Li Shu Pui

Ear, nose, and throat specialist who became a private sector pioneer of Western medicine in Hong Kong

When Li Shu Pui entered medical school in Beijing in 1920 at the age of 17, he was at the dawn of an illustrious career that would span the next 85 years. An ear, nose, and throat specialist, he continued performing surgical operations until 1980 and ran an outpatient clinic until well into his 90s.

Li took over at the helm of the prestigious Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in 1966. Under his leadership it underwent massive expansion and became an institution that set the standard of care in the city. He remained actively involved in the affairs of the hospital as chairman of the board until his death aged 102.

Born in Hong Kong in January 1903, Li was the fifth of six children and the product of a traditional Chinese upbringing. His career was heavily influenced by that of his elder brother, Li Shu Fan, and like him he embraced the world of modern Western medicine. Following Shu Fan to enrol at …