'Little Doctor' program aims to inspire youth

The Community Medical and Education Services Association in Hong Kong is organizing a "Little Doctor" program this summer for around 80 students from primary 4 to secondary 3.The program aims to teach teenagers about medical knowledge and encourage them to consider a career in the medical field.

Launched in 2019, the program partners with doctors, Chinese medicine practitioners and dentists to teach students about Western medicine, Chinese medicine, speech therapy and physiotherapy.There will be a total of four classes composed of about20 students from July to August.These classes will be held on Sundays or Mondays in Mong Kok or Mei Foo, with a fee of HK$200 per participant.

Through the program, students will have the opportunity to visit healthcare facilities like dental clinics, Chinese medicine clinics, the Hong Kong Children's Hospital and the Auxiliary Medical Service.This will allow them to learn about the daily operations of hospitals and the roles of different medical professionals.

According to CMESA president Kwok Yin-lai, the program will teach students about the history and development of Hong Kong's medical industry, as well as the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western medicine.

Legislator David Lam Tzit-yuen saidthat while there are shortages of doctors and nurses, the demand for physiotherapists and occupational therapists will be adequate in the next 10 years.

Participant Lillian Fong Lei-wun, a primary 4 student, said: "I participated in an interactive and useful lesson about Chinese medicine. We also went to a dental clinic to learn about advanced dental equipment like the X-ray machine."