation process is expected to begin in the second quarter with interviews with the candidates: what niche they can contribute?

The SAR's ambition is to make the city a world medical hub, a destination for premium care. It will win support if the three universities can articulate their specialties and show how they can elevate the medical ecosystem here. Each must define their strength and vision.

Yesterday, PolyU stressed the role of artificial intelligence in medical education and practice, which is forward-looking with a potential to revolutionize diagnostics and patient care.

In its recent proposal, HKUST highlights a plan to nurture tech-savvy doctors with a scientific mindset, suggesting a focus on integrating cutting-edge research with clinical practice, which is comprehensive. The HKBU proposes blending Chinese and Western medicine, an eye-opening angle leveraging Chinese culture and Hong Kong's location in the Greater Bay Area.

Their common issue is: these are all broad statements in need of precise definition.

So, will PolyU's AI focus translate into specific training and treatments? Will HKUST accord priority to biotechnology and precision medicine? Will HKBU's hybrid model produce globally competitive doctors rather than a curriculum all but diluted?

A lack of specificity could undermine the vision. The role of the new medical school is straightforward: train more doctors and offer something the others do not.

A well-defined specialty in medicine can position Hong Kong strongly in healthcare.

Georgia, for example, is known for pioneering the use of bacteriophage therapy - a treatment using viruses to combat bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics - that is not yet licensed in many countries. In the UK, it can be used only in very specific cases where licensed alternatives are not meeting clinical needs.

Cuba, another example, is constrained fiscally, but has built a reputation for its low-cost healthcare designs. The country engages in medical diplomacy, and has produced vaccines like CIMAvax for lung cancer which is drawing global interest.

When developing countries like them are making it, Hong Kong - as an international city - surely can. CUHK has been leading in nasopharyngeal cancer research with a blood test kit that identifies high-risk patients early.

Already strong in medicine, can the SAR also use the opportunity to align the new medical school with a signature strength? The new programs must offer education and treatments that attract patients and professionals.

Singapore blends advanced technology with medical tourism.

Hong Kong, being a gateway to the huge mainland market, can also attract patients who are willing to pay a premium for unique, effective medical care. The competition between HKUST, HKBU and PolyU can be an opportunity to elevate the medical infrastructure if the candidates can clarify their unique strength and vision.