STC page

Surgical Taster Camp

Surgical Taster Camp (formerly Surgical Taster Day) is one of the flagship events of SSAHK. Held annually at HKUMed and CUHK campus, thousands of secondary school students have joined this event over the years. As a participant, you will have a taste of the lives of medical students in both medical schools in Hong Kong. In addition, you will have the chance to practice various suturing techniques with esteemed surgeons in small group tutorials.

Open to F.4-6 / Year 11-13 secondary school students.

Applications CLOSED

Highlights

Experience life as a medical student

You will enjoy the 2-day event at HKUMed and CUHK campuses. Led by students from both medical schools, you will have a try at a PBL session which is part of the HKU MBBS curriculum. Moreover, you will explore the CUHK interactive dissecting laboratory, as well as the vast campus of CUHK (including various canteens!) during campus tracing.

Bond with students, doctors and professors

As a part of Surgical Taster Camp, practicing doctors and surgeons are invited to share about their passion and work in an interactive manner. You will have a chance to hear from surgeons from diverse backgrounds and raise questions regarding the career paths and everyday routine.

You will also meet a lot of like minded students who are as passionate about medicine as you!

A hands-on practice of clinical skills

The knot-tying and suturing workshop is a hands-on tutorial on various surgical techniques. You will have the chance learn from practicing surgeons in a small group setting.

In the clinical skills session, you will learn basic clinical skills, from using a stethoscope, to manually measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer, and even carrying out urinalysis!

Testimonials

Esther (CUHK MBChB 2027)
Surgical Taster Camp Participant

During the Surgical Taster Camp, I became close friends with my Joba/Joma (group coordinators) who are current medical students from HKU/CUHK. This experience gave me insight into the lives of medical students in Hong Kong; and prepared me for my studies now at CUHK Medicine.

If you are a secondary school student interested in studying medicine, I highly recommend you join this event!

Nicole (CUHK MBChB 2029)
Surgical Taster Camp 2022 Participant

Before the camp, I did not know much about surgery and thought only medical knowledge is emphasised. Yet, the camps opened doors of opportunity for me to understand the dextrous handiwork surgeons do. It was eye-opening to learn suturing and clinical skills! Having had a taste of PBL, my understanding in both medicine and surgery deepened. I defintely recommend secondary school students joining this event!

STC Even Details

Sample Timetable & Details

Day 1 @ CUHK

Time	Activity
0900-0945	Registration
0945-1100	Ice breaking
1100-1230	Dissecting Laboratory
1230-1415	Lunch
1430-1600	Knot Tying and Suturing Workshop
1600-1715	Campus Tracing
1715-1845	Surgeon sharing
1900	Dismissal

Day 2 @ HKU

Time	Activity
0900-0930	Briefing
0930-1030	Curriculum talk
1045-1200	Clinical Skills Workshop
1200-1315	VR workshop
1315-1430	Lunch
1445-1645	Surgical Workshop
1700-1800	PBL Taster
1800-1845	Debriefing

*details subject to change

Is it an overnight camp?

No, it is not. The Surgical Taster Day spans two days as two day camps at the respective campuses of the two medical schools in Hong Kong. All activities for the day will end in the evening. Participants will not be provided with facilities for overnight stays.
Will I get a certificate from the activity?

Yes. Both participants and helpers will receive an official certificate from SSAHK as proof of their participation.
Can I join if I am an undergraduate medical student?

Unfortunately, you may not join Surgical Taster Camp as a participant. However, you are more than welcome to join the activity as a helper. We will begin recruiting helpers before the activity on Instagram, so please follow us @ssahongkong for the most up to date announcements. Our other activities such as the Careers Night and Surgical Workshops are targeted at medical students.
Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept Payme, FPS and Bank Transfer. Details on payment will be sent to you after your application has been processed.
Can I receive a refund if I was unable to attend after payment?

We generally do not accept refunds. For exceptional circumstances, please email finsec@ssa-hk.org.