On the occasion of the 180th anniversary of Renji Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, the hospital has officially published a biographical-style medical figure book titled “The Path of Benevolent Medicine” (Volumes I and II). This publication aims to inspire the new generation of Renji practitioners to further inherit and promote the spirit of Renji, ensuring that the essence and legacy of Renji are passed down through generations. It seeks to continuously imbue the ethos of “Benevolence in Medicine and Salvation of the World” with new contemporary significance, rallying the collective energy and drive of the Renji community in their endeavors and innovations.

Wen Daxiang, Director of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, wrote the foreword for this book. As the first Western hospital established in Shanghai after its opening as a port, Renji Hospital has weathered 180 years of challenges, steadfastly upholding its mission and responsibility of “Benevolence in Medicine and Salvation of the World.” This spirit has been a powerful driving force for the hospital’s development. In the foreword, Wen Daxiang mentioned, “This book not only documents the achievements and contributions of numerous professors at Renji Hospital since the founding of the People’s Republic of China but also serves as a spiritual epic of the Renji community. It is hoped that the publication of ‘The Path of Benevolent Medicine’ will inspire more medical professionals to inherit and carry forward this spirit, making even greater contributions to the cause of public health.”

This includes a distinguished roster of medical and scientific luminaries who have wielded significant influence both domestically and internationally, such as Professor Ye Yanqing, a pioneer in Chinese orthopedics; Professor Lan Xichun, the founding father of cardiac surgery in China; Professor Huang Mingxin, a giant in the field of internal medicine; Academician Jiang Shaoji, a foundational figure in Chinese gastroenterology; Professor Qin Liangfu, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and innovator in acupuncture anesthesia; Professor Chen Shunle, the founding figure in rheumatology; Academician Gu Jianren, a trailblazer in Chinese cancer gene research; Academician Xia Qiang, a leading figure in contemporary pediatric liver surgery; Academician Chen Guoqiang, a prominent figure in oncology research; and Professor Fang Jingyuan, a master in Chinese gastroenterology.

This book, spearheaded by Renji Hospital’s Party Secretary Zheng Junhua and President Xia Qiang, with Deputy Party Secretary Min Jianying serving as the executive editor, was a collaborative effort between the hospital’s Party Committee Propaganda Department and the “ShanghaiDoctor|Ye Wen Ren Yi” team. Together, they formed a dedicated writing and compilation task force. Over the course of a year and a half, the team visited nearly a hundred medical experts and scientists, amassing a wealth of precious historical materials and reviewing over three million words of documents. Their efforts have culminated in the vivid portrayal of a series of dynamic character portraits.