The Hong Kong and Macau Chapter of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) was historically the earliest professional society of Respiratory Medicine in Hong Kong. It was established in the early 60s, probably 1962. The founding members and office bearers were Dr. Li Shu Fun, Dr. Morgan Lu KC, and Dr. Kenneth Hui KL. In subsequent formative years, it was under the leadership of Sister Gabriel and Sister Aquinas of Ruttonjee Sanatorium; and Dr PAL Horsfall of Grantham Hospital. The 7th Asia Pacific Congress on Diseases of the Chest (APCDC), the first ever international chest conference to be held in Hong Kong, was organised by the Chapter in 1981. The Organising Committee, Scientific Committee, and the Editorial Board of the Proceedings of the Congress included the following: Sister M Aquinas, Sister M Gabriel, Dr Morgan Lu, Dr Donald Yu, Prof CK Mok, Dr SL Chan, Dr PL Nandi, Dr David Lum, Dr S P Li, Dr SY So and Professor WK Lam, with Dr PAL Horsfall being the President of the Organising Committee.

Initially, legal registration as a corporation was not done and the by-laws of the parent ACCP were just adopted. Before the establishment of Hong Kong Thoracic Society in 1987, the Chapter was responsible in organising local educational activities once every 4-6 weeks. Every year the local Chapter was responsible for the collection of annual subscription, 10% of which was retained for operational utilization, and the scientific activities of the Chapter and financial status were reported to the parent College.

The Chapter was formally incorporated under limited company ordinance on 18th February 1986 with Dr SY So as the first President; Dr SY So and Professor WK Lam as subscribers. There after, the Presidents of the Chapter in succession were: Professor WK Lam, Dr Joseph Pang, Dr William Chen, Dr CY Tse, Dr HS Chan, Dr Jane Chan, Dr Roland Leung, Dr CM Tam, and Dr Thomas Mok; with Dr KS Chan as the current President. The key objectives of the Chapter are:
1. To maintain an international society of highly qualified specialists in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine and surgery and related disciplines.
2. To promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, education and research in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine and surgery and related disciplines.
3. To provide high quality education programs designed to maintain and advance the highest possible standards of medical practice as it pertains to cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine and surgery and related disciplines.
4. To co-operate with medical schools and other scientific organisations and societies in providing the best possible undergraduate instruction in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine and surgery and related disciplines.
5. To promote in co-operation with other organisations the highest possible standards in allied health professions and service.

Since the establishment of Hong Kong Thoracic Society in 1987, the Chapter has been closely collaborating with HKTS in achieving its missions. The organization of scientific and academic meetings including regular and annual meetings and seminars, the 13th APCDC in 1994, the 20th Eastern Region Conference of IUATLD in 1999, the conduction of research studies and delivery of public education are shining examples of the Chapter’s dedicated effort to fulfill its objectives. Currently the Chapter has 83 fellows, 16 members, 16 affiliated members, and 2 allied health members; with a total membership of 117. Throughout the years, the Chapter has been under the successive leadership of our Regent Dr Horsfall, Dr Nandi, Professor WK Lam, and currently Professor Mary Ip. The reminiscences of development of Respiratory Medicine in Hong Kong remind us of the pioneer work of our forefathers and foremothers, and the steering of many leaders throughout the years; and to all of them, we owe a debt of gratitude.