Dr. Luo Qingquan

  Recipient of the State Council Special Allowance; National Level 2 Professor, Chief Physician, and Doctoral Supervisor. He is the academic leader of Thoracic Oncology Surgery at the Shanghai Chest Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. He is an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS). He has been awarded the Shanghai May 1st Labor Medal, recognized as a “Shanghai Craftsman,” and honored as a “Shanghai Medical Craftsman.”

  Currently, he serves as the Vice President of the Medical Robotics Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Deputy Director of the Thoracic Surgery Committee of the Simulation Medicine Department of the Wu Jieping Medical Foundation, a Standing Committee Member of the Endoscopic and Robotic Surgery Branch of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, the Deputy Director of the Thoracic Oncology Professional Group of the Cross-Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, and the Deputy Director of the Tumor Prevention and Control Committee of the Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

  He has been awarded the Second Prize of the Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award, the Second Prize of the Chinese Medical Association Medical Science and Technology Award, and the Second Prize of the Huaxia Medical Award, among others. With over 30 years of experience in thoracic surgery, he specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoracic diseases, including lung, esophageal, mediastinal, and tracheal conditions.

Preface  

  When his blade glides through the thoracic cavity, surgical lights cast prismatic reflections on steel instruments. What others fear to touch, he navigates with ease—reading the human body like an ancient manuscript, where tissue becomes parchment, veins form calligraphic strokes, and lesions emerge like deliberate voids in a classical landscape painting.

  True mastery lies not in technique alone, but in emotional intelligence—a quality this surgeon possesses in equal measure to his technical brilliance.

  “I think I have the boldness of Sichuan people and the refinement of Shanghainese,” he said, “the resilience forged through years of practice, and the grace of a healer’s calling.” The mercy spirit of his homeland remains in his bones—wherever he goes, he stands with the strength of many.

  After three decades and countless surgeries, he still begins each operation with a deep breath. To him, the scalpel doesn’t simply cut tissue—it measures the fragile boundary between life and what lies beyond.

1 Path to the medical world

  The land of Sichuan is like an ink-wash painting crafted by nature itself.

  Here, a young boy,Luo Qingquan, left his earliest footprints. He watched spring rain dampen the purple paulownia flowers, listened to summer cicadas weave their chorus through ancient ginkgo trees, gathered autumn-frosted cornelian cherries, and on winter nights, gazed at fishing boats’ flickering lights on the river, dreaming of the future.

  When it came to choosing medicine, Luo’s elder brother was his first inspiration.

  “My brother was a doctor. In my childhood memories, he was always busy yet full of passion. His respect for life and dedication to healing deeply moved me. So, in 1982, encouraged by him, I took the entrance exam for West China University of Medical Sciences (now West China Medical Center of Sichuan University). The six years I spent there remain some of the most valuable experiences of my life.”

  During those years, the young Luo shuttled between lecture halls and laboratories, so absorbed in his studies that time seemed to fly.

  By graduation, Luo—now an outstanding student—faced opportunities from across the country but felt uncertain about his path.

  “One evening, while sharing a farewell drink with my advisor, he suddenly turned to me, his face flushed, and said with conviction: ‘Xiao Luo, you should go to Shanghai!’ That sentence struck me like a hammer. Somehow, I felt my future had just been revealed.”

  Filled with hope and curiosity for the unknown, Luo set off for Shanghai. But reality proved far tougher than he imagined. Shortly after arriving in the bustling metropolis, he encountered his first major challenge—being assigned to internal medicine instead of his desired field, surgery.

  “The director in charge flatly refused my request,” Luo recalled. “But I knew I couldn’t give up. So, on a sweltering afternoon, I went alone to the Shanghai Health Bureau’s personnel office under the scorching sun—and ultimately secured a position in thoracic surgery.”

  It was this relentless determination that helped Luo grow in a city both unfamiliar and full of opportunity. Over time, Shanghai became more than just a workplace—it became his home. Reflecting on those early days, he often says: “Shanghai taught me many things, but above all, it showed me the power of perseverance. No matter how great the obstacle, taking that first step with courage makes anything possible.”

  From a fresh-faced medical graduate to a seasoned thoracic surgeon, the city witnessed his growth and laid the foundation for his extraordinary journey in medicine.

    

2 Wings of Breath: A Seven-Year Journey to Build a Thoracic Care System from Scratch

    

  “When Luo Qingquan first arrived at Shanghai Chest Hospital, his heart was filled with both anticipation and unease. This historic institution, home to some of China’s finest medical resources, carried the hopes of countless patients.

  As a young resident, he felt the weight of his responsibility. In his first year in cardiothoracic surgery, Luo served as an assistant—but he never relaxed his standards.

Back then, my talent for anatomy truly came into play,” Luo recalled. “In medical school, after watching me dissect nerves with precision, a professor once told me, ‘Xiao Luo, you’ll make an excellent surgeon one day.’ That gave me confidence. As a resident, I doubled down on anatomy. Whenever I had questions after clinical rounds, I’d hit the books until I fully understood. If you ask how a craftsman is forged—that’s how.”

  To hone his skills to mastery, Luo pushed himself beyond what most could imagine. He refined his technique in the operating room and drilled his fundamentals relentlessly in daily life.

  Mastering the scalpel required developing an intuitive feel for its weight and balance. Luo seized every spare moment to train his hands to near-superhuman sensitivity. With a single light stroke, he could cut through exactly three sheets of paper—or five, as he willed.

  “To build arm strength, I kept an eight-kilogram dumbbell under my bed. Every night before resting, I’d ‘play’ with it,” he said. “I also had steel grip balls that I’d rotate endlessly in my palm, clicking rhythmically, even twirling them in patterns. These were my tools for mastering the basics.”

   But Luo knew technical skill alone wasn’t enough. A surgeon needed holistic judgment—the ability to synthesize knowledge beyond the operating table.

  “Today, I can read a patient’s eyes—their thoughts, fears, and what degree of surgery they can tolerate. It’s not mysticism; it’s integrating internal medicine, psychology, medical ethics, and years of experience,” he emphasized.

  To Luo, a brilliant surgeon must first be an exceptional physician. During his internship, he trained in internal medicine—an experience that shaped his philosophy: “Surgery without medical knowledge is like seeing mountains only as mountains, rivers only as rivers. But with that foundation, you perceive beyond the obvious. That’s when true mastery begins.”

3. The History of Building a Full-Cycle Tumor Management System from Thoracic Surgery

    During his years at Shanghai Chest Hospital, Luo Qingquan has witnessed the hospital's gradual growth. Perhaps the most vivid chapter in his life is his role as a founder in establishing the Clinical Medicine Center for Lung Cancer.

    It all dates back to 2002.

    "In 2002, leveraging the hospital's strengths in lung cancer diagnosis/treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration, we began preparing for the Shanghai Clinical Medicine Center for Lung Cancer (the predecessor of the Oncology Department). By April 2006, the inpatient building of the Lung Cancer Medicine Center was officially completed, providing us with specialized wards," Luo Qingquan recalled. "The center was founded by two 'masters' from internal and surgical departments—Director Liao Meilin and Director Zhou Yunzhong. Their vision was to form a patient-centered multidisciplinary team comprising experts from thoracic oncology (medical/surgical), radiotherapy, pathology, and radiology. This was groundbreaking at the time."

     The establishment of the Clinical Medicine Center marked a significant milestone in Shanghai Chest Hospital's lung cancer diagnosis and treatment capabilities. Initially, the team was small, with members seconded from both internal and surgical departments. Professor Liao Meilin served as the first director, personally selecting Professor Lu Shun, a 'prodigy' in thoracic oncology, while Luo Qingquan was recommended by Director Zhou Yunzhong as Executive Deputy Director and Head of Surgery.

"This 'civil-military partnership' model has endured to this day. Through the joint efforts of three generations, the Clinical Medicine Center has achieved leapfrog development from quantitative to qualitative changes."

    As Head of Surgery, Luo Qingquan has personally experienced every stage of the center's growth from its infancy. "When the center first started, we had only five doctors, and the surgical team performed around 400 operations annually—with me handling about 60% of them. Now I perform approximately 1,500 surgeries per year," he said.

     The center's growth has been driven by two primary forces.

    First, the patient volume gradually increased. At the time, the department's surgical capabilities were widely recognized nationwide, leading Luo Qingquan to frequently conduct consultations across the country. He jokingly referred to himself as a "flying doctor," traveling nationwide to promote the center and attract patients to Shanghai Chest Hospital.

    Second, with growing patient numbers, the center began expanding its team. In 2005, a group of graduate students were recruited, and more students eager to learn under Luo Qingquan flocked to the center, creating an unstoppable "phenomenon." Today, the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Chest Hospital has nearly 30 members.

     Under Luo Qingquan's leadership, the Clinical Medicine Center has achieved technological breakthroughs and accumulated rich experience in talent development.

    Luo Qingquan's core requirement for students is twofold: "integrity," which encompasses kindness and professionalism. Kindness means prioritizing patient welfare over financial interests, while professionalism requires adhering to guidelines and standards in all practices.

    "Many start well, but few finish strong." Integrity, while seemingly simple, embodies fundamental social ethics.    

    "I remember once, a young doctor became flustered during a challenging surgery. I told him that as a surgeon, calmness and focus are paramount. Every incision and suture on the operating table is a matter of life and death, allowing no room for carelessness," Luo Qingquan recalled. "This pursuit of perfection in detail has driven our continuous improvement in surgeries and earned patient trust."

     As the Clinical Medicine Center has grown, Luo Qingquan and his team have also made a mark on the international stage.

    "We have pioneered several innovative surgeries in China and engaged in extensive exchanges and collaborations with international peers. These interactions have exposed us to advanced technologies and concepts while showcasing the capabilities of Chinese doctors to the world," Luo Qingquan said proudly. "Our goal is not just to improve technical standards but to drive industry-wide progress and benefit more patients."

4. The Legend of the "Physician-Surgeon Partnership"

    Throughout Luo Qingquan's career, he has received substantial support, with his "civil-military partnership" collaboration with Director Lu Shun standing out as particularly notable. "One from internal medicine, one from surgery—civil and military in essence. In reality, Director Lu Shun and I share a bond akin to the legendary friendship between Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya, or the profound camaraderie of Boya and Ziqi in the 'High Mountains and Flowing Water' tale," Luo Qingquan chuckled. "Professionally, we stand side by side on the same front, like brothers in battle. He leads the internal medicine front, while I lead the surgical front. We share an exceptional tacit understanding, mutual admiration, and unwavering trust as partners."

    In daily operations, Luo Qingquan and Director Lu Shun frequently engage in cross-disciplinary discussions to jointly formulate optimal treatment plans for patients. They always defer to the most evidence-based perspective, never clinging rigidly to their own opinions. Occasionally, disagreements—or "collisions of ideas"—arise between the two directors. For example, a cancer patient from Hebei for surgery on a small lung nodule. The patient had undergone immunotherapy years earlier, and by then, the lesion had shrunk to a negligible size. In Luo Qingquan's view, surgery seemed unnecessary. However, the patient disagreed. During a consultation with the patient's family, Luo Qingquan, and Director Lu Shun, the latter advocated for surgery, challenging Luo's initial stance. Later, Director Lu explained his reasoning and shared findings from his research. "After Director Lu shared his perspective, I revisited guidelines and literature to see what the evidence supported, and then it all made sense," Luo recalled. "It turned out that Director Lu was researching whether tumors might recur 3-5 years after immunotherapy, even when cells appear cleared, and whether surgery is needed post-immunotherapy. The literature did document cases where minimal tumor traces resurged, so he recommended surgery based on those rare but plausible risks."

    Such discussions grounded in scientific evidence and clinical experience enable them to deliver highly personalized treatment plans. In the hospital, a partnership as harmonious and complementary as Luo and Lu's is truly unique—perhaps the "only one" of its kind. Some worry this model may not be replicated, but Luo Qingquan smiled, "We are already building a sustainable system. Through daily management, we cultivate a culture of seeking truth from facts and meticulous work, encouraging mutual admiration over blame. This harmonious atmosphere can be passed down. Eventually, the collaboration between internal and surgical medicine will reach a state of'seeing mountains as mountains, seeing water as water'—a seamless integration of knowledge and practice."

5. Technology with the future

    Luo Qingquan is a pioneer of thoracoscopic surgery, having developed the "Luo Four-Port Thoracoscopic Lobectomy" and performed the world's first artificial trachea replacement with carina reconstruction, removing the longest tracheal segment ever recorded. 

    When asked about the nickname "Luo the Precision Blade," he humbly shakes his head. "As doctors, healing is our duty, and saving lives is our responsibility. Titles aren’t important—they aren’t necessary. But when it comes to technological advancement, we must never fall behind. I remember a period when our discipline was evolving rapidly. We had mastered thoracoscopic surgery and wanted to elevate our practice, so we adopted the world’s most advanced technology: the Da Vinci robotic surgical system," he recalled. 

    From the first-generation Da Vinci robot in 2009 to the current fourth and fifth generations, this has been an era of rapid transformation. 

    Luo Qingquan performed Shanghai’s first Da Vinci robotic surgery. After the hospital acquired the cutting-edge equipment, he trained in Hong Kong for three days before conducting his first operation six months later. That surgery was both a challenge and an opportunity. 

    "Inside the operating room that day, I was completely focused, without a trace of nervousness—it felt like any other procedure. I only snapped out of my concentration when the OR door opened. Instead of the familiar faces of family members, I was greeted by a swarm of journalists. Waiting outside were reporters from Liberation Daily, Wenhui Daily, Xinmin Evening News—all eagerly anticipating the door’s opening," he shared. 

    More than a decade later, Shanghai Chest Hospital has performed over 7,000 Da Vinci robotic surgeries, with Luo himself exceeding 3,000 cases. 

    Under Luo’s leadership, the Clinical Medicine Center for Lung Cancer has achieved remarkable surgical milestones but also faces ongoing challenges, which he approaches with clear vision:

    "Two key areas," he explains. "First, quality control and standardization. Our priority is to instill a minimally invasive philosophy across the department—this is essentially medical quality control. For example, traditional thoracoscopic surgery used multiple ports, causing more pain, while single-port techniques now reduce discomfort and improve cosmesis. Multi-port surgery remains more precise, faster, and safer for lymph node dissection. Surgeons must standardize their approach to 'seeing patients'—this includes open surgery, which still accounts for 10% of our procedures. We can’t rely solely on minimally invasive techniques; we must perfect open surgeries when clinically indicated." 

    "The second challenge is technological advancement. Our goal is continuous self-transcendence. We lead in this area by reviewing surgical videos, updating techniques, innovating instruments, and filing patents. In recent years, we’ve also collaborated on Da Vinci robot research," he adds.

    For the future of the Clinical Medicine Center (Oncology Department), Luo has clear visions:

    First, improving diagnostic accuracy. While current rates already hit 90%, he hopes to achieve 100% through advancements in imaging and AI. Second, new drug development—he envisions closer collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to deliver better treatments to appropriate patients. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of the center as a platform: "Individual competence matters, but a united, battle-ready team is even more critical."

    Having served at Shanghai Chest Hospital for over 30 years, Luo’s bond with the institution runs deep.

    "Gratitude—above all, I feel profound gratitude," he says. "Three decades here have made me feel completely at home, like a fish in water. We’re all like birds in the sky; we leave traces as we fly. Here, the bonds between leaders and colleagues, seniors and juniors, are indelible."

    Luo describes the hospital’s culture in eight characters: "Innovation, Truth-Seeking, Medical Excellence, and Harmony." But he stresses that the official motto is just a starting point.

    "To me, the core culture is 'respecting elders and nurturing youth.' The younger generation inherits the wisdom and skills of their seniors, who in turn cultivate the next generation of outstanding doctors. This is the unique culture of our hospital and our department."

Onsite Interview

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

Over the years, you have grown alongside the hospital, evolving from an up-and-coming professional to a mature expert ranked among the "TOP 10" in the national surgical field. Are there any individuals you particularly want to thank? Could you share stories about them?

Dr. Luo Qingquan

In 1994, the hospital was accredited as a tertiary first-class specialized hospital; in 2005, it became an affiliate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Over this period, I’ve transformed from "Little Luo" to "Old Luo," rising from an unknown young doctor to a national expert in thoracic surgery. The journey has been far from easy.

There are many people to thank: Director Liao Meilin, Director Zhou Yunzhong, Director Sun Dekui, Director Lan Zhiyuan... In improving my clinical skills, I first want to thank Director Zhou Yunzhong. When I joined the hospital, I participated in the "Medical Star" selection and needed a mentor—Director Zhou took me under his wing. His surgical skills were extraordinarily comprehensive, and my "surgical technique" was deeply influenced by him.

Another unforgettable moment was a conversation with Director Sun Dekui. As a fledgling doctor, my thinking and actions lacked maturity. He once told me, "No matter what, everyone needs to eat." This simple sentence has guided my decades-long medical career: treat all patients equally, regardless of social status or wealth; in department management, avoid maliciously dismissing staff. This reflects the kindness a healer must uphold. All beings are equal, and "everyone needs to eat."

I also owe deep respect to Director Liao Meilin, who taught me how to become a more well-rounded physician. Before transitioning to the Lung Cancer Medicine Center, my focus was solely on surgery. Under her influence, I began reading literature, writing papers, and transforming my mindset. She told me, "In clinical medicine, don’t just focus on surgery—pursue translational research and leverage other capabilities alongside operating." She encouraged me, "You already carry a light within; it just needs to be discovered, ignited, and released." These words opened a new path for me, with Director Liao as the guiding light at the forefront.

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

Did you experience fear during your growth process?

Dr. Luo Qingquan

Absolutely. The most memorable incident occurred years ago during a minimally invasive tumor surgery. Everything was proceeding smoothly until sudden intraoperative bleeding obscured the field in an instant, creating a critical emergency. Someone shouted to call the director, but I decided it was better to rely on myself. In that moment, amid the pool of blood, I spotted a tiny bubble of blood—a bleeding point. I acted decisively, clamping it with a hemostat. It was a narrow escape, leaving me drenched in 冷汗 (cold sweat). This harrowing experience taught me that the best way to confront fear is to charge straight at it. A doctor must undergo such trials to grow.

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

What do you find particularly unacceptable？

Dr. Luo Qingquan

Among colleagues, I disdain doctors who deceive or exploit patients. A physician must have conscience and integrity. With patients, I detest unreasonable behavior—those who exaggerate their gratitude during pre-surgery appeals but later make a scene over trivial matters, causing unnecessary disputes. Encountering such patients is deeply disheartening; even one such case can shatter the enthusiasm you’ve maintained for weeks.

I once treated a patient from Suzhou. The surgery was successful, but two years later, he returned complaining of vocal cord dysfunction and inability to find employment. In reality, his nerve damage was caused by the large tumor pressing on it pre-operation, and we had explicitly explained the potential for long-term effects. Yet two years post-surgery, he blamed me for his unemployment, holding me responsible for his career struggles—it was deeply hurtful. After devoting our expertise and care to save a life, such ingratitude feels like a bucket of cold water. We are intellectuals with our own pride; the "reverse burden of proof" in the new medical malpractice law, which requires doctors to prove innocence, has severely dampened professional morale. Worse, some unscrupulous media outlets deliberately frame doctor-patient relationships as adversarial. Over time, how can trust ever be restored?

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

With rapid technological advancement and breakthroughs in surgical techniques, do you feel anxious about the future?

Dr. Luo Qingquan

It’s not exactly panic, but a constant awareness of the need to stay relevant. Younger colleagues now master various medical apps effortlessly, which sometimes feel foreign to me. This unfamiliarity occasionally makes me wonder if I’m falling behind.

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

What do you think defines a good doctor?

Dr. Luo Qingquan

When a patient comes in pain, a small act of kindness earns their gratitude, while harshness can earn a lifelong grudge. Illness is the deepest suffering, so a good doctor must provide timely relief—urgently addressing their needs and sharing their concerns.

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

If you could take a "regret pill" and return to age 25, would you change anything?

Dr. Luo Qingquan

I’d still choose to be a doctor; my original choice was right. In my youth, I fantasized about moving to a new city every five years—naively thinking it was simple. Coming to Shanghai taught me that people are anchored by culture and relationships. Five years can drastically diverge life paths, and reconnecting later feels different. Gradually, with family, this city became indispensable.

ShanghaiDoctor.cn

If you had a full year of free time, how would you spend it?

Dr. Luo Qingquan

I’d focus on organizing my past work and writing. I’m too busy now to reflect, but summarizing experiences is crucial for growth—it would be a personal journey of improvement.

Editor: Qing Chen (ShanghaiDoctor.cn)

If you'd like to contact ot Dr. Luo Qingquan, Please email us with chenqing@ShanghaiDoctor.cn (Chenqing@ShanghaiDoctor.cn) 

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