Alumni profile 

Jensen Poon 
Associate Consultant, Department of Surgery 
University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong 
UNSW Alumni HK Chapter Executive Committee Member, 2006-8 

Qualifications: 
BSc (MedScience), MBBS (UNSW), FRCSEd (Gen), FCSHK, FHKAM (Surgery) 

Class of : 1995

What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be the security guard in the building where I lived because he did nothing and still earned a living. When I grew up, I wanted to be a barrister. It appeared to be a creative job to me; everyone could handle their cases in a different style, make different interpretations of the facts and develop their own arguments (Pardon me if the real lawyers think it's a silly thought). I could do nothing like this in my present job.

First full time job
House officer in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Current job description
A general surgeon who sub-specializes in colorectal surgery and minimally invasive surgery. I operate during office hours as well as in the middle of night. I am also a honorary clinical assistant professor of the University of Hong Kong and teach medical students in hospital. Most surgeons work long hours and don't go to 'Happy Hour'. We don't live together to share a unit and our privacy either. What you see in local TV series was unreal !!

Your strengths
Good EQ. Behave confidently and remain tranquil in difficult times. To lead a team that deals with life and faces adverse situations frequently, it is better if one can always stay calm and perform steadily in order to keep the rest of the team focused on their work. Surgeons belong to a minority of highly educated people who may still yell at colleagues at work occasionally, but it never helps.

Your weaknesses
My physical endurance is not as good as it should be, I get fatigued easily after work. Life should not be like this, I need more time for fitness training.

Best part of the job
To tease my very elderly clients like kids and make them smile. To send my clients and myself home early from the workplace.

Strangest thing you have had to do
Waiting to happen.

Career ethic
It is not how much knowledge that one possesses that decides if he/she is good in their field. It is how responsible and accountable that person is.

Jobs you most covet
Champion of PGA tournament.