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Hong Kong artist who swapped scalpel for paintbrush on being happier and how he applies science to his works

  • Pioneering surgeon Dr Anthony Yim quit surgery in 2017 after developing Parkinson’s disease and became an artist – his childhood dream
  • Now showing at Cheer Bell Gallery, he explains how he has become a happier person and how his paintings change colour depending on the viewing angle

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Hong Kong surgeon turned artist Dr Anthony Yim pioneered the development of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, or keyhole surgery of the chest. Photo: Tory Ho

Compared with other artists’ more straightforward careers, Dr Anthony Yim Ping-chuen had the unusual experience of transitioning from a scalpel to a paint brush.

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Yim’s childhood dream was to become an artist, but he followed his late father’s advice to study medicine and went on to earn international acclaim for pioneering the development of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, or keyhole surgery of the chest.

In 2017, Yim gave up a successful career in surgery due to failing health and began to pursue his passion for art.

“To me, art is very personal. It’s a way to rediscover yourself, and I have become a much better person, much happier than before,” the 61-year-old says.

Yim has already held four exhibitions since becoming an artist in 2017. Photo: Tory Ho
Yim has already held four exhibitions since becoming an artist in 2017. Photo: Tory Ho
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He adds that he knew he had to quit surgery after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

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