​A long-awaited Dean's Café, an inspiring online exchange, COVID-19 may have stopped us from getting together, but it didn't prevent us from being connected. In this special period, all the love and wishes for MEDers, were all gathered into the Dean's Café.

Part 1 A Warm Reunion

On the morning of 8 March, the Dean, faculty, and students of the CUHK-Shenzhen School of Medicine reunited for a traditional event - the Dean's Café. Despite meeting online, everyone had a good time chatting and sharing their thoughts and concerns with each other. A short video clip, specially prepared by the students, was shown to introduce their studies and living conditions at home. The positive and optimistic vibe in the footage provided a great sense of elation and encouragement to both teachers and students.

Faculty members attending the event included Dean Davy Cheng, Professor Zhu Baoting, Professor TAM, Siu Cheung Michael, Professor Ye Dequan, Professor Tony Nelson, Professor Xia Qiang, Professor Du Juan, Professor Lei Yong, Professor Li Conglei, Professor Chen Yusi, Dr Chen Guoqiang and Dr Yang Yang. Having not seen each other for a long time, they could not resist waving hello to students, expressing their longing and capturing the joyful reunion moments over the Internet.

Part 2：Dean's Talk

During the Dean's Talk session, Dean Cheng expressed his care for faculty and students who are in different parts of the world due to the pandemic and thanked them for responding to the University's COVID-19 policy to attend the “cloud” gathering. Referring to the dedication and stress of medical workers during the pandemic, the Dean once again reminded students of the power that medicine gives to society and the responsibility that it carries during this special time. "All we have to do is be a decent person, keep learning, and serve others," said the Dean.

Dean Cheng went on to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of online learning, as well as what students should be mindful of when studying and practicing during the pandemic, while encouraging them to make proper use of the many learning resources and study online effectively.

Part 3 Free Exchange

Following Dean Cheng's speech, the students were blown away and actively asked questions in the chat room, seeking to learn more about the academics' perspectives. Each question was then dealt with on a one-on-one basis.

Q: Can you tell us about our internship life in the latter four years?

A: Clinical learning is an essential component of medical school. Clinical education at the University is based on the training structure and expertise of CUHK's Global Physician program, in which students begin clinical learning experiences in their third year. The capacity to learn is critical in clinical education: see one case, learn one case. Throughout your studies, you will be expected to improve your cooperation and communication skills. Asking lecturers and physicians questions on a regular basis is an excellent approach to strengthen your own talents. During your internship rotation, you should also consider your future interests and the area you want to work in as a doctor.

Q: We are now acquiring all of the terminologies in English. Do you have any suggestions for bilingual publications in both English and Chinese?

A: Western medicine is the genesis of modern medicine. Studying medicine in English will surely benefit your future courses and employment. However, professors may also provide a list of course vocabulary so that students can learn Chinese medical words. We aspire to prepare you to be excellent medical innovators with an international perspective and a humanistic approach at the School of Medicine.

Q: What qualities should we have if we want to be a good doctor?

A: Becoming a good doctor necessitates lifelong learning, as well as ongoing devotion and accumulation. Communication skills, teamwork, quick learning, and a strong feeling of responsibility are also required.

At the conclusion of the event, all attendees came together to applaud for Hong Kong and wish it luck in its fight against the pandemic.

As we spend this special time together, the School of Medicine will continue to explore a variety of online activities to connect and communicate with students. May you all complete your academic work diligently while having fun during the pandemic.

To MEDers: It's been a long time, and we miss you so much, Although the pandemic will eventually subside, it is always better to be safe than sorry, I wish you well and I hope to see you on campus soon. Hang in there, MEDers!

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