Expertise

• Breast surgery

Biography

Professor Michael Co is a specialist in General Surgery with a focus on Breast Surgery. He is a Clinical Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hong Kong. Additionally, he holds the position of Assistant Dean (Pedagogy and Assessment) at the LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong.

With extensive expertise in advanced breast surgical techniques, Professor Co is a pioneer of non-invasive breast surgery in Hong Kong, notably the use of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for fibroadenoma and cryoablation for breast cancers. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has served as the editor of various peer-reviewed journals. Internationally, he was awarded the Korean Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship in recognition of his contributions to breast cancer research and has been invited to serve as the International Advisor to the Asian Surgical Ultrasound Society.

Beyond clinical innovation, Professor Co is highly active in medical education. In 2021, he led the development of Hong Kong’s first generative artificial intelligence chatbot for clinical bedside teaching. He pioneered virtual bedside teaching methods and, in September 2022, co-hosted the world's first cross-territorial virtual bedside teaching session with the National University of Singapore, where he is an Honorary Visiting Fellow. His innovative teaching approaches have received coverage from local and international media like BBC World Service Global News Podcast.

In recognition of his dedication to medical education, Professor Co received the HKU Faculty Teaching Medal in 2021. He is also a member of the prestigious Academy of Master Surgeon Educators at the American College of Surgeons, becoming the second Academia from an Asian institution to earn this honour.

Within the medical faculty, he is the Assistant Dean in Pedagogy and Assessment. He is also the Director of the MBBS Programme (Assessment), a Co-Convenor and Co-Director of Undergraduate Ultrasound Programme. He actively contributes to professional organizations, serving as a Council Member of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong (2022–2025), a Council Member of the American College of Surgeons Hong Kong Chapter (2024 - date), and an advisor to the Hong Kong SAR Government on the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Program. He is also the Chairperson of the Internship Subcommittee of the Licentiate Committee at the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

In 2026, he has brought the American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed Program into Hong Kong, aiming to educate the local general public on first aid bleeding managements.

Outside of his professional commitments, Michael is a dedicated dog rescue advocate, a rescue pup dad, and animal welfare supporter.

Research interests

• Breast surgery

Publications and achievements

HKU Scholars Hub/ ORCID