Hong Kong-born scientist King Li named founding dean of third medical school

A Hong Kong-born biomedical imaging expert and founding dean of a US institution has been appointed to head the city’s third medical school.

According to the University of Science and Technology on Monday, King Li King-chuen, dean emeritus of Carle Illinois College of Medicine, said he would draw on his experience to work closely with partners in the city and the Greater Bay Area to nurture a new generation of physician-innovators.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed founding dean of HKUST’s new School of Medicine. Returning to Hong Kong, where my roots are, to take on this role at HKUST, and having the chance to give back to the place where I grew up, is deeply meaningful to me,” the physician-scientist said.

“HKUST has a remarkable track record of turning bold visions into reality, and I am excited to build a medical school that reimagines physician training by integrating engineering, data science and biomedical innovation.

“I look forward to nurturing a new generation of physician-innovators who will transform healthcare for the benefit of patients and society.”

HKUST, meanwhile, said: “Professor Li has consistently bridged disciplines such as radiology, bioengineering, computer science, and nanotechnology, an approach that will be instrumental in shaping HKUST’s innovative model of medical education.”