Expertise

• Breast surgery

Biography

Professor Michael Co is a specialist in General Surgery (Breast Surgery). He has rich experience in investigating on advanced breast surgical techniques. He is the pioneer of High-intensity focused ultrasound (a non-invasive ablative treatment) for fibroadenoma in Hong Kong. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on ablative surgical treatments for benign and malignant breast cancers and has completed a Health and Medical Research Funded project from the HKSAR Government for the study on cryosurgery for breast cancers. He is the recipient of the Korean Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship for his breast cancer researches.

In addition to clinical research and services, Michael has also been active in medical education within the Department and the Faculty. In 2021, he led the development of a novel generative artificial intelligence chatbot for clinical bedside teachings. He started virtual bedside teaching. In September 2022, he co-hosted the world's first cross-territorial virtual bedside teaching with National University of Singapore, of which he is also an Honorary Visiting Fellow. His highly innovative clinical teaching methods were covered by local and international media including RTHK and BBC World Service Global News Podcast.

He was awarded the HKU Faculty Teaching Medal 2021, in recognition of his contributions to teaching and learning to the Faculty. He was also nominated and elected as a Member of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educator, American College of Surgeons in 2023.

He is currently the Director of the MBBS Programme (Assessment) of the School of Clinical Medicine, HKU. Outside HKU, he also serve in numerous professional bodies and organizations in Hong Kong - He is a Council member of College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. He is also a member of the Advisory group to the Hong Kong SAR Government on Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Program, as well as the Chairperson of the Internship Subcommittee of Licentiate Committee of the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

Last but not the least, Michael is also a rescue pup dad, and a keen supporter of animal welfare and protection.

Research interests

• Breast surgery

Publications and achievements

HKU Scholars Hub/ ORCID