It was hard to believe that my last visit to Shenzhen had been nearly three decades ago, in 1996. I can barely remember what the city looked like at that time, and witnessing its remarkable transformation today has been truly inspiring.
This July, during my trip to Hong Kong to visit family and friends, I had the privilege of visiting Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (SSPH) and meeting Prof. Pan Li Tao in her clinic for a meaningful exchange of ideas.
SSPH, also known as Shenzhen University First Affiliated Hospital, is a leading Grade IIIA public teaching hospital affiliated with Shenzhen University. It serves as one of Shenzhen’s major centres for clinical care, medical education, scientific research, rehabilitation, preventive medicine, and public health services.
Prof. Pan is a Chief Physician and Director of the Department of Acupuncture and Tuina, while also holding leadership roles in Preventive Medicine and Health Management. Since completing her PhD, she has dedicated more than two decades to the hospital, making significant contributions to clinical practice, research, and the advancement of integrative medicine.
Earlier this year, in March, Prof. Pan delivered a lecture on the role of TCM in the management of lung cancer. Her evidence-informed approach and clinical insights into integrative cancer care left a profound impression on me. Her extensive knowledge, clinical experience, and commitment to patient-centred care were both inspiring and thought-provoking. It was this lecture that motivated me to seek the opportunity to meet her in person during my visit to China.
During our discussion, we explored a wide range of topics, including the integration of TCM with conventional oncology, the role of prevention, personalised treatment approaches, and the future development of acupuncture research. It was a valuable opportunity to exchange insights with a highly respected clinician and researcher whose dedication and contributions continue to advance the field of integrative medicine.
Although it was only a brief visit, my conversation with Prof. Pan left a lasting impression. Her insights broadened my perspective on integrative healthcare and encouraged me to further reflect on how TCM can continue to evolve alongside modern medicine, creating new possibilities for patient-centred care.
