Since l was young, l have been attracted to different cultures. I was a Cantonese opera performer and a western musical singer. Dedicated to discovering more about how east and west medicine can act synergically, l entered the Hong Kong Baptist University for the dual Chinese Medicine (CM) and biomedical science bachelor’s degree. Graduated with first class honors and passed the license exam, I am now a registered CM practitioner in Hong Kong. In August this year, I will graduate my MPhil in Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and continue my PhD studies there and study the use of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in O&G surgery and artificial insemination.

The Hong Kong Laureate Forum convenes 200 young scientists from across the world. Through seminars, discussion groups, poster presentations, visits, and cross-cultural social events, l would like to meet more young scientists, widen my views, and be inspired to achieve greater advances in my research on the integrated Chinese and Western treatments. Also, internationalization is not only getting new ideas from foreign experts, as a Hong Kong resident, l would like to share with them the traditional Chinese wisdom.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

In surgical procedures, patients always experience pain and stress. With my Chinese Medicine background, I propose acupuncture to relieve the pain and stress experienced by patients. I started a series of projects to incorporate the non-invasive acupuncture-type transcutaneous electrical stimulation(acu-TENS), during which electrical current is applied to acupoints through transcutaneous electrode pads, in obstetrics and gynecological treatments.

Take ultrasound-guided manual vacuum aspiration(USG-MVA) as an example. It is a safe way of managing miscarriage. However, a moderate level of pain is experienced regardless of the combination of medication.

To date, no studies have examined the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture in USG-MVA. Hence, prior to introducing the use of acupuncture in O&G treatments in HK, we implemented questionnaires focusing on consumer perceptions of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecological services in HK. Through systematic reviews and meta-analysis, we determined and provided scientific evidence on analgesic efficacy and further our knowledge of mechanisms, safety profile, and potential benefits of the acu-TENS application in USG-MVA. At the community level, we conducted targeted district education to promote acupuncture therapy. With more clinical data, we will construct a database and make use of AI deep learning for early disease prediction, risk elimination, and give personalized acupoint advice.