Dean’s Message

On August 1, 2025, MacKay Medical College was officially renamed MacKay Medical University, establishing three professional colleges: the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, and the College of Health and Welfare. This marked the beginning of a new era in the cultivation of comprehensive talent in health and care professions.

The College of Health and Welfare (Hou Sheng; 厚生) not only inherits the spirit of Dr. George Leslie Mackay—who was deeply committed to caring for the underprivileged and serving the community—but also draws inspiration from classical wisdom to shape a contemporary vision. The name "Hou Sheng" (厚生) is derived from the Shu Jing (書經), also known as Shang Shu (尚書), Chapter: The Counsels of the Great Yu (大禹謨), which states: "Zheng De (正德), Utilization (利用), Hou Sheng (厚生), Weihe (惟和)" —meaning "practice virtue, make good use of resources, promote the people’s livelihood, and achieve harmony." This expression reflects the College’s commitment to social responsibility and serves as the philosophical foundation of our education, research, and practice.

The College currently consists of the Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (including a master's degree program), the Institute of Long-Term Care (master's degree program, interdisciplinary in-service program), and the Institute of Geriatric Welfare Technology & Science (master's degree program). In response to the growing needs of an aging society, both nationally and globally, we are actively planning to establish the Department of Physical Therapy and Universal Health Technology, and the Department of Occupational Therapy, and the establishment of a doctoral program for Elderly Health and Long-Term Care, aimed at cultivating advanced professionals in teaching and research.

In this era marked by rapid aging and complex health challenges, we firmly believe that “care should not merely address illness—it should enhance holistic well-being throughout life.” Looking ahead, we are guided by the principle of “nurturing life through profound virtue and a people-centered approach.” Our mission is to develop a transdisciplinary, transcultural, and intergenerational system of health education and research. By connecting with communities, industries, and global partners, we strive to co-create a sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered future of health and well-being for all.

Professor Jin-Ding Lin, Ph.D.

Dean

College of Health and Welfare

MacKay Medical University