Dear friends and colleagues,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Prof Moira Chan, a remarkable academic whose contributions to the field of respiratory diseases and medical education have left a lasting impact.
Upon graduation with MBBS from HKU, Prof Chan joined the Department of Medicine, HKU in 1963 and received basic physician training. She left for further postgraduate career at University of British Columbia rising from Teacher Fellow to full tenured Professorship in Respiratory Medicine. She returned to Hong Kong and was appointed Chair Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine through a Distinguished Visiting Scholar Scheme in 1998. Prof Chan was conferred Emeritus Professor at the University of British Columbia and Honorary Clinical Professor of Department of Medicine after her retirement.
Prof Chan’s research interests in tuberculosis, lung cancer, and asthma have significantly advanced our understanding of these common respiratory diseases in Hong Kong. Her work encompassed basic research on the genetics of asthma, clinical studies on air pollution and asthma management guidelines, and community-based initiatives such as tuberculosis control and air pollution research. She led the local respiratory societies in a research project on the Burden of Lung Diseases in Hong Kong which was published in Respirology, the official journal of Asian Pacific Society of Respirology in 2005.
Prof Chan's epidemiological approach to disease prevention and control has led to tangible outcomes with some of her study recommendations influencing government health care policies and chest services in Hong Kong. Her pivotal role in establishing collaborative studies across Vancouver, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Guangzhou underscores her dedication to fostering international research partnerships and advancing global health initiatives. In addition to numerous accolades for her seminal contributions, Prof Chan was also awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award by American Thoracic Society in 2008. Beyond her remarkable research and professional achievements, Prof Chan had made significant contributions to the teaching of medical students, including the auditing and evaluation of MBBS curriculum. Her dedication to education and research has undoubtedly shaped the next generation of medical professionals and researchers.
Before her official retirement at HKU, Professor Chan made a magnanimous donation to The University of Hong Kong, establishing the YC Chan Scientist Award in the Department of Medicine to support respiratory research. This exemplified her generosity and selflessness, further cementing her legacy of nurturing future generations of researchers. The Department of Medicine is also extremely fortunate to have had Prof Moira Chan's tireless work for a historical account in the Department book "Department of Medicine 1995-2019 Impact. Inspiration." Her recent work, "Rosie Young: A Lifetime of Selfless Service," vividly illustrated the biography of Prof Rosie Young and showcased Prof Chan's exceptional storytelling talent and commitment to documenting the medical history of Hong Kong.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Prof Moira Chan's family and friends. May her collaborative spirit and profound impact on respiratory health and medical education be remembered and celebrated by all those whose lives she touched.
Regards,
Prof HF Tse
Department Chairperson
Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
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