he Hong Kong Paediatric Society ( HKPS ) was formed on 1st February 1962. The objectives of the Society as set out in the Constitution, are
The late Dr. Li Tsoo Yiu was elected the first president. The Society emblem of a mother tending her child was designed by Dr. Li who extracted it from an ancient Chinese seal. The Chinese characters were written by Dr. Li himself. Subsequently, the Society adopted the white emblem on a red background as its official colours.
The Society was never meant to be an academic or regulatory body. The function of the Society is "to organize scientific and social meetings in order to encourage interchange of ideas and to stimulate cooperation in the various fields of Paediatrics". Another important function that has evolved in the past few years is "to promote child health through public education and to participate actively in all topics of current interest regarding child health".
Basically the Society consists of two categories of membership, i.e. ordinary and associate membership. Ordinary members are fully registered medical practitioners while associate members are other professionals related to child care in Hong Kong. Since March 1994, a new category — "groups of person with interests in Paediatrics" may be admitted as affiliate members.
The membership was small in the early days and has grown ever since. The Society has a close working relationship with the paediatric departments of the two Universities and the clinical paediatric departments of the major hospitals in Hong Kong. Throughout the years, with their support and the effort of our members, the Society has been able to achieve most of its objectives.
Back in 1984, the Society first published its own journal, the Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics. It has since then stimulated a lot of academic interest amongst paediatricians. Excellent papers have been received locally and from overseas. Starting 1996 the Hong Kong College of Paediatricians ( HKCP ) has joined in the organization of this journal and it becomes the official publication of both the Society and College. So far, it is the only official paediatric journal in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Paediatric Society has always been an active society, providing both academic and social functions. It is now well established locally and internationally. Back in 1965, it became a member of the Federation of Medical Societies of Hong Kong. In 1975, it became a full member of the Association of Paediatric Societies of the Southeast Asia Region (APSSEAR), and it is a member society of the International Pediatric Association (IPA). Our Society has been active in the formation and the running of these international professional bodies throughout the years.