Citation for Prof. Michael Ka Wah Li, BBS, MB BS(London), MRCS, LRCP, FRCSEd, FRCSEng, FCSHK, FHKAM(Surgery)

Prof. Michael Ka Wah Li is currently director of minimally invasive and robotic surgery development and honorary consultant in general surgery at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. Professor Li is one of the pioneers in the development of laparoscopic surgery in Hong Kong and broke new ground in the development of minimal access surgery, which was later recognized as the gold standard in surgical procedures. He is the founding president of the Hong Kong Society of Minimal Access Surgery and the Asia Pacific Endo-Lap Surgery Group.

He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2013 for his achievement and valuable contribution to the medical sector and for the development of the surgical field. He also was appointed professor of surgery at the University College London, U.K., and Hunterian Professor (2009–2010) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, commending his unwavering contribution in surgical advancements. His forte is minimal access surgery, with most noted experience for rectal cancers and robotic surgery.

Professor Li has honorary appointments in renowned institutions both locally and internationally, including honorary fellowship in the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong; Honorary Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons; Honorary Fellow, Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery; Honorary Fellow, Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons; Honorary Fellow, Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India; Honorary Advisor, International Advisory Board for Minimal Access Surgery Training Centre, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong; Honorary Advisor, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Jockey Club; Minimally Invasive Surgical Skills Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong; honorary clinical associate professor in surgery, department of surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, faculty of medicine, CUHK; honorary clinical associate professor in family medicine and primary care, faculty of medicine, the University of Hong Kong; chairman of the Asia Pacific Endo-Lap Surgery Group; secretary general of the Asian-Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy; board member of the International Federation of Societies of Endoscopic Surgeons; member of the Board of Governors of the Society of Endoscopic & Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia; council member of the Hong Kong Society for Coloproctology; council member of the Hong Kong Society of Minimal Access Surgery; and honorary member, Hong Kong Hernia Society.