In accordance with the Management Measures for the Selection of Young and Middle-aged Experts with Outstanding Contributions Recognized by NHC, the National Health Commission (NHC) organized the selection activity for the 10th Young and Middle-aged Experts with Outstanding Contributions Recognized by NHC. Through a series of recommendations and evaluations, a total of 103 young and middle-aged experts nationwide have been recognized with this prestigious honor, wherein President Li Zhihong was included. He becomes the 8th expert from Second Xiangya Hospital to receive this distinguished recognition. It is worth noting that two experts from Hunan Province have been selected this year.

The title of “Young and Middle-aged Experts with Outstanding Contributions Recognized by NHC” aims to commend young and middle-aged professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the health system, resulting in significant social and economic benefits. Professor Li Zhihong currently serves as the Member of Standing Committee of CPC Committee, Vice President of Central South University, and President of Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, First-level Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, Head of the National Clinical Evaluation Technology Platform for New Drug Development, Director of the Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, and Director of Hunan Engineering Research Center for Artificial Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment Equipment.

Devoted to orthopedics for 27 years, Professor Li has been working in the forefront of health care for a long time, focusing on the bottleneck in the diagnosis and treatment of bone tumors. With the support of various projects such as a major project of the National Science and Technology, three projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, one major project of the Hunan Province Science and Technology, and three provincial key R&D projects, Professor Li has conducted systematic research on the pathogenesis and drug resistance mechanism of bone and soft tissue sarcoma. He has made innovative contributions by developing targeted drug delivery systems and creating PDX (patient-derived xenografts) models. Furthermore, he has played a pivotal role in establishing a national major disease drug development platform and a provincial smart medical infrastructure. Engaged in hospital management for more than 10 years, Professor Li serves as a deputy to the National People's Congress, representing the medical field. He actively advocates for healthcare system reform, the improvement of public health facilities, and advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. He has participated in research of legislative items and has put forth 21 relevant proposals. Notably, several of his proposals have been incorporated into important healthcare laws, such as the Basic Medical and Health Care and Health Promotion Law.