DOCTOR

Dr. Zhang Liang

The "Perfect" Wind Chaser in the Department of Urology

 

Dr.Zhang Liang, Chief Physician of the Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Head of the Renal Tumor Specialty Group. He is a member of the Urology Branch of the First Chinese Medical Doctor Association of Minimally Invasive and Non-invasive Specialties Committee. He was formerly an editorial board member of the Journal of Clinical Urology (Electronic Edition). He is also an expert at the Shanghai Urology Consultation Center. He was a visiting scholar at the School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the United States. He is a specially-appointed expert at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai. He specializes in minimally invasive treatment of renal tumors (including laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries).

As a Chief Physician of the Department of Urology and Head of the Renal Tumor Specialty Group at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhang Liang holds a pivotal position in the field of urology in China. He is also one of the first members of the Urology Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association of Minimally Invasive and Non-invasive Specialties Committee.

Dr. Zhang Liang's academic achievements are equally remarkable. He once served as an editorial board member of the Journal of Clinical Urology (Electronic Edition) and is one of the experts at the Shanghai Urology Consultation Center. His academic vision is not limited to China. He has also conducted academic exchanges as a visiting scholar at the School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), which has further broadened his international perspective and professional depth.

In addition, Dr. Zhang Liang is a specially-appointed expert at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, which indicates that his professional skills have been highly recognized by his peers.

In terms of professional skills, Dr. Zhang Liang is particularly proficient in the minimally invasive treatment of renal tumors, including laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries. In the context of the rapidly evolving medical technology today, this is of great significance. Minimally invasive surgery, characterized by minimal trauma and rapid recovery, brings patients a better treatment experience and therapeutic effect. Dr. Zhang Liang's expertise in this field not only reflects his superb medical skills but also demonstrates his deep concern for the well-being of his patients.

Preface

He, an Artisan of Time, sculpts every urological surgery with masterful skill and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. On this arduous medical journey filled with challenges, he cherishes each patient’s trust with gratitude, drawing strength and enlightenment from every miracle of life. Beneath the surgical shadowless lamp, his world narrows to the patient on the operating table and the instruments in his hands. Time seems suspended, with only the rhythmic beep of the heart rate monitor accompanying his precise movements. Every exact incision and meticulous suture represents both a race against time and a battle against disease.

After completing a day’s surgeries, he would retreat to a quiet corner in the stillness of night, engaging in silent reflection. He revisits each surgical detail and decision, replaying them in his mind. In the ever-evolving field of medicine, he understands that continuous learning is the only path forward. Thus, even late at night, he dedicates time to studying the latest medical literature and surgical techniques, relentlessly refining his expertise. These nocturnal hours transcend mere perseverance—they are moments of contemplation, growth, and intellectual evolution. He believes every midnight effort contributes to better patient care and propels medical progress.

“Of course, I never walk alone. As night descends and hospital lights illuminate our workspace, we recognize this not as an endpoint but as the genesis of teamwork. Within our streamlined team—comprising seasoned physicians, nurses, and technicians—each member is indispensable. Years of collaboration have forged an unspoken synergy and profound trust. In urology, we are both practitioners and dream-chasers. We strive not only for technical excellence but also prioritize patient safety and recovery. Patient-centered care drives us to optimize surgical plans, alleviate suffering, shorten recovery periods, and transform every treatment into a pivotal step toward restored health.”

My Road being a Doctor

Today, Hongkou in Shanghai still retains a strong Shanghai-style charm. In the neighborhoods where the old and the new blend, the elegance and traditions of Western-style, Chinese-style, and Japanese-style buildings are perfectly integrated. This land, which carries history and modernity, the East and the West, is a precious gem of Shanghai. Standing quietly by the banks of the Huangpu River, with its unique rhythm and profound heritage, it has integrated into the lives of countless Shanghainese and become a spiritual symbol in the hearts of countless people.

"My home is in Hongkou District, Shanghai. I was born in Xinhua Hospital. When I was a child, whenever I was ill, my parents would take me to Xinhua Hospital for medical treatment. I think this might be my first impression of doctors and hospitals."

 

In high school, he ranked among the top students in his class. With the advice of his family, during the National College Entrance Examination in 1981, Zhang Liang chose Shanghai Second Medical College.

 

"At that time, my grandfather, parents simply thought that healing the sick and saving lives was a noble profession, so they hoped that I could become a doctor. At that time, I was also young and innocent, and simply chose to enter the medical college."

 

"When I entered the school, its name was still Shanghai Second Medical College, which was divided into departments such as the Department of Clinical Medicine, the Department of Stomatology, and the Department of Pediatrics. Different from the professional focuses of the Department of Stomatology and the Department of Pediatrics, the characteristic of our Department of Clinical Medicine was that the knowledge scope was particularly broad, covering various basic medical courses as well as clinical medical courses such as internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics. At the same time, it focused on the cultivation of clinical medical skills, emphasizing the improvement of practical operation and clinical diagnosis and treatment abilities. We were given more time to participate in clinical internships and practices, so as to adapt to the needs of clinical work more quickly. The Department of Clinical Medicine aimed to cultivate doctors who possessed comprehensive medical theoretical knowledge and clinical operation abilities."

 

During the six years of study in the Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhang Liang absorbed medical knowledge like a sponge. Although he didn't determine his professional direction at the very beginning, deep in his heart, he had already developed a strong interest in surgery.

A Xinhua-Born Uro-Surgon 

"My connection with Xinhua Hospital began from the moment I was born. Looking back on my medical career, I have already spent 38 years here. When I graduated, due to my excellent academic performance, I had the right to make a priority choice. Without hesitation, I chose Xinhua Hospital, which made me feel familiar and cordial. Eventually, as I wished, I entered the surgical department that I loved."

During the rotation training in the general surgery department of Xinhua Hospital, Zhang Liang came into contact with a wide variety of cases. This not only honed his clinical skills but also gave him a clearer understanding of his professional direction. He gradually discovered that "the urology department of Xinhua Hospital in the 1980s held a very strong professional and academic status. It was a field full of challenges and opportunities, and I looked forward to realizing my medical dream here."

The path of practicing in urology is a growth journey woven together by practice, systematic study, and in-depth discussions. On this path, the practical guidance of Professor Ye Min, the systematic teaching in national training courses, and the advanced training in national discussions of difficult and complicated cases complement each other, shaping Zhang Liang's comprehensive professional skills and profound medical literacy.

As Zhang Liang's teacher, Professor Ye Min has provided him with great help in medical skills and even more valuable suggestions in his career development. Under the practical guidance of Professor Ye Min, Zhang Liang delved into the operating room, experiencing the tension and challenges of every surgery firsthand. What he learned from it was not only surgical techniques but also a keen insight into patients and their conditions, as well as precise control over treatments. "Professor Ye Min has extremely strong professional capabilities and comprehensive surgical skills. Following him, I have learned a great deal. He not only taught me surgical techniques but also showed me many methods in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical diseases, from which I have benefited a great deal."

At that time, the methods of academic exchanges were relatively simple, and the main approach was to hold various national training courses related to urology. This provided Zhang Liang with a platform for systematic learning. He not only had the opportunity to meet medical experts from all over the country but also to learn the most cutting-edge medical knowledge and technologies. This kind of systematic learning enabled Zhang Liang to have a deeper understanding of urology and laid a solid foundation for his career. "When I first entered the urology department, Professor Jiang Heming, the director of the department at that time, arranged for me to participate in the national urology training course sponsored by Xinhua Hospital and co-organized by top tertiary hospitals such as Zhongshan Hospital, Huashan Hospital, Renji Hospital, and Ruijin Hospital. As a newly graduated doctor, I was able to systematically learn the professional theoretical knowledge of urology through this training course, which laid a solid foundation for my future clinical work. At that time, information was not as developed as it is now, and many colleagues from other places cherished this one-year learning opportunity very much."

In addition, regularly participating in the discussions of difficult and complicated cases in Shanghai was another important part of Zhang Liang's professional improvement. Here, he had the opportunity to discuss and solve clinical difficult and complicated cases together with well-known experts from top tertiary hospitals. This process broadened Zhang Liang's vision and honed his clinical thinking and problem-solving abilities. "The discussions of difficult and complicated cases are a very precious part of my career. At that time, many cases from the Yangtze River Delta region would be gathered on the platform for difficult and complicated cases. Through the discussion meetings held every Sunday, I have benefited a great deal, which is very important for my professional growth."

Through such a trinity of training, Zhang Liang laid a solid foundation in the professional field of urology and also exercised his abilities in actual combat. In the following dozen or so years, with Zhang Liang's efforts and accumulation, his surgical skills became more and more proficient, which was recognized by patients and affirmed by his colleagues.

With the development of medicine and the iterative update of medical equipment, the urology department, which mainly focused on open surgeries, gradually shifted towards minimally invasive surgical techniques at the beginning of this century. Various new technologies emerged in an endless stream, which made Zhang Liang feel an unprecedented sense of crisis.

In 2004, Zhang Liang, who had already been promoted to chief physician, did not stop moving forward. With his yearning for international advanced medical technologies, he embarked on a journey to the United States. As an outstanding doctor in the urology department of Xinhua Hospital, Zhang Liang was given the opportunity to conduct academic exchanges at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF).

When he first arrived in the United States, Zhang Liang was immediately attracted by the strong academic atmosphere and advanced medical facilities of the American medical center. He cherished this precious opportunity for learning and growth very much.

At UCSF, Zhang Liang deeply participated in a number of academic research projects in urology, especially in minimally invasive surgical techniques. He discussed and studied together with top international medical experts, participated in clinical trials and surgical observations, and was fortunate enough to be exposed to the most advanced medical technologies and concepts in the world. "It gave me a brand-new understanding of the development of urology and a deeper understanding and mastery of the international cutting-edge technologies in urology. Every day in the United States was spent in learning and practice. I shuttled between outpatient clinics, surgeries, ward rounds, laboratories, and various branch hospitals with my supervisor."

Due to limited conditions, Zhang Liang rode a bicycle every day on the winding mountain roads of San Francisco to go to work. Although he was very tired and it was hard work, he felt extremely fulfilled.

Zhang Liang paid special attention to the development of laparoscopic surgical techniques. This technology was driving the minimally invasive process of urological surgeries. Therefore, he decided to start with the basic operations of laparoscopic surgery and learn this new technology comprehensively, striving to bring these technologies back to China to benefit more patients.

Zhang Liang also actively participated in various academic exchange activities. He shared his own experiences and insights with medical colleagues from all over the world and, at the same time, absorbed the advanced concepts of others.

After returning to China upon completing his studies, Zhang Liang began to promote laparoscopic surgery in Xinhua Hospital. This greatly improved the surgical success rate of the hospital at that time and the recovery speed of patients. He also imparted his international vision and advanced concepts to more young doctors, promoting the development of the entire department and even the hospital, and bringing better treatment results to patients.

New Era of Xinhua Urology

In 2022, the arrival of Professor Cui Xingang brought a new atmosphere to the department. Zhang Liang believes that this is also one of the turning points in the development history of the Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital. Under the leadership of Professor Cui Xingang, the urology team of Xinhua Hospital has been able to access more advanced surgical techniques, and the methods of kidney surgery have thus undergone a revolutionary change.

"After Director Cui came, the appearance of our department has taken on a new look. He not only has rich experience in the field of renal tumors but also brought the cutting-edge technology of Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery. Especially for nephron-sparing surgery of complex renal tumors, it requires more delicate handling of blood vessels and the urinary tract, as well as tissue reconstruction, which places extremely high demands on the doctor's technical skills. With the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery technology, the once insurmountable obstacles are gradually being overcome, and it also makes us more proficient in dealing with complex nephron-sparing surgeries. The success rate and safety of the surgeries have been significantly improved."

"Previously, the fate of some renal tumors was to have the kidney removed. But now, we can help patients preserve their organs on the premise of completely removing the tumors, which is really gratifying."

The advantage of robotic-assisted surgery lies in its extremely high precision and control ability, making it possible to perform delicate operations in a narrow surgical space. This not only greatly reduces the trauma to the patient's body during the surgery. The operation time is shortened, the trauma is smaller, the recovery is faster, and the bleeding is less. This not only improves the success rate of the surgery but also greatly enhances the quality of life of the patients.

Under the leadership of Professor Cui Xingang, the number of robotic-assisted surgery cases in the Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital has increased rapidly, covering a variety of diseases ranging from renal tumors to prostate cancer and urothelial carcinoma. "I saw a piece of data a few days ago. The number of Da Vinci kidney surgeries using robots in our Xinhua Hospital has ranked among the top three in Shanghai. This also shows that in the past few years, the nephron-sparing surgeries for renal malignant tumors carried out in our Xinhua Hospital have been very successful, and the nephron-sparing rate has been around 78% for many years."

The sub-specialty team of renal tumors in the Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital has achieved remarkable achievements in the field of urology. Their efforts have not only brought hope and recovery to patients but also laid a solid foundation for the future development of urology.

In addition to renal tumor surgeries, the number of cases of prostate tumor and benign prostate surgeries carried out in Xinhua Hospital has also increased significantly. This reflects the improvement of the department's ability to treat prostate diseases and also shows the trust and recognition of patients in the Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital.

“Perfectism is in my gut”

Zhang Liang's daily work begins early in the morning. He insists on arriving at the ward punctually at 7 o'clock in the morning and starts to conduct a meticulous round of postoperative patients, ensuring that their recovery is continuously monitored and they receive the necessary medical support. For the patients who are going to undergo surgery on that day, he will also conduct a final evaluation and preparation to ensure that each patient can receive the surgery in the best condition.

Before the surgery, Zhang Liang will invest a great deal of time in in-depth analysis and discussion of each case. He is well aware that every surgery is a major commitment to the patient's life. Therefore, he will carefully consider every detail of the surgical plan repeatedly to ensure the scientificity and safety of the surgical plan.

Even if the surgical schedule is fully packed, Zhang Liang will make another round of inspections of the patients in the ward before the end of each day's work. This is not only a reconfirmation of the patients' conditions but also a form of supervision and guidance for the work of the medical team.

Zhang Liang strictly controls every link of the surgery. From the preoperative preparation to the intraoperative operation and then to the postoperative monitoring, he strives for perfection to ensure that patients can receive the highest quality medical services. These daily routine tasks have been carried out day after day for decades.

"Although I pursue perfection, I know that in the medical field, perfection is not always attainable. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the outcome may not be satisfactory. This is not because we don't work hard, but due to the complexity of medicine itself."

In the face of an imperfect outcome, Zhang Liang never gives up. He regards every imperfection as an opportunity for learning and progress, drawing lessons from it and continuously improving his medical skills. "I won't be discouraged by an imperfect result. On the contrary, I will reflect on the entire process and identify areas where I can improve. I believe that every imperfection is a necessary step on the road to perfection."

He is well aware that medical knowledge is updated rapidly. Therefore, Zhang Liang keeps learning the latest medical theories and technologies to ensure that his medical practice always stays at the forefront of the industry.

In Zhang Liang's view, as a doctor, one should not only pursue technical perfection but also pay more attention to the patients' experiences and feelings. He will communicate fully with the patients, understand their needs and expectations, and make them feel at ease throughout the treatment process.

He always adheres to the patient-centered and quality-oriented concept. Zhang Liang believes that every surgery is the practice of this concept. "Surgery is just the implementation of the treatment method, and the core is the manifestation of being responsible for the patient's life. I will do my best to provide the best treatment for the patients so that they can recover their health as soon as possible." This is not only a professional attitude but also a kind of awe for life and the perseverance of the doctor's mission.

"I often tell my students that accepting imperfection and pursuing perfection are not contradictory. As a doctor, one should have the heart to pursue perfection because in your hands is the patient's life and their longing for health. We should do our best to provide them with the best treatment. Although medicine is a discipline with imperfections and there are many unknowns, even so, doctors should still pursue perfection. Because every effort I make may bring better treatment results to the patients."

Zhang Liang has a profound insight into the future development of urology. He believes that with the progress of medical technology, the demand for open surgical treatments in surgery will decrease, and minimally invasive surgeries and robotic surgeries will become the mainstream. Of course, surgeons are still needed, but the number of surgeries may decrease, and doctors will have more time to manage patients meticulously.

Zhang Liang also believes that future urologists need to have solid basic medical knowledge and at the same time possess the ability to reflect and improve themselves. "The foundation must be solid. Being a doctor requires time and energy. Without time investment and an insufficient number of surgeries, the improvement of skills will be limited. Learning to reflect is a necessary task after every surgery."

Having been engaged in medicine for nearly 40 years, Zhang Liang feels that he is lucky. "If I could make a choice again in life, I would still choose Xinhua Hospital and still choose the Department of Urology."

ShanghaiDoctor

You have made remarkable achievements in the medical field and have also done a great deal of work in popularizing medical science. May I ask how you started engaging in the popularization of medical science?

Dr. Zhang Liang

 

In fact, the original intention of engaging in medical science popularization is quite simple. That is, I hope that through easy-to-understand language and methods, patients can have a better understanding of their own diseases and reduce fear and misunderstandings. I believe that knowledge is power. When patients have a deeper understanding of their conditions, they can participate more actively in the treatment process, which is of great help to their recovery.

Excellent and systematic medical science popularization can help patients understand the causes of diseases, treatment methods, and preventive measures. For example, some patients may not pay attention to symptoms such as hematuria due to a lack of relevant knowledge. However, if they learn through science popularization that this may be a sign of a serious disease, they will seek medical treatment in a timely manner. This can not only improve the success rate of treatment but also reduce the suffering of patients.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

I heard that you have a close partnership with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai (Red House). Why did Xinhua Hospital cooperate with the Red House Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital as a supporting unit? What impact has this interdisciplinary cooperation had on your work?

Dr. Zhang Liang

 

Yes, Xinhua Hospital has a good cooperative relationship with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University (Red House Hospital). Especially after their Yangpu Branch was completed. Since they are a specialized hospital, they are in great need of the support provided by the multidisciplinary cooperation of a comprehensive tertiary hospital like our Xinhua Hospital.

The tissues and organs of the urology department and the obstetrics and gynecology department are adjacent in terms of anatomy. Gynecological diseases often involve the urinary system. Therefore, it is necessary for urologists to cooperate and jointly handle these cases to provide the best treatment plan for patients.

This kind of cooperation has greatly enriched my clinical experience and also given me the opportunity to think about problems from different perspectives. At the same time, it has also improved our ability to deal with complex cases and enabled us to provide more comprehensive and accurate treatment for patients.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

What suggestions and expectations do you have for young doctors who are determined to engage in urology?

Dr. Zhang Liang

 

  

Medicine is a profession that requires lifelong learning. Firstly, a solid foundation of basic theoretical knowledge is essential so that one can keep making progress in their future career. Secondly, surgeons should develop the habit of self-criticism and reflection. For every surgery and every treatment, they should seriously summarize and learn from it to grow. Finally, one should have compassion and a sense of responsibility. As doctors, we should not only treat diseases but also care about the patients' feelings and help them regain their health.

I think the most important thing for those studying medicine nowadays is to overcome the mentality of seeking quick success and instant benefits. Medicine is a field that requires patience, meticulousness, and love. Young doctors should be down-to-earth and accumulate experience step by step. At the same time, they should also have the courage to face challenges and failures, which are all indispensable parts of the growth process.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

Doctor Zhang, apart from your busy medical work, what are your personal hobbies? How do you balance your work and personal life?

Dr. Zhang Liang

 

I'm actually a rather simple person, and I've devoted most of my time to my work. I used to be fond of photography, carving, and various sports. However, as my work has become busier and busier, I've gradually given up these hobbies. Nevertheless, I will set aside some time on weekends to watch movies or go swimming to relax.

Being a doctor is a profession with high work intensity and great pressure. Appropriate rest and relaxation are extremely important for ensuring work efficiency and the quality of life. Every year, I will try my best to spare some time for traveling and spending time with my family, which can also help me maintain a better state at work.

·END·

Interviewed by Gong Zhiwei 

Edited by Chen Qing

If you'd like to contact to Dr.Zhang Liang, Please contact us with chenqing@ShanghaiDoctor.cn.

Copyright

This article is original and shall not be reprinted without authorization. If you need to reprint it, please leave a message in the background of [ShanghaiDoctor.cn, Ye Wen Ren Yi].

For authorized use, please indicate: "Source: [Ye Wen Ren Yi],ShanghaiDoctor.cn and the author."

All copyrights of the articles belong to [Ye Wen Ren Yi],ShanghaiDoctor.cn and the author.

Some of the pictures are sourced from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.