Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) of the University of Macau (UM) recently held the MedX Lecture Series Opening Seminar on 29 October . The event attracted over 300 participants, including students from Macao, mainland China, and overseas countries joining online and offline, as well as researchers and experts, who shared their experience in the combat against the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed epidemic preventive measures in Macao.

In his opening remarks, UM’s Vice Rector Billy So encouraged students to acquire more medical knowledge related to COVID-19 and maintain physical and mental health under the ‘new normal’ forced by the pandemic. Katrine Wong, interim master of MLC, said that the MedX Lecture Series aimed to enhance medical knowledge of UM staff and students.

Keynote speakers at the seminar include Dr Lo Iek Long, a pulmonologist consultant and the clinical director of Hospital Conde de São Januário (CHCSJ), who is also the president of the Macao Youth Federation; Dr Tai Wa Hou, a neurosurgery consultant in CHCSJ, a consultant for the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR, and the president of the Macau Association of Health Service Executives; and Prof Xiang Yutao, a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UM.

Dr Lo told the audience that Macao’s initial success in the fight against COVID-19 was due to the government’s scientific and effective policies, as well as the active cooperation of all Macao residents. He urged everyone to learn from the pandemic and to do their best, both academically and at work, because that alone would be the greatest contribution to Macao and China during the pandemic. Dr Lo also reminded everyone to stay vigilant and continue to follow all preventive measures until the coronavirus vaccine becomes available.  

Dr Tai is one of the main persons in charge of the COVID-19 nucleic acid test in Macao. During the seminar, he shared the principles and functions of the test and some of the preventive measures adopted during the pandemic. When answering a question about the coronavirus vaccine, Dr Tai called for patience, saying that vaccine development would be a long and arduous process. At this stage, he told the audience that the best preventive measures include controlling the source of infection, interrupting the chain of transmission, and protecting those who are particularly susceptible to the virus. Dr Tai also reminded everyone to get ready for challenges in the post-COVID-19 era.

Prof Xiang’s research team began paying attention to the mental health of COVID-19 patients immediately after the outbreak of the coronavirus. His team has done numerous studies in the mental health area and has published a series of influential articles that have provided important insights for those fighting the pandemic worldwide. 

The three speakers also answered questions from the audience. Other guests at the event include Chuxia Deng, dean of UM’s FHS; Chen Xin, interim director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences at UM; Anita Tai Ka Peng, secretary of the Macao Youth Federation, as well as resident fellows in UM’s residential colleges.

Source: Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College

Media Contact Information:Communications Office, University of Macau

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