Kam Fai Poon MSc Allergy, July 2009

Private Paediatrician

Hi, I'm Kam Fai Poon and I studied MSc Allergy within Medicine at the University of Southampton.

I have to stress that this course is very serious and tough. However, by the end of the day, you must be very satisfied with and proud of what you have achieved.

Kam Fai is a 43- year-old private paediatrician in Hong Kong. He was graduated in Hong Kong, and received paediatric training in Hong Kong. After completion of MRCP(UK) and MRCPCH, he wanted to improve his knowledge in allergic diseases of children. Therefore, he has taken up the MSc in Allergy of University of Southampton by self-funding.

'Allergic diseases are very common childhood disorders we manage everyday. However, we may not understand very much about their underlying mechanisms. During the paediatric training, we have learned about the practical diagnosis and management of these disorders according to certain guidelines. The outcomes of my patients are quite variable despite I have followed all these guidelines. Then I ask myself many questions regarding the mechanisms of these diseases. I believe that if I can understand the underlying mechanisms of these diseases, I can provide my patients with the best possible, tailor-fit management of their diseases. For example, two kids (A and B) suffer from atopic eczema. "A" is allergic to egg white, while "B" is not. If we suggest egg white avoidance to "A", he will improve while the same action does not help "B" at all.

Around the world, the well-structured postgraduate course on management of allergic diseases is only available in University of Southampton at the moment. This course is very comprehensive, from clinical training to scientific information to the level of molecular medicine. I have to stress that this course is very serious and tough. However, by the end of the day, you must be very satisfied with and proud of what you have achieved. Since the first day I take up this course, I have no idea whether I can finish it. With the help and support from all the teachers and staff, every committed candidate, like me, can complete this adventure with smiling face.'