Developing a “Preventive Medicine” for the Needed

I developed a machine-learning-based knee osteoarthritis progression prediction model with clinical data. The reason driving me to do this project is because knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease in Hong Kong with no cure, affecting nearly 10% of the population and therefore leading to the long waiting line in public hospitals. I hope that my AI predictor could become a “Preventive Medicine” in the healthcare industry.

Mr. LI Ho Hin Toby
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Engineering with Prosthetics & Orthotics
Faculty of Engineering

Awards:

Global Innovation Awards, The TechConnect Business Virtual Summit and Showcase 2020 (TechConnect)
PolyU MicroFund
PolyU Lean LaunchPad Programme
Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Programme

Domain Expertise:

Biomedical Engineering with Prosthetics and Orthotics

Toby introduces the field of Biomedical Engineering with a specialization in Prosthetics and Orthotics. This knowledge area encompasses the design, development, and application of artificial limbs (prosthetics) and orthopedic devices (orthotics) to assist individuals with mobility challenges or physical impairments.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Toby discusses the development of a machine-learning-based knee osteoarthritis progression prediction model. This knowledge area involves the application of AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze clinical data and make predictions, which is increasingly relevant in healthcare and medical research.

Interdisciplinary Research and Multidisciplinary Knowledge

Toby highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research, where biomedical engineering students collaborate with experts from various fields, such as physiology, computer science, and healthcare practitioners. This emphasizes the need for a broad and multidisciplinary knowledge base in biomedical engineering.

Medical Databases and Clinical Data Analysis

Toby mentions the acquisition of clinical data and the use of well-established databases for research purposes. Biomedical engineers often work with medical databases and apply data analysis techniques to derive insights and develop healthcare solutions.

Healthcare System Understanding and Public Health Impact

Toby discusses the impact of the AI predictor on the healthcare system, including the potential benefits of early disease prediction and personalized treatment plans. This knowledge area involves understanding the healthcare ecosystem, patient care pathways, and the application of technology to improve public health.

Lifelong Learning Excellence:

Critical Thinking and Problem-solving

Toby Li emphasizes the importance of effective time management as he juggles multiple roles as a researcher, clinical practitioner, and CEO of his startup. He plans his daily itinerary to make the most out of each day.
Toby Li encountered challenges in acquiring a large clinical database for his AI model and in commercializing his research project. He overcame these challenges by leveraging his connections, accessing academic networks, and participating in startup support programs.

Communication and Presentation Skills

As the CEO of his startup, Toby Li takes on leadership responsibilities such as strategic decision-making, driving changes in the company, and motivating his colleagues. He translates his vision into reality and effectively communicates with his team.
Toby Li mentions the importance of communication skills in his role as a CEO, facilitating the effective execution of tasks within his organization. He also communicates with healthcare practitioners and industry leaders to validate the value proposition of his AI solution.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Toby Li's outstanding work led him to establish his own startup. Through participating in entrepreneurship programs, he gained knowledge and resources for commercializing his research project. He interacted with industry leaders and received business advice.

Networking and Collaboration

Toby Li built an extensive network with local and international academic, clinical, and industrial leaders through his outstanding work. He engaged with experts from different sectors, including doctors, allied health practitioners, scholars, and healthcare-related industrial leaders.

Continuous Improvement and Learning from Mistakes

Toby Li advises students to stay curious, ask questions, and not be afraid to make mistakes. He encourages students to seek opportunities, meet different people, and push themselves beyond their limits. He believes that by cherishing opportunities and resources in university, students can become versatile and knowledgeable in various domains.

Inspiring Quotes:

Entrepreneurship
" As a CEO of a company, I am the most senior officer in charge of managing the organisation, and my responsibility includes being a strategic decision-maker, driving the changes in the company, and motivating my colleagues."

Professional Competence
"The first thing that comes to my mind is definitely learning to construct an AI to solve the problem by myself, which is not taught during my undergraduate study. Therefore, I have to surf the Internet to look from the websites or online videos which could teach me how to compile the programme."

Lifelong Learner
"So my first advice would be to stay hungry and foolish. University is a very welcoming haven to nurture every student. Try to be curious all the time, do not be afraid to ask and do not be ashamed to make any mistakes."

Explore More:

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Domain Knowledge OER