Pan Ruipeng (1924-2007), Professor of Internal Medicine, Vice Director of the Internal Medicine Teaching and Research Institute 

Introduction

A master of hematology, he forged an enduring legacy in the fields of hematology and oncology through his exceptional intellect and relentless dedication. He was an outstanding scholar and a compassionate mentor who selflessly imparted his knowledge to future generations.

His life’s journey was one of challenges and exploration, with each step reflecting a profound reverence for life and a passion for medicine. Amid turbulent times, he remained true to a healer’s calling, bringing hope to patients through his benevolent heart and skilled hands.

As China’s era of Reform and Opening-up began, he was like a courageous navigator, steering the field of medicine through uncertainty toward new horizons. In this age of opportunity and challenge, he established the hematology program at Renji Hospital as a beacon of excellence.

His life was defined by a ceaseless pursuit of knowledge in hematology, embodying the highest principles of medical skill and ethical practice.

The Path to Medicine

Pan Ruipeng was born in Shanghai in July 1924, during a period of great social turmoil in China. The early 20th century was marked by the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the establishment of the Republic, and widespread political and economic upheaval. During the Second World War and the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, societal instability and economic hardship profoundly impacted the nation.

In this environment, modern medicine, influenced by the West, was gradually becoming a cornerstone of Chinese medical education. Despite the frequent warfare, medical training and research persisted, with a new generation of doctors receiving Western-style training that contributed to the modernization of medicine in China.

From a young age, Pan Ruipeng demonstrated a strong academic aptitude. Influenced by his family and social environment, he developed an early interest in medicine, recognizing it as a discipline that integrated both science and the humanities.

In 1942, he began his medical studies at St. John’s University in Shanghai, attending first the School of Science and then the School of Medicine. St. John’s was one of China’s earliest institutions for Western-style medical education, known for its advanced facilities and international curriculum. Pan Ruipeng received a systematic and comprehensive medical education, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1946 and graduating with a Doctor of Medicine in 1949, laying a solid foundation for his career.

In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded, presenting new opportunities and challenges as the nation began to rebuild. Pan Ruipeng held positions at St. John’s University and Hongren Hospital before joining Renji Hospital, Shanghai’s oldest hospital.

Pioneer of Hematology Research in China

In June 1950, the Korean War erupted. In 1952, responding to a national call, Pan Ruipeng joined the Shanghai Volunteer Medical Surgical Team for the Korean War, serving briefly in Changchun where he and his teammates provided critical medical support.

Upon his return to Shanghai, Pan Ruipeng focused on advancing the Department of Internal Medicine at Renji Hospital. He helped establish the Internal Medicine Laboratory and the Hemocyte Laboratory, providing the hospital with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

In 1955, he pioneered research in hemocyte morphology using phase-contrast microscopy, a high-precision instrument that was still in its infancy in China. His detailed studies of blood cells using this advanced technology opened a new chapter in Chinese hematology. In 1960, he became Director of the Clinical Laboratory Department, further elevating the hospital’s medical standards.

While conducting his own research, Pan Ruipeng was dedicated to bringing international knowledge to China. He co-translated Atlas of Hematology and Cytology by L. Hellmeyer and H. Bergman with Professor Ouyang Rongrong. This work systematically detailed the morphology of blood cells and the cytological characteristics of various diseases. The translation was a significant milestone, enabling Chinese doctors to stay current with international advancements and standardizing the discipline in China.

In 1961, Pan began researching blood cell genetics techniques, a new direction in the Chinese medical community. These methods, including cytogenetic analysis and later molecular techniques like FISH and flow cytometry, allow scientists to study the genetic and chromosomal abnormalities underlying blood disorders. His work opened up a new frontier for Chinese hematology research, offering new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment.

In 1962, his research expanded to include autologous bone marrow transplantation and fetal liver hematopoietic cell transplantation—areas at the very forefront of medicine in China at the time. In the 1960s, both technologies were in their early, experimental stages, facing significant technical challenges and limited clinical application. Pan’s exploration of these fields was groundbreaking.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated specialty, Pan Ruipeng and Professor Ouyang Rongrong co-founded the Department of Hematology at Renji Hospital in 1956. This was a landmark achievement, filling a critical gap in domestic medicine and establishing hematology as an independent discipline in China.

Building the department from scratch was an immense challenge. Post-war China faced severe resource shortages, a lack of specialized talent, and limited funding. Nevertheless, under their leadership, the department developed rapidly, becoming a national pioneer in hematology research and treatment. It focused on both clinical care and scientific research, achieving remarkable results. Pan Ruipeng’s leadership earned the department a strong domestic and international reputation, setting a powerful example for future generations.

Foundational Work and Perseverance

Pan Ruipeng was known for his meticulous approach. He conducted in-depth studies on blood cell morphology and integrated his findings with clinical practice, laying the groundwork for future advancements in transplantation technology. These research efforts steadily propelled progress in China’s hematology field.

Building on this research, Pan Ruipeng, along with Huang Mingxin and Tang Jingyi, co-published the “Preliminary Report on Fetal Hematopoietic Tissue Transplantation” in 1963. This report presented initial findings and provided a basis for further research, opening new avenues for understanding blood system development and treatment.

In 1963, Pan Ruipeng formally established the Department of Hematology at Renji Hospital, and in 1969, a specialized hematology ward was officially opened. Despite the significant challenges previously faced—such as resource scarcity and a lack of specialized talent—the department thrived under his leadership. It became a pioneer in hematology research and treatment, achieving remarkable results and earning a strong reputation both domestically and internationally.

Despite the profound disruptions of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Pan Ruipeng and his team persevered, working to maintain and advance their hematology research as much as possible. They continued to explore and innovate amidst adversity, making unremitting contributions to Chinese medicine.

In 1970, Pan was appointed Director of the Department of Hematology at Renji Hospital. Under his leadership, the department expanded its research capabilities. He established the Hemocyte Laboratory, which provided a more professional environment for hematology research, and founded the Renji Leukemia Research Laboratory, which offered crucial support for leukemia diagnosis and treatment.

In 1978, Pan participated in re-establishing the Department of Hematology, became Director of the Leukemia Research Laboratory at the former Shanghai Second Medical University, and served as Vice Director of the Internal Medicine Teaching and Research Section.

During this period, Pan also focused on applying research with Chinese characteristics to clinical practice. In 1974, while treating acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, he pioneered the clinical use of a new drug, cephalotaxine. Derived from a natural plant compound, its mechanism interferes with the division of cancer cells. The application of this drug achieved remarkable efficacy and was adopted nationwide, bringing new hope to many leukemia patients. This achievement highlighted Pan’s outstanding ability to translate research into clinical applications.

A New Era of Research and Accomplishment

In late 1978, China’s period of Reform and Opening-up began. This historic shift revitalized scientific research, fostering a more open environment and creating unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration. Pan Ruipeng and his team were poised to take full advantage of this new landscape.

Building on his work, Pan launched a landmark project in 1979: the establishment of the Leukemia Research Laboratory, affiliated with the former Shanghai Second Medical University. Pan and his team dedicated themselves to in-depth epidemiological investigations to better understand leukemia’s incidence and distribution.

Initially, the lab focused on improving chemotherapy methods. Pan and his team shifted from single-drug therapy to more effective combination regimens. This approach achieved remarkable results, with a complete remission rate exceeding 90% in adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia treated with a combination of vincristine and prednisone.

To strengthen basic research, Pan led the “Mouse Ascitic Leukemia Model 7712” project, which won the Third Prize for Major Scientific and Technological Achievement of Shanghai in 1980. This model provided an important experimental platform for studying leukemia under controlled conditions.

In 1981, Pan published “Analysis of 33 Cases of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia and Observation of the Efficacy of Cephalotaxine,” summarizing years of clinical experience and offering valuable references for improving treatment protocols.

In 1982, he co-authored a paper on the clinical application of hematopoietic stem cell culture, sharing results with peers and exploring its potential in treating blood diseases. The following year, he co-published another paper on hematopoietic stem cell culture and T-lymphocyte subsets in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, providing important data for understanding the disease’s pathogenesis and prognosis.

In 1983, Pan’s research on the “Blood Component Separator and Application Technology” won the First Prize for Scientific and Technological Achievement from the Ministry of Health. This innovation provided an essential tool for clinical treatment and research, improving both research precision and patient outcomes.

In 1984, Pan published “On the Diagnosis and Classification of Leukemia,” a paper that systematically outlined diagnostic criteria and classification methods. His proposed improvements were significant for increasing the accuracy of leukemia diagnosis and provided a scientific basis for individualized treatment plans. The paper was highly influential within China’s medical community. The following year, he published “The Viral Etiology of Leukemia,” exploring new hypotheses about the viral causes of the disease.

Following the Reform and Opening-up, Pan’s accomplishments were widely recognized. He held prominent positions, including Vice Chairman of the Hematology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and Chairman of the Shanghai Medical Association’s Hematology Branch. He published over 68 academic papers, co-authored 21 monographs, and received numerous municipal and national awards, including a Certificate of Honor for Forty Years of Service from the State Education Commission. His efforts significantly advanced hematology, oncology, and medical education in China.

Being a Good Doctor for a Lifetime

Pan Ruipeng was deeply committed to passing on the ethos of medicine and cultivating virtue in the next generation of physicians.

In his later years, he reflected deeply on his life, seeking ways to share his experience and wisdom with future generations. He published his reflections in 1997 and 2001.

Pan Ruipeng often quoted a principle that shaped his career: “To be a doctor for a lifetime, one must be a student for a lifetime.” He first heard this from a urology professor at Renji Hospital early in his career, and it left a lasting impression.

He understood that medicine is a constantly evolving science, with new discoveries and technologies emerging endlessly. He believed that continuous learning was essential for doctors to keep pace with these advancements. For Pan, this was not just a matter of personal growth but a professional responsibility to patients, whose lives and health are in their hands.

He advised young doctors to read daily, to maintain a thirst for knowledge, and to reflect on their own shortcomings. He emphasized that continuous learning enhances professional standards and allows doctors to better serve their patients. Pan also stressed the importance of humility, believing that only a humble approach to learning allows one to continuously refine their medical skills.

Pan Ruipeng believed that a doctor must possess both “exemplary medical skills” and “profound medical ethics.” To him, a doctor with exemplary skills had a high level of technical ability, while one with profound ethics demonstrated not only technical excellence but also outstanding professional conduct. He considered these two pillars—skill and ethics—to be indispensable to the medical profession.

Pan pointed out, “There is no limit to skill, nor absolute perfection.” He believed a capable doctor needed solid knowledge, rich experience, and superb ability. Knowledge, he argued, required staying current with global medical trends through continuous education. Experience, on the other hand, was accumulated through practice. He often cited mentors like Professors Zhang Xiaoqian and Snapper to illustrate how hands-on practice sharpens judgment and decision-making. This ability—to make sound judgments and decisive choices in complex situations—was, for Pan, the true test of a great doctor.

Pan encouraged young doctors to continuously strive for excellence, aiming to become physicians who were both highly skilled and deeply ethical. For him, these were the core values of the medical profession, combining superb technical ability with strong integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.

Pan held high hopes for the future of medical education. He hoped it would place greater emphasis on cultivating the comprehensive qualities of a physician, strengthening the focus on practical experience to help doctors build their abilities through hands-on clinical work.

In 2007, Pan Ruipeng passed away at the age of 83. His life was marked by remarkable accomplishments in hematology and oncology. Through his numerous academic papers and monographs, he advanced the development of these disciplines. His contributions left a profound impact on academia and medical education, and his “spirit of a healer” continues to live on as a guiding light within the Department of Hematology at Renji Hospital.

Editor: Chen Qing @ ShanghaiDoctor.cn

Note: Chinese Sources from “The Path of Benevolent Medicine” which was published in 2024. It records 90 important medical figures in the history of Renji Hospital. Yewen Renyi (ShanghaiDoctor.cn) team was one of the major writers of the book and is authorized by Renji hospital to create English version on the website of ShanghaiDoctor.cn