The 22nd Annual Chia Family Health Fellowship Virtual Conference was successfully held on March 22nd. Co-hosted by the Yale-China Association and the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, the conference focused on the theme "Advancing Health Service Research to ImprovePopulation Health".

Key figures including Douglas Chia, head of the Chia Family Foundation Health Fellowship Program, Drake Pike, Board Chair of Yale-China Association, John Frisbie, President of Yale-China Association, Barry Wu, chair of Yale-China Health Committee, Bob Rohrbaugh, Vice Dean of Yale School of Medicine, Cong Xiaomei and LaRon Nelson, Vice Deans of Yale School of Nursing, Xie Baosheng, Vice President of Kunming Medical University, Chen Xiang, Executive Vice President of Central South University and Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine, Li Xuejun, Vice Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine, Professor Cao Ya of Xiangya School of Medicine, Xiao Yang, Vice President of the Second Xiangya Hospital, and Chia scholars from both Xiangya System and Kunming Medical University attended the conference.

Chen Xiang, Executive Vice President, delivered the opening speech, highlighting the pivotal role of the Chia Family Fellowship program in promoting health development and nurturing health professionals since its inception in 1998. He noted that 47 female specialists from Xiangya have pursued further studies at Yale University, playing a critical role in discipline construction and mentoring young faculty members. He highlighted Central South University's longstanding commitment to healthcare talent cultivation and research, noting that recent exchanges have bolstered collaboration with Yale University and the Yale-China Association. Looking ahead, Chen expressed the university's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Chia Family Fellowship program, fostering exchanges and partnerships in the medical field between China and the United States, and collectively driving forward healthcare development.

Vice President Xie Baosheng extended his appreciation to the Yale-China Association and Yale University for their support in nurturing talent at Kunming Medical University. He also expressed a desire for this year's conference to serve as a platform for deepening collaboration with American institutions, universities, and Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University. Such collaboration, he emphasized, would foster greater exchange and cooperation in medical education and healthcare between China and the United States.

President John Frisbie addressed the vital importance of collaboration between the United States and China across various domains including medical education, research, healthcare, and health promotion. He highlighted the positive impact of training over 130 healthcare professionals, leading to significant advancements in patient care. President Frisbie also made special mention of the 110th anniversary of Xiangya School of Medicine this year, expressing eagerness for future collaborations and eagerly anticipating reunions with old friends at events such as the 110th-anniversary celebrations of Xiangya School of Medicine and recent exchanges in New Haven.

Vice President Xiao Yang highlighted the long-standing and close relationship between Xiangya and Yale University, characterized by extensive and enduring exchanges. She noted the Chia Health Fellowship program as a significant outcome of their collaboration, having jointly trained 73 scholars since its inception. Among them, 12 outstanding scholars from the Second Xiangya Hospital have become pivotal figures in hospital development. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chia Family Foundation, the Yale-China Association, and Yale University for their unwavering support.

During the conference, Chia scholars from Xiangya School of Medicine and Kunming Medical University shared their clinical experiences, research findings, and insights on the theme of "Advancing Health through Medical Research" through specialized presentations.

In his closing speech, Vice Dean Li Xuejun emphasized Xiangya's commitment to furthering and deepening cooperation with the Chia Family project in the future. They plan to continue sending more outstanding medical personnel for advanced studies at Yale University. Moreover, Xiangya intends to explore innovative collaboration and exchange models, aiming to provide better services and achieve tangible outcomes from international cooperation. These efforts aim to genuinely benefit patients and the public while enhancing the reputation and strength of both the hospitals and the School.

(Reviewed by: Shi Zhanyi, Li Ruijun, Li Xuejun)