“This autobiography and lesson on medical ethics reveals how Professor Yuen has strived and overcome many adversities to complete his university education and work as a doctor in a public hospital, how fate has made him turn to an academic career and paved the way for him to become a clinician scientist to pursue research. With his curiosity, talents, perseverance, devotion, and excellent leadership he has made his team the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ for emerging infectious diseases. I must say he was the right person at the right time and the right place.

Despite his lifelong outstanding achievements, he is a modest person, well aware of his own shortcomings and attributes most of the credit to his teammates.”

—Professor Rosie Young Tse-Tse, former pro-vice-chancellor and senior pro-vice-chancellor, The University of Hong Kong 

“Professor Yuen’s excellence as physician, surgeon, clinical scientist, and public health advisor has culminated in his crowning achievement—the body of research on H5N1 influenza which helped so much to contain the SARS virus outbreak and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

K.Y. has given us his life story—a fascinating and instructive journey in overcoming hardships, challenges, and vicissitudes. This autobiography will educate readers in humanity, dedication, and unwavering devotion to hard but important work, both within the medical profession and Hong Kong’s wider community.”

—Professor Richard Yu Yue-Hong, former president and senior advisor, The Hong Kong College of Physicians

“For the many admirers of Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung, this book helps us understand what made him the brilliant scientist, the popular communicator, the motivating leader, the inspiring teacher, the devoted doctor, the devout Christian, and most importantly the loving person. His life story is that of a most representative son of Hong Kong, whose decades of hard work have earned him the respect and trust of the worldwide medical fraternity. His thirst to learn every step along the way has turned what to others might have been negative impediments to positive energy, achievement, and influence. How can we not be touched by his description of his childhood, his relationship with his family, his recollection of his patients, and his recognition for the value of constructive dissent? And we will aways remember his invaluable advice, ‘We must live wisely and fully before our deaths to make life meaningful’.”

—Mrs. Selina Chow Liang Shuk-Yee, media expert and former Legislative and Executive Councillor

“My first encounter with Kwok-Yung (K.Y.) took place one evening in 1992 when I, as a very green lecturer in medicine, needed someone to perform an urgent smear on the joint fluid of a patient with high fever. It was after hours and regular staff could not be found, but for K.Y. who was working alone in the corner of the laboratory, and who later confirmed the diagnosis of gonorrheal infection for my patient and taught me a great lesson on the treatment of this condition. This was how dedicated K.Y. was as a microbiologist. 

To many of us, K.Y. is a legend within HKUMed. He leads through practicing fairness, compassion, humility, excellence in science and, most importantly, his desires to improve the health of his patients and the society. Reading the drafts of this autobiography has filled my days with inspiration. This is a must-read for all.”

—Professor Lau Chak-Sing, dean, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

“As a school student, Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung was a fan of Sherlock Holmes. In time, he has become a world-renowned detective hunting for pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, saving lives, and contributing to making the world a safer place. He is an inspiration to future generations of medical Sherlock Holmeses.”

—Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-Ming, president, The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

“K.Y. Yuen, the iconic HKU microbiologist, tells the story of his life and career, and how Christian faith and love shaped his destiny. His scientific discoveries were not by chance, but through teamwork, leadership, and painstaking methodology. He sought the truth, faced, and overcame formidable challenges. His heartwarming personal story is that of a son, student, clinician, friend, husband, and teacher. It beckons us to embrace the ultimate reality.”

—Dr. David Fang Jin-Sheng, former president, The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine

“The incredible stories and groundbreaking discoveries of Professor Yuen in his relentless pursuit of combating infectious disease outbreaks are truly exemplary. His remarkable career trajectory—which encompassed rigorous training as a frontline physician, surgeon, clinical microbiologist and virologist—has uniquely equipped him to confront the most critical public health challenges in Hong Kong and around the globe. This book is an absolute must-read for doctors and public health officers alike.”

—Dr. Leung Pak-Yin, former chief executive, Hospital Authority, and founding controller, Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong

“It was my first day as an intern in the Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital in 1984. Dr. Yuen Kwok-Yung brought me to the bedside of an elderly woman. He held her hands and told me, ‘Au, when you greet your patients by holding their hands, you can build up the rapport and trust while assessing many useful clinical signs like warmth, moisture, pallor, pulse, and capillary refilling.’

This first encounter with Professor Yuen stayed in my mind for 40 years. After reading his autobiography, I understand how a passionate, frontline clinician grows into a great scientist with global perspective and basic research skills to combat major infectious disease outbreaks and contribute to the wellbeing of mankind.”

—Dr. Au Yiu-Kai, consultant surgeon, Hospital Authority, and war zone volunteer of Medecins Sans Frontieres

Foreword by Professor David D. Ho ix

Preface xi

Life’s twists and turns take you to unimagined places

A Note on Romanization xiv

Chapter 1: Tiger Mom 1

Growing up poor, happy, and loved in cramped Hong Kong

Chapter 2: Mulberry Silkworm 10

A primary education of curiosity, reward, adventure, and growth

Chapter 3: Queen’s College 14

Exploring the galaxy and a magical world of ideas

Chapter 4: Searching for Bearings 23

Entering medical school and confronting challenges

Chapter 5: Distinction Viva 31

Learning the science and art of healing while making lifelong friends

Chapter 6: Living and Dying 39

Internship joy and heartache: Saving the ill, losing those you cannot

Chapter 7: United Christians 45

Internal medicine and Christianity: Duty calls and needy cases

Chapter 8: Operating Room 52

Scalpels and sutures: Putting lives back together again

Chapter 9: Patient Stories 60

Diagnosing, healing, and comforting: Days in the life of a clinician

Chapter 10: Ultimate Reality 66

Searching for a heart of wisdom

Chapter 11: Louisa 73

Nightmares, love, music, and back to Queen Mary

Chapter 12: Global Studies 86

Learning in the lab and around the world

Chapter 13: Detective Stories 95

Five cases: Finding clues, identifying suspects, solving mysteries

Chapter 14: Our Legacies 109

Looking back to see the way forward and focus on a mission

Chapter 15: SARS-CoV-1 121

Finding a new virus in the battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Chapter 16: Time Bomb 133

The perils for people from the animal kingdom

Chapter 17: Novel Microbes 145

Probing into the world of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites

Chapter 18: Rest in Peace 163

Remembering lives and deaths in the family

Chapter 19: COVID-19 167

A new virus, a new disease, and a response focused on containment

Chapter 20: The Fifth Wave 179

From zero-COVID to living-with-the-virus

Chapter 21: Moving On 191

Coping with adversities and building a global research network

Epilogue 206

Sapientia et Virtus

Acknowledgments 211

Appendix: Response to the Medical Council Complaint 215

References 236

About the Author 250