Global force against disease

Founded by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1921, PUMCH is a testament to the long-standing and ongoing cooperation between the two countries and has been fostering exchanges over the years.

"For the young US doctors, this experience allowed them to understand how different countries approach medicine and conduct research," Guo said. "It helped them realize that in the process of medical education, they can gain knowledge within a variety of cultural contexts."

Hui Shangyi, an attending physician in the anesthesiology department at PUMCH, pointed out that, in addition to the exchange event in Kuliang, the hospital has been actively fostering collaborations with medical institutions in the US.

"We send doctors to each other's hospital to share ideas and explore possibilities for future cooperation," she said.

This year, Guo has visited the US twice for medical and academic exchanges. During his visits, he learned about the curricular reform measures at the University of Michigan Medical School and observed the thoracic surgery department at the University of Chicago, where he noted their effective integration of in-school education and postgraduate medical training.

"The training period for medical professionals is relatively long because they learn through practice. This is a common problem that both countries face," said Guo.

He believes that by cooperating and constantly exchanging ideas in medical education, it's possible to "improve efficiency and safety during training".

On the US side, Walker mentioned that a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic near his hometown of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, has been gaining popularity, with many locals seeking remedies for issues like asthma.