Dr Kong Liew, or Kong as he was commonly known amongst his friends and colleagues, was a senior general and paediatric emergency physician who has been part of the Redcliffe ED and hospital family for over 15 years, since his move to Queensland in search of better work and family balance. He found that balance here, splitting his time evenly between the Redcliffe ED and the Queensland Children’s Hospital ED, tirelessly providing quality care to both communities.
Those of us who knew Kong, knew him as a kind and gentle person who always had the time and patience for his patients and colleagues. In his 18 year career as an emergency physician, he accomplished plenty. He was a senior examiner for the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and contributed extensively to the education of junior doctors and emergency trainees in the area of paediatric emergency medicine and bedside ultrasound. Kong was one of the main drivers behind the development of our newly established paediatric wing of Redcliffe ED, an area where dedicated and high-quality care can be delivered to the children of Redcliffe.
Kong’s contribution to Redcliffe Hospital wasn’t just within the four walls of our ED. His influence was far reaching and reflected in the many relationships he had built over the years with colleagues in paediatrics, medicine, anaesthetics, surgery, intensive care and allied health to name a few. He had also collaborated with many other institutions state-wide due to his involvement and expertise in delivering paediatric education and care.
Despite all his achievements, Kong remained a humble clinician, hardly claiming any kudos for all his work. He had always maintained that his reward in practicing medicine was seeing the improved outcomes in patient care, particularly the most vulnerable ones and also the progression of his peers and trainees under his guidance. As a clinician, Kong exemplified great leadership incorporating the values of diligence, humility, patience and grace.
His time with us, especially in the ED has left an indelible mark that will not soon be forgotten. His selflessness and sacrifice for the greater good of our patients is something we should all strive for despite the hardships and barriers we face on a daily basis. Kong never played the blame game. He was inclusive and collaborative and made sure it was always about the patient. He maintained a positive outlook to the very end, and even in the midst of his own struggles with the illness that finally claimed his life, he still found the time to connect with the people that mattered and that brought him joy.
We will miss you greatly especially in the ED for all the years of friendship, wisdom and guidance you have provided over the years, Kong. May you rest in peace.
Written by Dr Jason Chan, Senior Staff Specialist on behalf of Redcliffe Emergency Department, Metro North Health, QLD.