Dr. Li xin

Li Xin, a chief physician at Yueyang Hospital’s dermatology department, specializes in treating psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, vitiligo, herpes zoster, acne, rosacea, hair loss, skin ulcers, and gout using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), integrative TCM and Western medicine approaches. She also performs surgical treatments for skin tumors, benign and malignant skin cancers, axillary osmidrosis, and other skin conditions, and is proficient in diagnosing challenging skin diseases using dermatopathology.

Educational Background:
raduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Specialty: Dermatology with Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

Research Projects:
She has led 15 research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Education, and the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission.

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Preface

Time flows unceasingly, seasons turn in silent rhythm. A decade may seem but a fleeting moment in the grand sweep of history, yet for an individual, it marks the shedding of youthful naivety. For a physician like Li Xin, these ten years have forged him into the cornerstone of his department—a journey of relentless growth and mastery.

Reuniting with Dr. Li Xin feels like witnessing time’s alchemy. The years have deepened his composure and resolve, yet his most defining qualities remain untouched: a humility that grounds him, a smile that radiates warmth, and an unquenchable thirst for progress.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to Professor Li Xin and his team, in collaboration with Dr. Zhu Bo’s research group from Sun Yat-sen University’s First Affiliated Hospital, for their groundbreaking study published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology (a top-tier journal in immunology, ranked Q1 by both CAS and JCR). Their paper, “Targeting STING in dendritic cells alleviates psoriatic inflammation by suppressing IL-17A production,” unveils the pivotal role of the cGAS-STING pathway in psoriatic inflammation and explores STING’s potential as a novel therapeutic target.

“Only the flame of innovation can illuminate the path of tradition,” Dr. Li reflects, his words echoing a profound reverence for the synergy of Eastern and Western medicine. To him, tradition and modernity are not adversaries but complementary forces—two wings lifting the same vision.

“Unity, mutual respect, heritage, and innovation”—these four pillars, championed by his mentor Professor Li Bin and embraced by all in Yueyang Hospital’s dermatology department, are more than ideals; they are a compass for action. Dr. Li Xin believes unity fortifies teamwork, while mutual respect fuels collective growth. In preserving heritage, they honor the essence of traditional Chinese medicine; in pursuing innovation, they boldly venture into the frontiers of modern science.

He envisions the integration of Eastern and Western medicine as a dialogue across time—ancient wisdom conversing with cutting-edge technology, traditional therapies intertwining with contemporary practices. Through collaborative effort, his team continuously refines treatments and optimizes care, striving to offer patients holistic, evidence-based solutions.

Today, the department thrives as a dynamic learning community. Regular academic seminars invite experts from diverse fields to share insights and breakthroughs. Young physicians are encouraged to voice bold ideas and experiment with novel techniques.

“Heritage is not mere replication, but evolution through understanding; innovation is not reckless abandonment, but breakthroughs born of reverence,” Dr. Li emphasizes.

In his eyes, every innovation reinterprets tradition, and every tradition reaffirms innovation’s value. Under Dr. Li Xin’s leadership, the department is scripting a new chapter in integrative medicine—with open minds, pioneering spirit, and a shared commitment to healing’s timeless art.

1.The Blossoming Years

On June 12, 2024, the Yueyang Hospital Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine Center was officially inaugurated. This newly constructed facility integrates clinical practice, research, and education, offering a more spacious and efficient layout. Even in the sweltering summer heat, stepping inside feels like entering a cool, welcoming home—where every patient leaves feeling renewed.

Li Xin stood witness to this milestone. From the dermatology department to this cutting-edge center, he has poured his youth and passion into Yueyang’s dermatology division. Looking back, his journey has been one of relentless effort and growth, where pressure and motivation walked hand in hand. Trials, responsibilities, and countless indescribable emotions have shaped his path.

“From an unknown student to a department physician, then to associate director—these twelve years have transformed me.”

In 2007, Li Xin graduated with his bachelor’s degree and pursued his master’s and Ph.D. at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). His doctoral advisor was Professor Li Bin, vice president of Yueyang Hospital. A distinguished figure in his own right, Professor Li Bin inherited the legacy of Shanghai’s two great TCM dermatology schools—the Gu and Xia traditions—blending their wisdom with modern innovation. Under his leadership, Yueyang’s dermatology department evolved from a modest clinic handling a few hundred daily visits into a nationally ranked No. 3 Regional Medical Center under China’s National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Speaking of his mentor, Li Xin’s gratitude knows no bounds.

“From an unknown student to a physician, then to associate director—every step in these twelve years was guided by my mentor’s push. He dispelled my doubts, charted my future, and steered me at every crossroads.”

Li Xin still vividly recalls the days when, fresh out of graduate school, he and Professor Li Bin spent countless hours refining a research proposal—their first National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) grant application on psoriasis. In 2011, Li Xin would rise at 4 a.m. daily, scouring literature and meticulously crafting each sentence. After a month of painstaking work, he submitted the draft to Professor Li Bin, who then spent two more months revising it word by word, consulting experts, and polishing every detail.

“It was a labor of love from both of us.”

Yet, the first submission failed. Disheartened, Li Xin was ready to retreat—but his mentor refused to give up. The following year, they sought further advice, refined the proposal, and tried again.

“Luckily, this time, we secured the grant.”

This rigorous training not only tempered his resilience but also sharpened his scientific thinking. From then on, the path forward grew smoother.

In 2013, Li Xin independently drafted his first NSFC Youth Science Fund application—and succeeded again. By 2014, he was selected for multiple talent development programs, including Yueyang Hospital’s “Young Seed” Program, Shanghai University of TCM’s Reserve Experts Program, and Shanghai’s Young Physician Training Program. That same year, he traveled to Boston University as a visiting scholar.

Upon returning in 2016, encouraged by Professor Li Bin, Li Xin applied for the “Shanghai Rising-Star Program”—the city’s highest honor for scientists under 35.

“I had no confidence. Most applicants were Ph.D. holders with limitless potential. The competition was fierce.”

But Professor Li Bin’s unwavering belief in him changed everything:

“My mentor told me, ‘Just apply. I know you can do it.’”

To his astonishment, despite holding only a master’s degree at the time, Li Xin won the award.

“It was an immense affirmation.”

From 2018 to 2019, he returned to the U.S. for further research. Upon coming back, he received the 17th “Silver Snake Award”—Shanghai’s highest honor for medical talents under 45. Today, accolades like “Shanghai Pujiang Scholar,” “Young Elite Scientist,” “Outstanding Young Medical Talent,” and “Dawn Scholar” adorn his name, each a rare distinction among Shanghai’s rising physicians.

“Everything I’ve achieved stems from my mentor’s guidance—and my own relentless effort.”

As always, behind every ascent stands a steadfast mentor—pushing silently, instilling courage, and lighting the way through mist-covered peaks. For those who persevere, the path may twist and turn, but the view beyond is always worth the climb.

2. The Blossoming Years

“Only Through Innovation Can Tradition Endure”

At Yueyang Hospital’s Dermatology Department, the defining feature lies in the integration of Chinese and Western medicine—where “combining TCM and Western medicine deepens disease diagnosis, while merging internal and external treatments expands therapeutic options.” From oral medications and topical applications to acupuncture, cupping, and acupoint catgut embedding, their approach is as diverse as it is boundary-free. 

 “Dermatology is an interdisciplinary field,” explains Li Xin. “As the saying goes, ‘Internal imbalances manifest externally’—skin diseases often reflect deeper systemic disorders. Thus, treatment must address both root and branch. Take fire needle therapy, for example: it fuses acupuncture and moxibustion by inserting a red-hot needle into specific acupoints. Beyond regulating qi, its thermal effect tackles stubborn conditions like psoriasis, acne, vitiligo, erysipelas, melasma, flat warts, and shingles.”

Innovations such as electrified fire needles and modernized cupping techniques further propel TCM’s evolution. 

Li Xin’s clinical and research focus centers on TCM-based immune regulation for psoriasis (commonly called “plaque disease”). This chronic, multigenic disorder covers the skin in scaly red patches, causing itching, burning, and even bleeding. Beyond physical suffering, patients endure social stigma—a dual burden of body and mind.

“Today, psoriasis is recognized as a systemic inflammatory disease,” he notes. “It triggers comorbidities like psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and neuropsychiatric disorders.”

For over a decade, under Professor Li Bin’s mentorship, Li Xin has unraveled psoriasis’ mechanisms. Since 2012, his team has secured National Natural Science Foundation and Shanghai municipal grants, pioneering TCM solutions. This year, their breakthrough study on psoriasis pathogenesis was published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology—a beacon of hope for integrative treatment.

A rare blend of clinician, researcher, and educator, Li Xin excels in managing atopic dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, vitiligo, shingles, acne, rosacea, hair loss, ulcers, and gout. But what truly sets him apart is his compassion.

In 2014, as a junior attending physician, he met a woman with nodular erythema and asthma whose condition worsened after two weeks of failed treatments elsewhere. Li Xin’s meticulous diagnosis and tailored care restored her health. When he left for U.S. training, he entrusted her to his team—only to return and find her referring her entire family to him.

Therein lies the highest praise a doctor can receive: when patients gift their loved ones to your care. Between healer and healed flows an unspoken warmth—a testament to trust forged in vulnerability and hope.

3. Responsibility and Commitment

Li Xin often says that being a doctor means bearing responsibility.

“When facing risks, we must evaluate carefully and decide prudently. Treating a patient isn’t just about success—it’s also about preparing for failure. A doctor’s decisions don’t just reflect their judgment; they shape a patient’s life, even an entire family’s future.” 

One case remains etched in Li Xin’s memory. 

In 2020, shortly after returning from his second research stint in the U.S., a woman approached him in desperation. Her younger sister, suffering from severe psoriasis for nearly two decades, had developed diabetes-related complications: blindness, end-stage renal disease (uremia), and reliance on dialysis. Other doctors hesitated to prescribe medication given her fragile state.

By the time she reached Li Xin, the patient was on the brink of death. Her sister nearly knelt before him, pleading, “Save her.” 

“When I saw her, she had almost no vitality left. I knew if I didn’t intervene, she might not make it,” Li Xin recalls. “But I also knew I had to fully acknowledge the risks—this wasn’t just about my confidence but the reality of her condition.”

 After repeated discussions with the family, who vowed to share the responsibility, he opted for biologic therapy—a controversial choice for dialysis patients at the time, with no guaranteed outcomes.

Against the odds, it worked. 

“When I visited her later, she smiled at me. That smile… I’ll never forget it.” Even now, his voice lifts with quiet joy. That moment—a patient reclaimed from death’s doorstep—was his greatest reward. 

In 2020, at just 38 years old, he became Deputy Director of Yueyang Hospital’s Dermatology Department—a top-three national specialty. Leading a team where most colleagues were senior to him in age and experience was daunting.

“Youth gave me drive. I wasn’t afraid of pressure or setbacks; I charged ahead. Thankfully, my mentors and senior colleagues trusted and supported me. Those were exhausting but fulfilling years.”

Under his leadership, the department achieved back-to-back rankings in China’s Top TCM Disciplines (2021–2023), secured 5 National Natural Science Foundation grants in 2023, and earned Shanghai’s “May 4th Youth Medal Collective Award” this year. 

Guided by an unwavering commitment to patients, Li Xin and his team press forward—not just as healers, but as pioneers.

４.Insight and Progress

Years of practicing medicine, yet the depths of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remain unfathomable.

In his early days, Li Xin was struck by the profound philosophy of TCM. Now, with experience, he marvels even more at its vast wisdom—the deeper he learns, the greater his awe, and the humbler he becomes.

“TCM is about holistic understanding and systematic management of disease. It’s a journey of continuous insight and integration.”

He has come to realize that TCM’s theoretical framework is deeply logical. Many patients with chronic inflammatory conditions develop a Yang-deficient constitution due to prolonged inflammation, leading to recurrent illnesses. TCM’s approach of “treating winter diseases in summer” offers an effective solution.

To address this, Li Xin designed three specialized medicinal plasters for “winter diseases treated in summer”:

• Huoxue Zhuyang Tie (Blood-activating & Yang-supporting Plaster)

• Yangxue Chushi Tie (Blood-nourishing & Dampness-eliminating Plaster)

• Yiqi Gubiao Tie (Qi-boosting  & Exterior-fortifying Plaster)

Applied during summer—when Yang energy peaks—these plasters help patients restore internal balance and treat root causes.

Another revelation was herbal paste therapy (膏方, Gao Fang), a method Li Xin once overlooked. Now, with clinical experience, he frequently uses customized pastes to regulate Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang, offering long-term disease management. Many patients no longer need daily medication—just seasonal paste therapy, with results far surpassing conventional treatments.

“The more I reflect, the deeper my understanding of TCM grows. My perspective on disease today is entirely different. I’ve grown to love this field—especially dermatology, which bridges internal and external medicine, treatment and prevention. Mastery of both TCM and Western medicine is essential. Soon, we’ll expand into skin oncology. The potential is limitless.”

A Global Reach. This potential isn’t confined to local clinics—it’s going global.

In 2023, Yueyang Hospital welcomed a physician from Serbia who had battled T-cell lymphoma for years with little relief. After stumbling upon Li Xin’s internationally published research on TCM-based lymphoma management, she contacted him via her embassy. Through tailored herbal prescriptions and adjustments, her condition—once deemed untreatable—was miraculously controlled after a year.

“She told me, ‘My understanding of TCM has deepened.’ Last December, she insisted on coming to Shanghai to thank me in person. This is TCM going global,” Li Xin said proudly.

The Unbounded Path of Medicine

Preserving essence, innovating with integrity—medicine knows no bounds. Facing challenges with courage and embracing diverse wisdom, the dedication of healers never wavers.

Everything is possible. Everything unfolds as it should.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

What do you think distinguishes the Dermatology Department at Yueyang Hospital from other hospital dermatology departments?

Dr. Li xin

 

The Dermatology Department at Yueyang Hospital stands out for its seamless integration of profound Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heritage with modern medical science.

We go beyond conventional TCM therapies by combining its diagnostic philosophy with Western medicine’s precision treatment, creating a distinctive therapeutic system. This integrated approach gives us a unique advantage in managing complex dermatological conditions, allowing us to provide comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for our patients.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

Looking back on all the achievements you’ve accomplished over the years, what reflections come to mind? Could you recall the key milestones in your professional growth?

Dr. Li xin

 

Reflecting on the achievements over the years, I feel deeply honored and grateful. Every milestone embodies the hard work of my team and the dedicated guidance of my mentors.

I vividly remember key moments that shaped my career: In 2007, as a graduate student, I began studying under Professor Zhou Min in the Dermatology Department of Yueyang Hospital. Later in 2010, I participated in Shanghai’s inaugural standardized residency training program – experiences that proved pivotal to my professional development.

For instance, in December 2015, I was awarded the Shanghai Rising-Star Program for Young Scientists, the highest honor for scientific talents under 35 in Shanghai. With my mentor’s encouragement, I achieved this recognition while holding only a master’s degree – an exceptionally challenging feat. Between 2018 and 2019, after returning from my second overseas research fellowship, I received the Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program, another accomplishment made possible through my mentor’s guidance and team collaboration.

These honors truly belong to my team and, more fundamentally, to Yueyang Hospital.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

What advice would you give to young doctors embarking on their medical careers?

Dr. Li xin

 

To young doctors, I would say: The path of medicine is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Remain humble and grateful, while continuously learning and accumulating experience—these are the foundations of becoming an exceptional physician. Equally important is the courage to take responsibility and face difficulties without retreat. Such determination and resilience are vital for your professional and personal growth.

 

ShanghaiDoctor

What were your past hobbies, and do you have any new interests you’d like to pursue in the future?

Dr. Li xin

 

I have always loved volleyball. During high school and college, I participated in numerous matches, often playing as the setter—a position that demands seamless teamwork. The sport strengthened my physique while fostering teamwork and a competitive spirit. Though I may no longer play as frequently as I did in my youth, my passion for it remains undiminished. Moving forward, I hope to explore new hobbies that will bring balance to my life, along with fresh inspiration and energy.

·END·

Editor: Qing Chen, ShanghaiDoctor.cn

If you would like to contact to Dr. Li Xin, please contact us with Chenqing@ShanghaiDoctor.cn

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