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Professor Ong, affectionately known as G.B by his friends and colleagues, was an alumnus of this University (MBBS 1947, DSc 1979, HonDSc 1980). He was appointed to the Chair of Surgery and Head of the Department in 1964 – the first ethnic Chinese to hold the position.
He distinguished himself by his inspirational leadership, his bold approach to surgery and his pioneering research in oesophageal surgery, liver and biliary tract diseases, cancer of the head and neck and urinary diversion. Under his headship the Department of Surgery began using artificial kidneys for heamodialysis and focused on kidney transplants.
In 1966 G.B and his team conducted the first open-heart surgery operation in Hong Kong. Its success led to 52 similar operations between 1968 and 1969 without a single death.
In 1976 he founded the Asian Surgical Association as a forum for surgeons from all corners of the globe to meet and share their professional views. His determination to foster links with leading international centres brought the department global recognition and respect.
As a teacher he established a special method of pedagogy by combining the use of seminars, weekly peer reviews and research on international development. He established systems of visiting professorships and travelling fellowships which promoted international exchange. He retired from the University in 1982 but continued to play a role in its development.
He also left a legacy of surgeons and teachers whom he taught during his tenure in the Department of Surgery. Many of his former students have gone on to hold leading positions in the medical community.
G.B garnered numerous international awards, including the first John Bruce Gold Medal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Pantima Setia Mahkoka from his Majesty the King of Malaysia and an OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
G.B. will be sorely missed by all those who had the great pleasure and knowing him. His charisma, humility and strong ethical sense have inspired many generations of surgeons.
HKU MOURNS THE DEATH OF PROFESSOR G.B. ONG
12 Jan 2004
The University of Hong Kong was saddened to learn that one of our most distinguished surgeons, Professor Tan Sri "Guan Bee" Ong passed away on Saturday, January 10, after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He was 82 years old.
Professor Ong, affectionately known as G.B by his friends and colleagues, was an alumnus of this University (MBBS 1947, DSc 1979, HonDSc 1980). He was appointed to the Chair of Surgery and Head of the Department in 1964 – the first ethnic Chinese to hold the position.
He distinguished himself by his inspirational leadership, his bold approach to surgery and his pioneering research in oesophageal surgery, liver and biliary tract diseases, cancer of the head and neck and urinary diversion. Under his headship the Department of Surgery began using artificial kidneys for heamodialysis and focused on kidney transplants.
In 1966 G.B and his team conducted the first open-heart surgery operation in Hong Kong. Its success led to 52 similar operations between 1968 and 1969 without a single death.
In 1976 he founded the Asian Surgical Association as a forum for surgeons from all corners of the globe to meet and share their professional views. His determination to foster links with leading international centres brought the department global recognition and respect.
As a teacher he established a special method of pedagogy by combining the use of seminars, weekly peer reviews and research on international development. He established systems of visiting professorships and travelling fellowships which promoted international exchange. He retired from the University in 1982 but continued to play a role in its development.
He also left a legacy of surgeons and teachers whom he taught during his tenure in the Department of Surgery. Many of his former students have gone on to hold leading positions in the medical community.
G.B garnered numerous international awards, including the first John Bruce Gold Medal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Pantima Setia Mahkoka from his Majesty the King of Malaysia and an OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
G.B. will be sorely missed by all those who had the great pleasure and knowing him. His charisma, humility and strong ethical sense have inspired many generations of surgeons.
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