On the evening of December 1st, Beijing time, the University of Michigan Medical School hosted the final report meeting for the Xiangya School of Medicine's 2014 8-Year Medical Student Exchange Program. The event, attended by over 50 participants, featured Joseph C. Kolars, Senior Associate Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, Professor Eugene Chen of the Cardiovascular Medicine Center, mentors from the University of Michigan Medical School, and Xiangya students who participated in the exchange. Xiangya School of Medicine Vice Dean Xuejun Li joined the meeting online, with Professor Chen presiding over the proceedings.

Professor Chen opened the meeting with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to Xiangya School of Medicine, both project teams, and mentors for their robust support. He highlighted the significant recognition and warm welcome Xiangya students received from University of Michigan mentors, anticipating further program optimization and outstanding results through continued collaboration.

Xuejun Li reflected on the exchange, particularly the visit by President Li Jiancheng and the Xiangya medical delegation to the University of Michigan in October. He expressed hope for ongoing collaboration, strengthening ties between the institutions, and laying a foundation for vibrant development in medical education, research, and healthcare.

Joseph C. Kolars acknowledged the resilience of Xiangya students, who overcame challenges to study in the U.S., experience diverse cultures, and appreciate the charm of science. Reflecting on his experiences during two visits to China this year, he considered it the perfect time to deepen collaboration between Chinese and American universities. He expressed anticipation for the University of Michigan to expand the postdoctoral medical exchange program with Xiangya, providing more opportunities for mutual learning between Chinese and American medical students.

During the meeting, students from the 2014 cohort reported on their research outcomes during the exchange at the University of Michigan, addressing questions from Michigan mentors regarding their research.

Since the formal signing of the 8-Year Medical Student Exchange Program agreement in 2014, Xiangya School of Medicine and the University of Michigan Medical School have sent a total of 66 8-Year Medical students to the University of Michigan for joint training over two years. The collaboration will continue to progress, contributing to the outstanding reserve and support of medical talents for the construction of an educationally strong China and a healthy China.

(First Review: Zhou Xingcan, Second Review: Li Ruijun, Third Review: Xuejun Li)