The theme of last year's talk series of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau about “ Showing concern for our nation and Macau SAR while improving total quality and nursing care competencies ” is to be continued this academic year in order to inspire the faculty and students' concerns for the development in nursing profession of our country and Macau. Hosted by Lecturer Tammy Wong, the first theme talk this year was held on Oct. 21 st . Professor Joseph J.Y. Sung, the President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong , was the invited speaker addressing to nearly 250 teachers and students in the form of video conference on the topic of “Holistic Care in 21 st Century”.

Professor Joseph J.Y. Sung received his MB BS degree from The University of Hong Kong in 1983, and was conferred a PhD in biomedical sciences by the University of Calgary in 1992, and a MD by CUHK in 1997. As an authoritative scientist in gastroenterology, Professor Sung was appointed Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine in 2008 in recognition of his significant contributions to the prevention and early diagnosis of gastroenterology cancers. Professor Sung's contributions to medical services and medical research have been recognized with awards in Hong Kong and worldwide, including the Distinguished Award for Fighting SARS (Medical Technology Personnel Category) by RTHK and “ Ming Pao” in 2007, and the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, a Second-Class Award presented by National Office for Science and Technology Awards, PRC in 2007, etc. In 2009, his seminal lectures on peptic ulcer bleeding won him the Marshall and Warren Lecture Award, the most prestigious award in gastroenterology in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Prof. Sung, holistic care is not only about taking care of the physical health needs of patients, but also paying attention to their self-respect and spiritual needs. To be a health worker, of such a highly valuable profession, we are not only required to master well the knowledge and skills, but also need to have noble thoughts and enthusiastic attitudes. What medical workers are facing are not merely the different types of diseases, but each single patient him/herself who expects to solve a variety of deep problems, and this is exactly what we have to think about.

Yet due to the hindrance of medical system, restriction of environment, mechanization of work and patients' rights in a predominant role, etc. there are so many factors that limit the holistic nursing care practice. To change the situation, it needs a good coordination among the whole society, all the systems, the medical-patient relationship, patient's attitude and media, etc. Prof. Sung put emphasis on some of our subtle manners during patient care, such as a simple regards, a smile and appropriate touch, etc. can all show care and respect to the patient. He also encouraged the faculty members and students to participate more in volunteer services so as to update individual enthusiasm and devoted mind to serve the people in need. Only when everybody takes action, will our clients, the administration as well as the medical system be influenced.

The talk was conducted in the form of video conference to breakthrough area, environment and time limitation. Through face-to-face exchange between Prof. Sung and the audients, the zero-distance communication experience was an important start for the College progress in the combination of I.T. and pedagogy.