Dr. Lu Lungen
Director of Gastroenterology, M.D., Chief Physician/Professor (Level II), Doctoral Supervisor/Postdoctoral Supervisor

Professional Positions:

• Deputy Chairman, Liver Disease Society, Chinese Medical Association

• Past Chairman, Shanghai Liver Disease Society

• Vice President, Shanghai Medical Doctor Association Gastroenterology Branch

• Deputy Chairman, Oncology Hepatology Society, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association

• Committee Member, Chinese Medical Doctor Association Gastroenterology Branch

• Council Member, China Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control

• Deputy Dean, Institute of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Awards and Honors:

• Special Allowance from the State Council

• Inaugural "National Renowned Physician"

• Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leader

• Shanghai Leading Talent

Research Leadership:

• Principal Investigator for 9 national projects:

• Ministry of Science and Technology (863, 973, 11th, 12th, 13th Five-Year Plans, Major New Drug Development Project)

• 7 National Natural Science Foundation of China grants

• 8 Shanghai Municipal Research Projects

Education and Mentorship:

• Supervised over 80 master's, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows

Clinical Expertise:

• Specializes in diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary, pancreatic, esophageal, and gastrointestinal diseases.

Preface

When I first met him, he wore a white coat and spoke with a faint regional accent, instantly inspiring a sense of security. This is a refined medical scientist. On the path of gastroenterology, he is like a steadfast traveler, using a heart attuned to life to listen carefully and observe the stories of every patient. His early life experiences endowed him with profound humanistic sentiments, fostering an extraordinary understanding and appreciation for life. From a young age, he resolved to dedicate himself to medicine, hoping to bring light to more lives through his efforts. His drive to delve into digestive and liver disease research stems primarily from a deep empathy and strong sense of responsibility toward patients.

In every interaction with patients, he listens intently absorbs their stories, sharing their pain. He believes that behind each patient lies a unique narrative, and analyzing these stories can aid in their healing. He understands that treatment is not merely about alleviating suffering but also about instilling courage and hope in patients’ lives. Under his leadership, the Department of Gastroenterology at Shanghai General Hospital has continuously advanced, excelling in clinical practice and achieving remarkable breakthroughs in scientific research, earning widespread recognition from domestic and international peers.

He consistently encourages young professionals, providing them with platforms and upholding an unwavering commitment to the Heritage of medical knowledge. With his vast experience and profound expertise, he guides their growth. His vision for the future reflects not only his passion for medical enterprise but also his profound concern for human health. This is a responsibility rooted in his soul and a lifelong promise.

My Way Being a Doctor

Duduo Town, Xinghua City – the hometown of Lu Lungen, a water town nestled in the southeastern part of Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province. Each morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the mist, villagers in Caolizhuang begin their daily labors. Surrounded by lush green rice paddies interlaced with clear irrigation canals, the waters reflect the blue sky and drifting clouds. Occasionally, ducks frolic in the water, rippling the serene surface. Most houses in the village are made by woods with traditional tiled roofs. Courtyards are planted with vegetables and fruits, while chickens and ducks peck leisurely in the yards. At dusk, the golden glow of the setting sun bathes every corner of the village, draping the land in a gilded cloak. After a day’s work, villagers return home, and smoke curls from rooftops, merging with the twilight—a tranquil and idyllic rural scene!

Xinghua boasts a profound literary heritage, renowned as the "Home of Chinese Novels." Three of China’s four great classical novels are deeply connected to this land. Shi Nai'an, author of Water Margin (Shui Hu Zhuan), and Luo Guanzhong, author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms (San Guo Yan Yi), once lived here. Li Chunfang, marked as "Huayang Dongtian Zhuren" in various editions of Journey to the West (Xi You Ji), served as its editor. Additionally, Lu Xixing, author of Investiture of the Gods (Feng Shen Yan Yi), was born in Xinghua.

Lu Lungen grew up amidst stories recounted by his elders. As a child, tales from classics like Water Margin, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Investiture of the Gods, and Wildfire and Spring Breeze in the Ancient City echoed in his ears. Every character and story came alive, fueling his imagination. He even dreamed of becoming a novelist, weaving his own vivid world with words. However, reality was harsh. In the 1970s, most Chinese families, including his, struggled with poverty. Hunger, tattered clothing, and freezing winters were common, and education was a luxury. Yet Lu’s parents sacrificed relentlessly, saving every penny and borrowing money to support his studies. For young Lu, the greatest ambition was to succeed academically and shoulder the responsibility of supporting his family.

In 1982, during college entrance exams, Lu aspired to become a Chinese teacher, merging his childhood love for literature with a desire to inspire students. However, fate had a different path. He was accepted into Yangzhou University School of Medicine, embarking on a journey in medicine. Recalling this shift, Lu said, "When I graduated high school in 1982, college entrance exams were fiercely competitive—only a handful in my class succeeded. I felt privileged to enter medical school."

During his studies, Lu integrated his literary passion into medicine. He discovered that medicine, like literature, demands meticulous observation and profound understanding of life. He dedicated himself to medical research, aiming to convey compassion through his work. Five years of rigorous study at Yangzhou University laid a solid foundation. Graduating at the top of his class, he faced another pivotal choice: return home as a rural doctor or pursue advanced studies.

Hesitant, he sought guidance from his mentor, Sun Yingfen. "Medicine is a vast discipline," she advised. "To excel, you must seek higher learning." Her words clarified his path. Determined to master advanced medical knowledge and bring hope to more people, he chose to pursue a master’s degree.

Reflecting on those arduous years, Lu recalled, "While others watched movies or played basketball after class, I studied late into the night in libraries and classrooms. Hospital office became my second classrooms. Regardless of freezing winters or scorching summers, my thirst for knowledge burned bright."

Dream Chaser

Hard work pays off. 

In 1987, Lu Lungen finally achieved his dream by passing the entrance examination for a master’s degree at Nanjing Medical University. Under the mentorship of renowned professor Xu Bingdong, he specialized in molecular pathology research of liver cancer. There, he truly experienced both the joy and challenges of scientific inquiry. He devoted countless hours in the laboratory, working closely with various instruments and data. The repetitive experiments and occasional failures honed his rigorous scientific thinking and steadfast experimental skills. To his delight, he discovered that scientific exploration shared creative similarities with literary pursuits—both demanded relentless pursuit and sudden flashes of insight.

After completing his master’s degree in 1990, Lu returned to Yangzhou Medical College with rich knowledge and skills acquired from Nanjing. There, he engaged in teaching and clinical pathology, educating young medical students while continuously applying and verifying theoretical knowledge in diagnosis and treatment. Six years of teaching deepened his understanding of medical theories and refined his pedagogical abilities. However, Lu never ceased his quest for knowledge. “In medicine, I’m never content with the status quo. My intellectual curiosity constantly drives me to explore new frontiers,” he reflected. Comfortable routines were never his aspiration. Yearning for continuous breakthroughs, he resolved to pursue a doctoral degree, seeking authoritative knowledge to scale new heights in medicine. Fully aware of the challenges—arduous study and sleepless nights—he embraced them wholeheartedly, knowing this relentless pursuit gave profound meaning to his life.

1996 marked a pivotal turning point in Lu’s career. He applied to three doctoral programs: Gastroenterology at Shanghai Second Medical University (now Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), Dermatology and Venereology at Nanjing Medical University, and Oncology at Zhejiang Medical University (now Zhejiang University School of Medicine). Remarkably, he ranked first in all three entrance examinations. After careful consideration, Lu chose to join Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease at Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Second Medical University, becoming a doctoral student under eminent hepatology expert Professor Zeng Minde.

During his doctoral studies, Lu focused on fatty liver and hepatic fibrosis research. He spent extensive hours in the laboratory, conducting numerous experiments and data analyses to explore disease mechanisms and potential therapies. Professor Zeng’s guidance and broad vision greatly inspired him, leading to significant academic progress. After earning his doctorate in 1999, Lu joined the Department of Gastroenterology at Renji Hospital. Balancing clinical duties with ongoing research, he applied academic insights to clinical practice while advancing medical frontiers.

Lu regards his time at Renji Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department as crucial and unforgettable. As one of China’s top gastroenterology centers, it provided an exceptional platform where he received guidance from leading experts including Professors Xiao Shudong, Zeng Minde, Qiu Dekai, Li Jiqiang, and Shi Yao. “My research here focused on liver diseases, giving me completely new perspectives on gastroenterology and hepatology,” Lu recalled. “My doctoral studies enriched me theoretically while expanding my horizons through research practice.”

His outstanding performance earned multiple honors including the Wang Kuancheng Scholarship, Meiji Dairy Life Science Award, and Kuang Ankun Scholarship. These accolades recognized his dedication and encouraged future endeavors. Beyond professional growth, Lu gained deeper understanding of medical ethics and compassionate care.

Building on his achievements in gastroenterology, Lu secured an invaluable opportunity for advanced training at University Hospital Tübingen in Germany. This international experience broadened his academic vision, exposing him to cutting-edge developments in digestive diseases. Upon returning, he actively implemented these insights into clinical and research work, further enhancing China’s medical practice.

New GI Force of Gongji Hospital

In 2009, Lu Lungen was recruited as an outstanding talent to the Department of Gastroenterology at Shanghai General Hospital and appointed as its director. Upon assuming this role, he dedicated himself to the discipline’s development, driving coordinated progress in clinical care, education, and research. Consistently prioritizing patient outcomes, he introduced and promoted new technologies and protocols to enhance service quality and efficiency.

“Shanghai General Hospital is one of the city’s oldest medical institutions. Our gastroenterology department was established in 1985 by Professor Xie Ning Wu. After half a century of collective efforts by generations of specialists, the discipline entered a new phase of development. Though many renowned experts competed for the directorship at that time, I was fortunate to be selected, thanks to the trust and recognition from hospital leadership and colleagues. Time flies—sixteen years have passed, and I take pride in our department’s numerous achievements during this period.”

Over the years, Lu has shuttled between the hospital’s Hongkou, Songjiang, and Jiangqiao campuses, conducting expert consultations and ward rounds. He has treated patients nationwide, addressing complex conditions with a compassionate approach. “I want every patient to leave my office with reassurance,” he often says. “Understanding the challenges of seeking medical care, I find meaning in alleviating their anxieties.” This patient-centered philosophy has earned him widespread acclaim.

Beyond clinical duties, Lu oversees administrative and academic work. Under his leadership, the department has consistently earned top annual evaluations and grown into a key hospital discipline. Now a leading expert in gastroenterology, Lu remains committed to medical exploration: “While we’ve made progress, medicine knows no bounds. I wish to devote my life to advancing this field.”

As an educator, Lu mentors over 80 postgraduate students, stating, “Watching my students become pillars at various hospitals brings parental pride.” Despite his packed schedule, he dedicates evenings and weekends to research, guiding young scholars: “I hope more youths will carry forward this mission.” His perseverance has secured multiple national key research projects, including major drug development initiatives and National Natural Science Foundation grants.

Honors have followed—Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leader (2009), Shanghai Leading Talent (2014), and State Council Special Allowance (2016). “These accolades motivate greater social responsibility,” Lu reflects. His research breakthroughs, including a National Science and Technology Progress Award, have yielded over 30 monographs and 600 papers (160 SCI-indexed). Currently leading phase II/III trials for a first-in-class anti-fibrotic drug across 40 hospitals, he shares: “If successful, this could offer new hope globally for hepatic fibrosis patients.”

Simultaneously, he pioneers research on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease treatment using gastric bypass stents—“an exciting frontier that may revolutionize management of metabolic liver disorders and obesity.”

Marking Shanghai General Hospital’s 160th anniversary in 2024, Lu expresses confidence: “Over my 16 years here, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth. May our hospital continue to lead in medical innovation, benefiting more patients worldwide.”

From wide-eyed medical student to eminent specialist, Lu’s four-decade journey intertwines scientific rigor with humanistic care. “Healing is my lifelong pursuit,” he concludes, “and the privilege of continuous learning within this mission brings deepest fulfillment.” His story stands as both personal triumph and beacon for future generations in medicine.

ShanghaiDoctor：In your opinion, what qualities should a qualified gastroenterologist possess?

Dr. Lu Lungen：

A gastroenterologist must possess comprehensive clinical competence, as digestive system disorders encompass a broad spectrum. We encounter not only primary gastrointestinal pathologies but also conditions extending to endocrine, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems, necessitating interdisciplinary foundational knowledge. My primary clinical research focus and expertise lie in hepatic diseases—particularly liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease, and biliary disorders—where a robust command of these areas is essential. Crucially, physicians require humanistic literacy, demonstrating the capacity for empathy and effective communication with patients. This triad of clinical versatility, specialized expertise, and compassionate care defines excellence in our field.

ShanghaiDoctor：What are the future directions for research on digestive system diseases？

Dr. Lu Lungen：

Future research directions in digestive system diseases will primarily focus on two major domains: non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases.

In non-neoplastic diseases, key areas of investigation include fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, severe acute pancreatitis, and liver failure—conditions that currently lack effective therapeutic agents or methods.

For neoplastic diseases, as the digestive tract represents a primary site of cancer development, research priorities center on developing novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and chemotherapeutic agents. These advancements are expected to expand treatment options and improve clinical outcomes across digestive system pathologies.

ShanghaiDoctor：As a graduate mentor, what are your teaching philosophies？

Dr. Lu Lungen：

As a graduate mentor, I adhere to rigorous scientific training and strict adherence to academic integrity while providing students with broader perspectives and robust support. I encourage them to conduct extensive literature reviews and actively participate in both clinical and research endeavors. This approach to mentorship, I believe, enables students to thrive in the evolving landscape of medical science.

ShanghaiDoctor：During your medical career, what unforgettable patient stories stand out to you?

Dr. Lu Lungen：

The Department of Gastroenterology at Shanghai First People’s Hospital encounters numerous rare and uncommon cases daily. One particularly memorable recent case involved a patient in his 40s from Wenzhou who presented with persistent facial hyperpigmentation and abnormal liver function. After unsuccessful evaluations at multiple hospitals across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, our team diagnosed him with hereditary hemochromatosis. We promptly initiated phlebotomy therapy, resulting in significant clinical improvement. Such cases—frequent in our practice—stand as a testament to the trust physicians and patients nationwide place in our diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic expertise.

ShanghaiDoctor：How did you become the associate editor-in-chief of the Chinese Journal of Hepatology?

Dr. Lu Lungen：

My appointment as Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Journal of Hepatology reflects both the trust of my peers and collective recognition in the advancement of our discipline. While this honors my professional contributions to liver disease research and editorial work with the journal, it ultimately stems from the enduring support and trust of colleagues across the field.

ShanghaiDoctor：What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of work?

Dr. Lu Lungen：

My professional life is deeply fulfilling, with the majority of my time dedicated to clinical practice, scientific research, and medical education. Despite the demanding schedule, I maintain an enduring passion for my work and never perceive it as burdensome. In truth, my career and personal life have become seamlessly integrated—a symbiosis that fuels both my professional achievements and personal growth.

Editor: Qing Chen, ShanghaiDoctor.cn

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