On March 18th, Wu Minghua, the Executive Vice Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University, led a delegation to Beijing Union Medical College for research and exchanges. They were warmly received by Yao Jianhong, the Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of Peking Union Medical College, along with Zhang Qin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and other relevant department leaders. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions during a seminar.
During the seminar, Yao Jianhong, representing Peking Union Medical College, and on behalf of the President, Academician Wang Chen, expressed a warm welcome and introduced the shared history of Peking Union Medical College with the nation and its dedication to humanity. He pointed out that Xiangya and Peking Union have long been highly esteemed brands in the medical community, with the phrase "South Xiangya, North Peking Union" echoing for nearly a century. Both institutions share similar educational origins and uphold high-quality medical education systems, serving as strong bridges for communication. Notably, Academicians Zhang Xiaoqian and Liu Depei, who had long worked at Peking Union, were both alumni of Xiangya, highlighting the historical ties between the two. Yao emphasized the importance of utilizing historical and cultural resources to uphold moral integrity. He expressed hopes for Peking Union and Xiangya to collaborate in line with the requirements set forth by President Xi Jinping, promoting high-quality education as the lifeline of various levels and types of education. This collaboration aims to propel the modernization of medical education in China, fostering medical professionals of higher standards and quality, who are devoted to the nation's well-being.
At the seminar, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on various aspects such as medical talent cultivation, training of outstanding physicians, construction of high-level faculty teams, interdisciplinary development, integration of basic and clinical sciences, international exchange and cooperation, as well as cultural development. Wu Minghua, representing Xiangya School of Medicine and on behalf of the Executive Vice President Chen Xiang, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) for its steadfast support to Xiangya over the years. Wu Minghua emphasized that medical education serves as the cornerstone of national health and medical development. Medical schools and their affiliated hospitals are crucial bases for nurturing healthcare talents and promoting research innovation. PUMC boasts a long history, renowned scholars, and profound academic accumulation. It has made remarkable achievements in medical education reform, talent cultivation, and research platform construction. As 2024 marks the 110th anniversary of Xiangya School of Medicine, an institution with over a century of history, Wu Minghua expressed hope that both PUMC and Xiangya would continue to enhance communication and cooperation in the new era. They should actively serve the "Healthy China" strategy, contribute to people's well-being, and strive for the realization of "great medicine, great health, and great well-being." This, in turn, would promote the scientific development of medical and health undertakings.
Prior to the meeting, Wu Minghua and her delegation visited Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, the Ninth Hospital of Peking Union Medical College, and the No.1 Auditorium. At Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, Wu Minghua and her team paid their respects to the statue of Mr. Zhang Xiaoqian, the first graduate of Xiangya School of Medicine, a renowned medical educator, and an expert in internal medicine. Mr. Zhang served as a crucial link between both institutions, studying and working at Xiangya from 1914 to 1923 before joining Union Medical College Hospital as the chief resident physician in 1924. During times of national crisis and Xiangya's struggle for survival, Mr. Zhang took on leadership roles from 1937 to 1948 as the Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine, leading its relocation to Guiyang and later to Chongqing. His vision and leadership inspired generations of Xiangya students, guiding them through challenging times. Later, Mr. Zhang went on to work at Union Medical College, further solidifying the bond between the two institutions.
Accompanying Wu Minghua on the visit were Li Shunchang, former Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Central South University, Huang Zhijun, and Zeng Yi, Vice Deans of Xiangya School of Medicine, and Zhou Zhijun, Director of the Department of Laboratory Animals.
(First Review: Li Ruijun; Second Review: Liu Zhisheng; Third Review: Wu Minghua)
