• Recognition & Award
• Expressions Summer 2024

Young Surgeon’s Award

Students honoured at FACE AHEAD conference

From left: Dr Matthew Lam, Professor Mike Leung, and Ms Joyce Li are grateful for the recognition received at the FACE AHEAD conference.

Two of our outstanding students: Dr Matthew Lam (OMFS MDS 1) and Ms Joyce Li (BDS 6) have earned the 3rd and 4th prizes respectively, in the Young Surgeon’s Award at the FACE AHEAD 2024 conference held in Prague during April 11-13. Competing against 243 contestants representing 50 countries, they demonstrated exceptional talent and research calibre.

The biennial conference gathers leading surgeons, researchers, and emerging talents in the field of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, encompassing oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons. This year’s event highlighted the latest advancements in research, technology, and surgical techniques in the field. It provided a platform for budding researchers to showcase their expertise and innovation on an international stage.

Dr Matthew Lam won the 3rd place for his study titled “The use of locally applied carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO) in promoting nerve healing upon crush injury”. His research explored the potential benefits of CEPO in enhancing nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The findings hold promise for improving treatments for peripheral nerve injuries, particularly in trigeminal nerve repair.

These successes at a large international conference not only bring recognition to the Faculty but also serve as an inspiration for young surgeons and students to pursue their research interests alongside their demanding clinical training.

Ms Joyce Li achieved the 4th prize for her study titled “The Long-term outcome of Lower Third Molar Coronectomy”. As part of the Undergraduate Research Programme, her research investigated the long-term success rate of this surgical technique, which involves removing the crown of an impacted lower third molar while preserving the roots to prevent inferior alveolar nerve injury during third molar surgery.

Professor Mike Leung, Clinical Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and supervisor of both students, expressed his immense pride in their achievements, “These successes at a large international conference not only bring recognition to the Faculty but also serve as an inspiration for young surgeons and students to pursue their research interests alongside their demanding clinical training.”

Congratulations to our talented students on shining at the international conference!