Preface.........................................................5 Memories

Memories 05

Dr. Gerold Schiebler Prof. Fok Tai Fai

What a special opportunity and, indeed, privilege to be included in the recent China trip! The scientific talks were outstanding – and all were very well prepared and presented. The faculty on the panels from Hong Kong were most impressive. It was captivating to learn that the Hong Kong neonatal faculty obtained outstanding results without access to ECMO. I have discussed with Dr. Tom Chiu enlisting the support of Dr. Bob Nuss in making an overall University of Florida arrangement with the Beijing and Hong Kong medical schools – leading to a university-to-university type arrangement – involving all segments.

Congratulations to Dr. Mark Hudak and Dr. Tom Chiu on organizing these scientific sessions in China – a most impressive achievement!

Gerold L. Schiebler, MD

Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Service Professor Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Children’s Medical Services Statewide Consultant

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1. Dr. Gerold and Audrey Schiebler, front right, with group at dinner. 2. Audrey Lincourt Schiebler with Dr. Gerold Schiebler outside Beijing.

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1. Dr. Chiu with Dr. Fok holding the

Reflections book I should have known Dr. Thomas Chiu earlier than I did. He was only five years my senior in the same medical school, University of Hong Kong. We both looked after newborn babies and he was a renowned neonatologist and chairman of the prestigious Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.

Inexplicably, I got to know Tom as late as a quarter of a century after he moved to the U.S. We met in an academic meeting in Hong Kong, probably in late 1994 or 1995. I was working in Canada from early 1991 to mid-1994. How I would not know someone like Tom, a fellow alumnus with an outstanding career in the U.S., has long perplexed me. I speculated that the reason was the remoteness of North America from Hong Kong – not in distance but because of the dominance of British influence in Hong Kong, especially in the medical field. Only a handful of medical graduates would go to North America. Unlike those who went to the U.K. to do a finite period of training, they usually left Hong Kong and settled in North America for good, just like Tom.

It was Tom who brought about a paradigm shift regarding overseas training in Hong Kong, at least in the field of pediatrics. His first encounter with Bill Chan has resulted in a series of exchange programs between Hong Kong and Jacksonville. Trainees from

primarily the Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong had a chance to learn and experience state-of-the-art practices in hospitals affiliated with the University of Florida College of Medicine. As chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Tom was able to extend the exchange beyond neonatology to cover many other specialties. Our young colleagues taking part in the exchange are not restricted to doctors but also include nurses, pharmacists and medical social workers. The exchange programs have had long-lasting effects in upgrading the standards of pediatric care in Hong Kong. They have introduced diversity to our pediatric practice and the dominance of British influence has come to an end.

I understand that Tom is retiring after 50 years of untiring work serving his patients and the medical communities in the U.S., Hong Kong and other parts of the world. “Thank you, Tom, for making the change (or exchange). Happy retirement!”

Professor Fok Tai Fai

Previous Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Dr. Elisa A. Zenni

Tom, what a wonderful idea to prepare a book of memories for each host city! I traveled with you to Hong Kong and Chengdu in 1996. I have many impactful memories. One quick memory is purchasing (with your help) a beautiful wall hanging of children laying in a field, while I was browsing in a street market in Chengdu. I particularly remember you negotiating the price for me! It has been hanging in my office since I returned from the trip, and I have had many students, residents and colleagues ask me about it. Now in this virtual age of Zoom meetings, many colleagues from around the U.S. have commented through the camera about the beautiful piece of art and asked about where I got it. It is so fitting for a pediatrician and always makes me think back to the special trip.

Elisa A. Zenni, MD

Associate Dean for Educational Affairs Professor, Department of Pediatrics University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

Dr. Leung Chi Wai

Bridging east and west – my ties with the University of Florida

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Pediatric infectious disease was in its infancy when I started my training in this subspecialty in England in 1988. I was attached to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children and mentored by Dr. Michael Levin, an expert on the study and management of Kawasaki disease and life-threatening infections such as meningococcemia, septic shock and toxic shock syndromes. My first glimpse of pediatric infectious diseases was eye-opening. I learned about serious infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised children but found it necessary to better equip myself by seeking further training in American centers where the subspecialty was well developed.

When Dr. Thomas Chiu and his faculty associates visited Hong Kong in spring 1996, I seized the opportunity to express my wish to receive further training in pediatric infectious diseases in the United States. They were supportive and quickly organized clinical attachment for me at the University of Florida and Stanford University so I could gain experience from both east and west coast centers. In the summer of 1996 I headed for Florida with my family to begin further training.

After more than 20 hours we landed in Jacksonville and were thrilled to find Tom greeting us at the airport, even though it was almost midnight. Tom quickly settled us in cozy accommodations at the Baptist Hospital and helped me rent a car for commuting to work. He was like a big brother to me and nice uncle to my two kids, making every effort to make us comfortable. The next day Tom‘s wife Anna showed us around the area and pointed out essential places like supermarkets, bakeries and laundries. She advised us to stock supplies in preparation for floods and hurricanes, not uncommon in summer. That was our first warning of the risks living in Florida.

I began my training at Wolfson Children’s Hospital under Dr. Mobeen Rathore, chief of pediatric infectious diseases and immunology. He was very knowledgeable and welcoming. There was an international faculty at the hospital for me to interact with. Their love of sick children and accommodating attitude toward foreigners were impressive and influenced my work ethos a lot in my professional life. Through Mobeen I learned to be kind and generous to patients and colleagues, and inquisitive and diligent. I came to realize that a sound foundation of general pediatrics was critical for practicing the cognitive subspecialty of pediatric infectious diseases which cuts across all organ systems and respects no geographic boundaries. I benefitted from observing and participating in the running of the well-organized Northeast Florida Pediatric AIDS Program.

On weekends my family drove around Florida to enjoy the best the sunny state offered. We had been to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Kennedy Space Center to name a few. We went as far as Atlanta to watch the Olympic games and treasured every moment of life in America. This experience of living in a foreign country prepared my kids well for their boarding school life in England.

I moved on to Gainesville and received further training at the Shands Hospital under the guidance of Dr. Elia Ayoub, a world authority on streptococcal diseases. Elia was an affectionate grandfatherly figure of great stature and a distinguished professor who happened to know all about pediatrics. Through him I learned about not only infectious diseases but also immunological and rheumatological diseases

associated with streptococcal infection. He liked to take his fellows to lunch and we had a good time trying out Middle East cuisines. My kids best remember the chicken wings and barbecued pork («char siu») that Anna cooked for them.

The training I was fortunate to obtain in Florida was phenomenal, exceeding what I later experienced at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in California under the guidance of Dr. Ann Arvin and Dr. Charles Prober who were also great teachers. I was blessed to have been trained by an international faculty of teachers and researchers comprising a South African in London, Pakistani in Jacksonville, Palestinian in Gainesville, and American and Canadian in Palo Alto. I have had the best of both worlds having trained in the United Kingdom and both coasts of the United States. For this I am forever grateful.

Leung Chi Wai (Chris), MD

Former Consultant in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Princess Margaret Hospital, Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Center and Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

1. Dr. Chris Leung with his wife, Vivian, and sons – Brian and

Julian – 1996 2. Dr. Chiu, Dr. Leung and Dr. Rathore

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Dr. Chatchawin Assanasen Drs. Felix Banadera and Joe Alviedo

I have been lucky enough to work with Dr. Chiu outside of Jacksonville. Sharing an interest in global medicine, I have traveled to many areas of the world with him. During a time when global medicine was thought only to be approached through the fields of infection control and surgical interventions, Dr. Chiu broadened my view of what was possible on a global level. His educational program for pediatric residents (and my first exposure to international medicine) is at the root of what I continue to do today.

Chatchawin Assanasen, MD

Distinguished Chair in Pediatric Oncology Children’s Cancer Research Institute Medical Director, UHS/University of Texas KIDS Center for Blood and Cancer Disorders

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You’ve really never had spicy till you’ve eaten in Chengdu. The numbedup lips, the flashed face and the teary eyes were a mere sacrifice to the delectable flavor of the local cuisine and our unforgettable once-ina-lifetime experience in the land of the dragon. But Chengdu was more than just the exotic food, the adorable panda and the bustling high-rise skyline of the city; it was the hospitality and welcoming smiles of the people we met and how they made us feel far from being strangers.

1. Dr. Banadera, left, and Dr. Alviedo in Beijing. We met a lot of doctors who at a very young age were already accomplished professionals with publications and with well-respected ranks. Their humility was palpable from the genuine enthusiasm and unpretentious interaction they displayed during the lectures and conferences. The exchanges of ideas and opinions were enthralling and very educational. They opened our eyes to a whole different world of managing the sick neonate. Thank you for inviting us.

Dr. Felix Banadera and Dr. Joe Alviedo

Assistant Professors University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

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Dr. Angela Black Dr. Erin Burnett

I had the opportunity to go to China in May 2015. It was such a wonderful experience.

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One of my favorite memories was from Beijing. I was nervous being the only female physician in the group. I had no idea what to expect when we met the otolaryngologists in China. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the majority of the department is female physicians. It immediately made me feel more welcome and comfortable. Luckily this was the first stop in a long journey and a good way to start. I had such a wonderful time visiting hospitals in different cities and exchanging ideas.

My other favorite memory is from Chengdu. My husband Ty was hanging out with the spouses going shopping during the time we were lecturing at the hospital. He became quick friends with the tour guide Anita. After a few days of touring he discovered she would love to move to America and loves kids. We were in need of a nanny. It was a perfect match. Within a few weeks of coming home from China we were able to hire her as an au pair. She lived with us for three years until she married and moved in with her husband. She is like a daughter to me and she has made a huge impact in our lives. My kids adore her and we still keep in close contact.

Thanks for giving me all these great memories!

Dr. Angela Black

Pediatric Otolaryngologist, Nemours Children’s Health

1. Dr. Black and her family on the wedding day of Anita, their nanny. 2. Dr. Black, front row third from left, with Beijing ENT team. What an amazing trip and experience! Wouldn’t change it for the world.

This was a great experience to exchange ideas and hear what China is doing. We learned tons from the presentation and tons about their health care system.

Dr. Erin Burnett

Assistant Professor University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

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1. Dr. David Schaefer, and guest from

Chengdu with Dr.

Burnett

2. Announcement of The Second

U.S.-China Forum on Obstetrics-

Gynecology &

Pediatrics

3. MD LIFE magazine cover featuring

Dr. Ayesha Mirza and Dr. Erin

Burnett

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Dr. David Childers Dr. Chow Chun Bong

by-line translation. One of the strengths of my presentations is I can usually get everyone to laugh throughout the talk. During my talk in Beijing, the translator was translating sentence by sentence. No one cracked as much as a smile. When I finished, Dr. Chiu allowed that the stories were really funny—in English—but didn’t translate very well, especially with the timing thrown off by the line-

I was surprised by the lack of interest in premature follow-up until I saw the size of the Level 3 NICU.

During one of our last evenings, we went to dinner at a five-story Peking Duck House restaurant. Dessert was fried scorpions. I don’t think a single male member of the party touched them. But the women did, led by Hilda Ettedgui. I was in awe!

Dr. David O. Childers, Jr.

Associate Professor University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville Dear Tom,

Thanks for the inspirational lecture and your “Reflections 40 Years” book. I greatly admire how you have integrated your family and family life with your career and building of a great pediatric department that really promoted health of children rather than just curing diseases. With great humility, through the lines in the book I can appreciate how your aspiration, value and vision through your integrity, honesty, friendship, leadership and wisdom have been achieved in 40 years—which would usually take hundreds of years to accomplish. The wisdom transpired is really powerful, especially the quotes. Words cannot describe the pictures.

The support from your family—especially your wonderful wife Anna, two beautiful daughters and now five grandsons—and the heritage and legacy from your parents and in-laws are just wonderful.

Best regards,

Dr. Chow Chun Bong

Founding President, Hong Kong Society of Neonatal Medicine Honorary Professor, Hong Kong University

Dr. Lou and Joanne DeNicola

After an exhausting 21-hour flight from Jacksonville, Joanne and I arrived in Beijing on 10-7-01. The first day we visited Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, museum, palace and temple. The next day we were bused to the Beijing entrance to the Great Wall. On 10-10 we toured by rickshaw through Hutong, narrow alleys with courtyard homes. That night we went to an enormous restaurant for a many-course Peking Duck dinner. On 10-11 we flew to the ancient capital city of Xian, site of the 2,200-year-old terra cotta soldiers and bronze chariot.

Next stop was Guilin, famous for its scenery and rice noodles. The boater in me got excited for a cruise down the Li River, famous for incredible landscapes and pointy mountains that you see through the mist.

From there we flew to amazing Hong Kong, a most modern and stylish city. The juxtaposition of floating markets and “junk” houseboats against the skyscraper skyline was fantastic. There were shops that sold living animals to slaughter and the famous tailors who could make a handmade suit in 24 hours. (I got two and still wear them.)

Dr. Lou DeNicola

Professor (retired) University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

Dr. Robert English

One thing I remember was how incredibly friendly and gracious our hosts were. I really enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful people who showed us their amazing city, hospital and culture.

Dr. Robert English

Associate Professor University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

Charles Lo

Back in 1999 when I visited the University Medical Center in Jacksonville, clinical pharmacy development was in its infancy in Hong Kong. With the help from Dr. Chiu, and Dr. Chan’s introduction, of course, a score of pharmacists from Princess Margaret and United Christian Hospitals were able to spend valuable time there to learn from the most advanced practices in pediatric pharmacy, nutrition support and other specialties.

I also remember fondly when Dr. Chiu and Anna welcomed us to their house and showed us around town, to make us feel at home away from home.

Fast forwarding to 2021, many of us have since moved on to positions where we continue to apply what we learned from Jacksonville to lead the development of clinical pharmacy services. And I am glad to report that most pharmacists in our hospitals now have specialized near-patient care duties on the ward or at the ambulatory care level, and not only in pediatrics, in addition to their general dispensing responsibilities. Dr. Chiu has indeed inspired a generation of clinical pharmacists and catalyzed the development of clinical pharmacy services in Hong Kong.

Charles Lo, Hong Kong

Clinical Pharmacist

Ying Liang

Reflection of my exchange experience, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida

(Condensed from 2015 report.)

I had the great honor to participate in the exchange program of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. This was the first time for me to go abroad and I learned a lot about culture and medicine in the U.S.

The thing that impressed me most was the environment of the hospital … cute drawings, cartoons, all things to provide children with relaxed instead of nervous emotions. These are quite different from Beijing Children’s Hospital, which is always so crowded with patients and parents from the whole country.

Unlike China, they don’t have so many patients there. So doctors have more time to spend studying papers. We treat patients by our experience, but they use more evidence-based medicine. This is also a big difference.

Dr. Chiu was totally in charge of our daily life and study. He drove us to the hospital and back home almost every day, just like our fathers would do. He took every tiny thing into consideration to make us feel like we were at home instead of abroad. He arranged everything, including our accommodations and study plans. Without his thoughtful arrangements, we couldn’t have had such a wonderful time in the U.S. When we learned that he used to be chairman of the pediatrics department, we were shocked because we could not believe a respectful man like him would do lots of things for us by himself.

I was lucky enough to stay in Dr. Beverly’s house. Through talks with her, I had the chance to know the true side of America.

Dr. Chiu’s family also helped us a lot. They planned a wonderful meal for us. We sang together, and celebrated my birthday. We had an unforgettable time in the U.S. Above all, we were treated the best by all the people we met in the U.S. We could feel the deep friendship between us. This was the best experience, for we did not only experience the hospital things, but also cultural things. We hope more people can benefit from this exchange program. I want to thank all the people who contributed to this program and made the dream a reality.

Ying Liang

Beijing Children’s Hospital

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1. Guan Zhenfang, Linlin Liu, Dr. Tom Chiu, Michael Aubin,

Ying Liang, Lulu Xia

Linlin Liu

Planted the Seed, Long Time Ahead: Reflection on the exchange to the Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida

(Condensed from 2015 report.)

It’s my great honor to have this exchange, my first visit to a foreign country. I appreciate this rare Sino-U.S. exchange program between Beijing Children’s Hospital and University of Florida. We are fortunate to follow doctors from special departments and see how they work in hospitals and clinics. You never know how on the same planet people are living and working in very different ways.

My major is pediatric infectious diseases, which I studied at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Dr. Rathore, the chief, explained the schedule and asked about my interests. He is passionate and open-minded. You can never get sleepy in his lectures. On my first day Dr. Mirza told me how she felt when she came to the United States and told me not to be shy and to ask speakers to slow down if I don’t understand. She taught me that once I find the differences in ID departments in the U.S. and China, I will make progress. She let me study the Red Book, which I recommended to my ID department when I came back to China. Now everyone has one.

After two weeks I worked with Dr. Alvarez, a TB expert who taught me a lot. I will always remember her big smile. The last week I worked with Dr. Maraqa, who is humorous and helpful. I am thankful for everyone’s help and sincerity.

I made friends with residents. They taught me American slang and in the Chinese New Year I told them about the traditional Spring Festival. Thanks to Dr. Thomas Chiu, we visited proton therapy, medical simulation and the child protection program.

American hospitals and clinics are beautiful and interesting. Management is orderly. Children have regular times to see a doctor. I had home stay with Dr. Beverly, a kind-hearted general pediatrician who helps poor sick children. She taught us about American culture and showed us around on weekends. Dr. Robie and his wife Rose prepared tasty Italian and Spanish food for us at their house. We exchanged Chinese and American culture.

Thanks a lot to University of Florida for providing us such a valuable opportunity and Dr. Chiu for his great efforts to make everything possible. He and his secretary Laurel Conderman not only arranged for us to study in the hospital but also provided unlimited help in our daily life, including accommodations and transportation. Anna Chiu also gave us a lot of care and help.

These activities planted seeds for future development of the exchanges. I hope they continue, develop and expand.

Linlin Liu

Beijing Children’s Hospital

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1. Guan Zhenfang,

Cherry Liu, Ying

Liang, Linlin Liu,

Dr. Chiu, Anna

Chiu, Lulu Xia celebrating

Dr. Chiu’s birthday.

Lulu Xia Guan Zhenfang

Reflections on the exchange program to the labs of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida

(Condensed from 2015 report.)

It was my great honor to have the opportunity to visit the labs in the University of Florida. This exchange program was organized by Capital Medical University, Beijing Children’s Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, USA. I received warm hospitality from the project organizers, who made a deep impression on me with their rigorous attitude toward work and life, and strong sense of responsibility to promote medical exchanges between the U.S. and China.

Cancer and Genetics Complex, Gainesville: Dr. Thomas Chiu arranged for someone to drive me to Gainesville, where I met Dr. Chen Ling to study for 10 days.

Cytogenetics, Gainesville: Lab director was Dr. Roberto Zori. I could see their earnest, careful and patient attitude toward work.

Florida Department of Health clinical medical laboratory—state newborn

screening lab, Jacksonville: Lab director Dr. Ming Chan warmly received me and explained the content, aim and testing method of the newborn screening. Dr. Chan and others made a deep impression on me.

Visit and learn, Jacksonville: When we finished the formal learning, Dr. Chiu arranged for us to interview with Dr. Hudak and President Aubin, exchanging opinions of the life here and receiving edification. I was inspired by their talk.

Conclusion: Everybody’s warmth and consideration impressed me deeply. I am grateful to the many excellent tutors who have made thoughtful and thorough arrangements so this exchange program could be perfectly carried out. I hope it will keep on and can benefit more Chinese students.

Lulu Xia

Beijing Children’s Hospital Reflection of the study in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida

(Condensed from 2015 report.)

I want to thank Capital Medical University and University of Florida for this chance to visit beautiful Jacksonville as an exchange student. Most of the month was at Nemours Children’s Clinic and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in general surgery and neurosurgery—a short but rich experience. I thank Dr. Thomas Chiu and the other doctors for helping me in the study and daily life and I credit them for accelerating medical study between China and America.

My first station was Nemours near the St. Johns River, where you can see dolphins. The second was children’s neurosurgery, where I met Dr. Aldana, Dr. Ranalli and Dr. Beier. During those few weeks in America I experienced different medicine—humanity, information and technology.

All in all, I think the program is successful, although I wish it could be longer. It expanded my horizon and knowledge. I sincerely hope it continues forever.

Guan Zhenfang

Beijing Children’s Hospital

“Successful people always have two things on their lips: 1. Silence and 2. Smile”

~Buddha