Professor of Medicine Hong Kong 1948-74
Alexander McFadzean was born in Troon, Scotland, on January 28th, 1914.
He graduated with honours from Glasgow University in 1936.
During World War II, he served with the R.A.M.C., attaining the rank of Major and was mentioned in despatches in 1942. He became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians of London in 1946 and held various prestigious fellowships and awards throughout his career.
He arrived in Hong Kong in 1948, and as Head of Medicine he transformed the Department of Medicine from a small unit into a modern department with a significant staff and facilities. Known for his exceptional teaching, clinical acumen, and research, he introduced research to the department and published nearly seventy papers. It was said that as a teacher he had no peer.
He was also a gifted orator and a tireless worker, inspiring many. His contributions extended beyond medicine, including his role as Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, where he established important initiatives for students.
Professor McFadzean's interests included history, poetry, pastel painting, and golf, representing Hong Kong in international matches in 1962.
Professor McFadzean retired from the University of Hong Kong in June 1974 after 26 years of service as Professor of Medicine and passed away on November 29th, 1974.
His passing marked the end of an era in Medicine in Hong Kong. On his retirement, he was honoured with a bronze plaque inscribed with a passage from Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet," reflecting his dedication to knowledge and work.
Source: med.hku.hk