Osteopath's application rejected for second time

An American doctor hired by the University of Hong Kong has had his application to practise in Hong Kong rejected for a second time by the Medical Council.

Dr David Chim's area of expertise was branded by the medical watchdog as unorthodox.

Chim practises osteopathic medicine, which is based on the manipulation of joints and bones to diagnose and treat illnesses.

The council's first rejection of a 'limited registration' application in October was the first time an application from the university's medical school was turned down. Chim's second attempt to get approval was rejected recently.

The issue has sparked a debate about whether such doctors should have the right to practise in the city.

In the United States, a trained doctor of osteopathic medicine is regarded as legally and professionally equivalent to a doctor of medicine.

Chim joined the university's department of community medicine in January last year on a four-year contract. He said he 'respected the council's opinions' and declined to comment further.

He said he had not decided whether to make a third application or to leave the post because of restrictions on his practice.

Most overseas staff working with the two medical schools practise with limited registrations, meaning they can only work under set conditions and treat and prescribe drugs for university patients.