For the past 135 years, the LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, has always adhered to the notion of "People First" and has spared no effort in cultivating medical talents with compassion and empathy for Hong Kong and our country. The cultivation of every compassionate doctor cannot be separated from their first and most special patient during their studies - the Great Body Teacher. They selflessly donate their bodies to lead by example and help medical students, healthcare professionals, and scientists learn about the complex human anatomy. They also silently convey deeper life philosophies such as "great love, respect, and dedication".
The LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, began accepting body donations for teaching and research purposes in the 1970s and designated 3 March of every year as "HKU Body Donation Day" to symbolise the spirit of the Great Body Teacher crossing the boundaries of life and continuing the tradition of knowledge transfer in universities. Despite the rapid advancements in medical technology, the application of Virtual Reality (VR) has brought new perspectives to teaching. However, the Great Body Teacher provides students with the opportunity to personally touch, feel, and try to understand every tissue, cell, muscle, and blood vessel in the human body, which is an irreplaceable and vivid experience. Before the start of each year's anatomy class, anatomy teaching staff and students hold a solemn respect ceremony to express their respect for the Great Body Teacher and reflect on the meaning of life and establish respect for patients.
Over the years, thanks to the enthusiastic support of people from all walks of life, we have been able to nurture generations of medical talents and benefit society through the HKU Body Donation Programme. On behalf of the LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, I sincerely thank all the Teachers and their loved ones. It is your selfless dedication that has transcended the boundaries of life and death, continued the great love, advanced medical education, and benefited society. At the same time, we also hope that the public can deeply understand the essence of body donation through this website and continue to support the HKU Body Donation Programme and medical research and development to achieve the vision of improving public health together.
Dean of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong
Professor Chak-sing Lau