A Message From The President


Professor Tam received his medical education (1971-76) and surgical training (1977-83) at the University of Hong Kong. He undertook advanced training in paediatric surgery and basic research at the University of Liverpool in 1983-84. He became Senior Lecturer at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, University of Liverpool in 1980-90, and Clinical Reader and Director of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Oxford in 1990-96. He has been Chair Professor and Chief of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Hong Kong since 1996. Concurrently, he is also Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice President for research at the University.

Professor Tam has been awarded Commonwealth Fellowship in 1983-84, Gold Medal of Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh in 1984, BAPS Prize in 1984 and many other honours including distinguished lectureships at Stanford University (2007), British Association of Paediatric Surgeons (2007) and European Association of Pediatric Surgeons (2008). He has published over 260 original articles and serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery International and Current Pediatric Reviews.

He is a member of many learned societies and has served as a member of Nomination Committee, Publication Committee (2001-06) and Board of Directors (2004- ) of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons.

Dear Members,

“Custodians for the future”

It is my greatest pleasure and honour to write to you as the new President of PAPS. Entering its 42 nd anniversary, the PAPS has a most distinguished history, and counts proudly among its truly international membership many eminent and dedicated pediatric surgeons who share the common goal of achieving a better health and future for children through improvements in surgical care. The goal, while noble and serious, is achieved uniquely at PAPS with fun, informality and emphasis on people. We are truly one family and when we meet, the World becomes ‘a small world”. I thank you all most sincerely for electing me, as your new president, and I humbly pledge to follow the fine examples of our former leaders, presidents, board members and members, in upholding and fostering this unique PAPS spirit. I must also thank the outgoing President Dr. Richard Black for handing me the PAPS presidency in such good shape, the Secretary Dr. Harry Applebaum for keeping everything ticking and superbly organized, the Treasurer Dr. Kevin Lally for getting PAPS in the best possible financial health, and the Board of Directors for maintain and setting the high standards of PAPS. I will rely on the Board and all of you to advise and guide me in this year of presidency.

Those who were present at the 2008 PAPS Congress at Jackson Hole, Wyoming would no doubt agree with me that it had been a spectacular success. The exceptionally high scientific standard, the exquisite environment and the endless fun made this a most memorable congress ever. Many congratulations to Dr. Rebecca Myers and her organizing team!

Preparations are already well advanced for the 2009 PAPS Congress to be held May 10-14, 2009 in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Beyond that, we can look forward to Congresses in Kobe, Japan in 2010, Cancun, Mexico in 2011 and Shanghai, China in 2012.

With all these exciting activities ahead, PAPS is in good health. Nevertheless, a vibrant association should always try to scale new heights, and anticipate challenges. For example, how can we attract more young surgeons, and surgeons from under-represented countries around the Pacific rim to join PAPS? Can we play a greater role in helping the development of paediatric surgery in developing countries? The year 2008-09 promises to be a busy year, but one I hope will help define the future of PAPS better. An Ad Hoc Developing Country Group will discuss and advise the Board. A one-day strategic planning session is planned immediately preceding the 2009 PAPS Congress in Hong Kong. Your views on the future of PAPS will be most valued, please contact me, Drs. Harry Applebaum and Kevin Lally by email.

My wife Amy and I look forward to seeing all of you at the 2009 Congress in global Hong Kong.


PAUL TAM

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