From April 12 to 16, 2025, the China-U.S. Youth Health Academic Visit and the U.S.-China Youth Health Dialogue were held in Fujian and Guangdong provinces. These activities were organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and co-organized by several institutions including PUMCH. Young medical professionals from China and the U.S. explored medical frontiers together and renewed the "Bond with Kuliang" through diverse activities including visits and academic seminars.

Altogether 21 medical students from the University of Michigan Medical School and the University of Chicago Medical School participated in this event at the invitation of PUMCH, along with 15 young backbone staff members from PUMCH. Before and after the main activities, multiple medical students from the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan visited PUMCH for exchanges.

Fuzhou Section

Exploring Historical Bonds

▲Dr. Huang Xin, Associate Chief Physician of Breast Surgery, and medical student Maximilian Wagner speaking as representatives of Chinese and American youth

On the 13th, the China-U.S. Youth Health Academic Visit was officially launched at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital. At the launch ceremony, Dr. Huang Xin, Associate Chief Physician of Breast Surgery at PUMCH, and Maximilian Wagner, a medical student from the University of Michigan, spoke as representatives of Chinese and American youth. Dr. Huang noted that both China and the United States have made significant achievements in cancer prevention and treatment, but still face challenges in public health, disease prevention, and healthcare accessibility. She viewed this dialogue as a valuable opportunity for young doctors from both countries to share knowledge and experience and promote clinical collaboration. Maximilian emphasized the rich medical traditions of both nations, noting how they have contributed to groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped modern healthcare systems. He looked forward to both sides working together to explore new ways to advance medicine.

After the launch ceremony, the young representatives from both countries visited Fujian Medical University Union Hospital and Fuzhou Second General Hospital for exchanges and academic presentations.

The Chinese and American youth also visited Kuliang together to trace the origins of the century-old friendship between China and the United States. At Fuzhou's Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a historical and cultural block, they experienced the city's cultural heritage and blend of ancient and modern elements.

Guangzhou Section

Deepening Medical Collaboration

On the 15th, the "Bond with Kuliang" U.S.-China Youth Health Dialogue was held at the Guangzhou campus of Sun Yat-sen University. The event focused on two specialties: "Oncology and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases". Young physicians from both countries, representing institutions including Sun Yat-sen University, Yale University, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on the latest developments in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Zhang Lu, Deputy Director of Hematology at PUMCH, delivered a presentation titled "China and U.S. Working Together to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Castleman Disease—A Young Physician's Perspective", showcasing the series of achievements made through the persistent long-term international engagements of young physicians at PUMCH. His presentation received unanimous praise from the attendees.

▲1: Deputy Director Zhang Lu delivering his keynote speech; 2: The U.S.-China Youth Health Dialogue in progress

On the same day, the Chinese and American youth jointly visited the Sun Yat-sen University History Museum, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, and Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital for tours and panel discussions.

The young participants also traveled to Foshan, another city in Guangdong province, to know more about the traditional Lingnan culture and to experience the richness of Chinese history and cultural heritage.

Beijing Section

Deep Dive into PUMCH

Back in Beijing, the young American doctors visited the PUMCH History Museum to explore PUMCH's legacy of excellence in advancing healthcare and its historical impact on public health in China. They also engaged with clinical teams during visits to the Departments of Cardiology, Dermatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Thoracic Surgery, gaining firsthand insights into PUMCH's approaches to specialty development and patient care.

Medicine knows no borders. For a long time, PUMCH has established close and friendly connections with American institutions such as the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan. This initiative strengthens the professional bonds between emerging medical leaders from both nations while elevating PUMCH's global presence. These connections foster meaningful collaboration in healthcare and advance the broader mission of medical diplomacy between China and the United States.

Written by Hong Chengwei, Yang Yiting, and Chen Jiajing

Reviewed by He Jing

Pictures courtesy of Hong Chengwei, Chen Jiajing, and the Host