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Professor NGAN Yuen Sheung Hextan

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Honorary Fellow Professor NGAN Yuen Sheung Hextan (2016)

Professor Ngan Yuen Sheung, Hextan graduated from The University of Hong Kong in 1978. She underwent training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen Mary Hospital and obtained the MRCOG in 1983. She received further training in Gynaecological Oncology and in 1993, she was the first RCOG certified gynaecological oncology subspecialist in Hong Kong. Her thesis in tumour marker for cervical cancer led to the award of her MD degree in 1995. She progressed smoothly through the ranks in the University of Hong Kong and became a professor at the Dept of O&G in 1996. In 2009, She became the Head and Chief of Service of the department and in the same year, she was conferred the Tsao Yin Kai Endowed Professorship in O&G. With the opening of the HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Prof Ngan took up the position of COS in O&G in 2012 and established the O&G service in this new hospital. She became the Chair professor in the HKU Dept of O&G since 2013.

Prof Ngan’s main research interest is in gynaecological oncology. She has published over 300 papers in peer reviewed journals and more than 20 chapters in books. In 2013, she was awarded the Gold Medal by the International Society for the Study of Trophoblastic Diseases in recognition of her significant contribution to our knowledge of trophoblastic diseases and in the same year, for her outstanding work in Gynaecological Oncology, she was awarded the Chien Tien Hsu Memorial Lecturership at the 23rd Asia Oceanic Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AOCOG) . Her influences in advancing knowledge in the field of O&G has led to her being invited to speak at over 150 local and international conferences, many of which she was the keynote speaker.

Prof Ngan’s international standing was well reflected in her being elected as the Chairman of FIGO Gynaecological Oncology Committee from 2000-2006, which is the world authority in gynaecological cancer staging. As chairman, Prof Ngan led the revision of the FIGO staging in cervical , endometrial and vulval cancers and edited the second and third editions of the FIGO guidelines in management of gynecological cancers. These guidelines are now widely adopted by many countries throughout the world. She was also in the Education committee of the IGCS ( International Gynecologic Cancer Society ). She was also the President of AOGIN from 2010-2012 and the executive committee member of the regional council of IPPF ( International Planned Parenthood Federation ). Prof Ngan is also highly regarded in mainland China, where she was frequently invited to give keynote speeches, hold educational seminars and demonstrate in surgical workshops.

Locally, Prof Ngan’s contribution would be well known to all in the field of O&G and beyond. She was a member of many committees within our college over the years and she was the President of our college from 2010 -2012. She led a committee to establish a training programme and the criteria for training centres and accreditation of gynaecological oncologists in HK. She was the founding president of HK Society for colposcopy and cervical pathology (HKSCCP), which in collaboration with HKCOG , set the standards of colposcopy service in Hong Kong and she worked closely with the government for the establishment of the local cervical screening programme. Prof Ngan’s influence goes beyond gynaecological oncology. She had taken an active role in the Family planning association; she was the chairman of FPA between 2005-2011 and she is the vice president since 2012.

Training the future generations has always been an important agenda for Prof Ngan. She has trained doctors of all levels from medical students to subspecialists, both locally and abroad. As the head of department and assistant Dean in Education in HKU, Prof Ngan was actively involved in the HKU medical faculty’s curriculum reform for undergraduates and has continued to refine the teaching and assessment methods used throughout the years. She was awarded the Faculty Teaching Medal in 2004 for her contribution to medical education. For postgraduate education, Prof Ngan has been the principle supervisor for 7 MPhil and 14 PhD students. On the clinical side, she was the trainer for 9 out of 17 accredited gynae-oncologists in HK ( including myself ). She also supervised training fellows from China, many of whom are now head of departments at their own institutions in China.

Meanwhile, Prof Ngan has always felt the need for better public education. She regularly gives community talks, appears on radio or television to increase the public awareness in gynaecological cancers. In recent years, she is also the team captain for Globeathon, an international gynae cancer awareness campaign which, at the same time, also raises money for charity.

Prof Ngan often reminds us to keep an inquisitive mind. Undoubtedly, this would be the crucial driving force for the 300+ papers and her continuing research and academic pursuit. But it is the unfailing support that she gives to her colleagues, even in the worst of circumstances, that won the trust of all who have worked with her. Most importantly, it is her selfless dedication to the profession that has raised the standard of women’s health to a new level, not only locally but also internationally.

Mr President, I present Professor Hextan NGAN, for the Honorary Fellowship of The Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Dr Chan Kar Loen Karen
at the conferment ceremony in 2016