Dr. Cao Hui

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, and Professor of Surgery
Director of the Surgery Teaching and Research Office at Renji Clinical Medical College
Chief of the Department of Surgery, Chairman of the Medical Ethics Committee at Renji Hospital
Director of the Standardized Training Base for Surgical Residents,
Former Chief of the Department of General Surgery
Former Chief of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Specializes in the surgical diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of gastric cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and colorectal cancer.

Academic Appointments

- Member of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Group, Surgery Branch, Chinese Medical Association  
- Member of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Group, Oncology Branch, Chinese Medical Association  - Standing Committee Member, Surgeons Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association  
- Chairman, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment Committee, Surgeons Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association  
- Standing Committee Member, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Committee, Surgeons Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association  
- Vice Chairman, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Committee, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO)  
- Vice Chairman, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association  
- Former Vice Chairman, General Surgery Committee, Shanghai Medical Association  
- Standing Committee Member, Major Surgery Committee, Shanghai Medical Association  
- Vice President, General Surgery Committee, Shanghai Medical Doctor Association  
- Member, Shanghai Medical Accident Appraisal Committee  
- Review Expert, Senior Professional Title Evaluation Panel, Shanghai Health Series  
- Supervisory Expert, Shanghai Clinical Quality Control Center for General Surgery.

Introduction

  A prominent leader in surgery at Renji Hospital, he formerly served as Chair of the Department of General Surgery and now focuses his expertise on advancing the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery. His clinical work centers on the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal tumors, alongside an increasing dedication to researching rare diseases of the digestive tract. A committed educator and lifelong learner, he actively pursues innovation, embraces emerging knowledge, and integrates the latest medical technologies into everyday clinical practice.

  With nearly four decades of experience in both patient care and medical education, he has not only upheld the values and integrity passed down by his mentors but also helped modernize and expand the department—establishing new systems, opening fresh directions, and fostering a forward-thinking surgical culture. His contributions reflect the enduring legacy and progressive mission of Renji Hospital.

  What brings him the greatest sense of fulfillment is having had the chance to participate in—and help lead—the transformation of Renji’s gastrointestinal surgery program. His efforts have ushered in a new era for the discipline and continue to shape its future.

A Lifelong Commitment to Medicine: Staying True to the Mission

  In 1982, one of the top students at Shanghai’s prestigious Fuxing High School earned admission to Shanghai Second Medical College (now Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine). At that time, university entrance was fiercely competitive, and the pursuit of knowledge burned brightly among ambitious youth. Higher education was seen not just as a pathway, but as a symbol of promise and purpose. Among those young dreamers was Dr. Cao Hui—a quiet, modest student whose journey would prove anything but ordinary.

  “I began my clinical rotations at Renji Hospital in 1985,” Dr. Cao recalled. “That experience revealed the true rigor of medical practice—the long hours, intense responsibility, and unwavering commitment it demands. I also witnessed unforgettable moments in Shanghai’s medical history, including the 1988 hepatitis A outbreak and the emergency response to a tragic stampede on a foggy morning at the Lujiazui ferry terminal. These moments profoundly shaped how I see medicine—through the lens of integrity, courage, and deep responsibility.”

  After graduating with honors in 1988, Dr. Cao officially joined the Department of General Surgery at Renji Hospital. With boundless enthusiasm, he embraced the fast pace of clinical life—balancing emergency shifts, outpatient care, and complex surgical procedures.

  “By the time I started working full-time, I already felt at home at Renji,” he said. “I wasn’t just familiar with its clinical routines; I had also come to appreciate its humanistic spirit.” He vividly recalls early-morning rounds with legendary cardiologists—each with a distinctive teaching style—lively interdisciplinary discussions in thoracic surgery, English-language reports in gastroenterology, and the hands-on experience of morning dressing changes led by senior general surgeons. “These moments shaped the way I approach both medicine and mentorship. It’s hard to believe nearly four decades have passed since.”

  In the years that followed, Dr. Cao continued to grow through hands-on practice. Even during moments of uncertainty, he remained steadfast in his purpose. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he pursued graduate and doctoral studies. In the spring of 1995, under the mentorship of Professor Kuang Yaolin and with the guidance of Professor Wu Zhiyong, he embarked on a PhD—a turning point that launched the next chapter of his career.

  Even in the early 1980s, Professor Kuang had a forward-looking vision for medicine in China. He understood the importance of global exchange and urged students to broaden their perspectives through international experience. Inspired by this vision, Dr. Cao was selected to train at Tohoku University Hospital in Japan, coordinated by Professors Chen Zhiping and Wu Zhiyong. There, he encountered a new world of clinical precision, professionalism, and international standards.

  “My time in Japan was transformative,” Dr. Cao reflected. “I saw a medical system that prioritized discipline, standardization, and collective excellence. It gave me a clearer sense of direction—toward a department grounded in minimally invasive, globally informed, and professionally managed care.”

  Immersed in Japanese society—a blend of order, tradition, and technological innovation—Dr. Cao began to reflect on deeper questions: Is the evolution of medicine inseparable from the evolution of civilization? In Japan, where tradition coexisted with cutting-edge advances, he found renewed purpose.

  Yet despite the value of his international experience, Dr. Cao always intended to return home. He believed that the future of Chinese medicine relied on a new generation of physicians—those who could absorb global knowledge and turn it into locally meaningful progress. Armed with new ideas and a sharpened vision, he returned to China.

  In the years that followed, he expanded his global education through further study at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea. These institutions added new dimensions to his thinking—introducing advanced technologies, modern management approaches, and innovative training models, especially in standardized residency education and cross-border academic exchange.

  Dr. Cao returned not just with knowledge, but with the conviction and capacity to lead change. Like a ship navigating new waters, he steered his department with vision, precision, and global perspective—guiding it toward a future marked by excellence and purpose.

Carrying Forward the Renji Spirit: Advancing Departmental Culture and Driving Progress

  The Department of General Surgery at Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, was founded in 1952—the same year that St. John’s University, Aurora University, and Tongde Medical College merged to form the Shanghai Second Medical College. As one of the earliest general surgery departments in China, it carries a rich legacy shaped by generations of surgical pioneers. Over the decades, esteemed figures such as Professors Lan Xichun, Dong Fangzhong, Zhou Xigeng, Kuang Yaolin, Zhu Renwei, Shi Weijin, Wang Pingzhi, Zhang Bogen, Chen Zhiping, and Wu Zhiyong helped lay the foundation for its clinical excellence and academic strength.

  “I officially took over as department head from Professor Wu Zhiyong in 2011,” Dr. Cao Hui recalled. “It was a time of intense pressure and urgent decisions. We were facing fierce competition—not only from leading hospitals across China but even within Shanghai. Our scope was too broad without defined strengths, innovation was lagging, and young physicians had few opportunities to grow. Morale was low, collaboration was weak, and our research profile was minimal. At that point, we had almost no national or municipal-level research grants, and our talent pool was thin and unstable.”

  Realizing that the department needed more than just minor adjustments, Dr. Cao led a bold transformation focused on professionalization and long-term development. He launched a reform initiative to unite the team, rebuild trust, raise morale, and strategically enhance clinical care, academic research, and talent cultivation.

  “We couldn’t move forward without structural change,” he said. “So we revisited the department’s historical sub-specialty framework and initiated a complete reorganization.”

  In 2013, the Department of General Surgery underwent a major restructuring. Six specialized units were formally established—liver (previously in place), gastrointestinal, biliary and pancreatic, head and neck, breast, and vascular surgery. With strong leadership from Dr. Cao Hui, Dr. Xia Qiang, and current department head Dr. Liu Yingbin, each unit grew quickly in scale and depth.

  This specialization sparked a wave of innovation. Training programs became more focused, clinical services more advanced, and research efforts more impactful. The department was soon designated a National Key Clinical Specialty in China. Today, many of its surgical techniques rank among the most advanced in the nation. It has earned top placements in the Fudan Hospital Specialty Rankings, STEM (Science and Technology Evaluation Metrics), and in the number of National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) grants awarded.

  A pivotal milestone came in 2013 with the official founding of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, with Dr. Cao appointed as its inaugural director. This marked a significant leap forward in the professional development of general surgery at Renji Hospital.

  Over the past decade, nearly 30 promising young surgeons have been sent abroad to train at leading international institutions, where they gained first-hand experience with advanced technologies and global best practices. These global exchanges have laid a strong foundation for the department’s future. Today, a new generation of internationally trained physicians is driving both research and clinical excellence. With a unified team and stable leadership, the department is poised for continued growth in the years ahead.

Advancing Minimally Invasive Surgery and Breaking New Ground in Rare Gastrointestinal Tumors

  Under the leadership of Dr. Cao Hui, the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Renji Hospital has entered a new era—marked by standardization, precision, and the widespread adoption of minimally invasive and patient-centered approaches to treating gastrointestinal tumors. As minimally invasive surgery becomes integral to clinical care, laparoscopic and robotic techniques have taken center stage in the department’s work. Today, laparoscopic surgery is a core competency for all gastrointestinal surgeons at Renji.

  More importantly, the department has led the way in performing a series of highly complex procedures, including total laparoscopic gastrectomy with hand-sewn anastomosis, total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in combination with robotic-assisted surgery for ultralow rectal cancer, and function-preserving laparoscopic gastric surgery. These cutting-edge techniques have broken through traditional surgical limitations, achieving both radical tumor removal and organ preservation. They reflect the highest standards of modern oncologic care—where survival outcomes are balanced with long-term quality of life.

  Renji Hospital is also a key member of the Chinese Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study Group (CLASS), and its research has been featured in top-tier international journals such as JAMA Surgery and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, gaining increasing global recognition.

  As one of Shanghai’s leading surgical departments, Renji is committed not only to treating common diseases but also to achieving excellence in rare and complex conditions. A prime example is its longstanding focus on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)—a disease recently included in China’s Second National List of Rare Diseases. Well before GIST gained national attention, Dr. Cao recognized its importance more than two decades ago, identifying it as a breakthrough opportunity in the field of gastrointestinal oncology.

  Although rare, GIST is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the digestive tract, and its treatment has been revolutionized by targeted therapies such as imatinib. These breakthroughs have made GIST a hallmark example of precision medicine in solid tumors. Under Dr. Cao’s leadership, Renji has developed a comprehensive model for GIST management that integrates open surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and molecular-targeted therapies. The department has built notable expertise in treating recurrent and metastatic GIST, becoming one of China’s foremost centers in this field.

  Dr. Cao has also played a critical role in shaping national standards and treatment guidelines for GIST. He led the development of multiple expert consensus statements and clinical protocols—published in both Chinese and English—on surgical management, full-course treatment strategies, and the management of adverse events related to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. His contributions extend to the drafting of Asia-wide consensus documents and the first set of clinical practice guidelines on GIST issued by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO). Notably, recognizing the challenge of treatment-limiting side effects, Dr. Cao convened more than 20 multidisciplinary experts to produce a bilingual expert consensus on managing adverse reactions—offering actionable guidance to clinicians and supporting better patient outcomes through improved adherence.

  Dedicated to fostering international collaboration, Dr. Cao regularly sends his PhD students to train at top cancer centers in Europe, Japan, and South Korea. He is a frequent speaker at global conferences, where he shares China’s latest clinical advances and research on GIST. His publications and expert commentaries in high-impact surgical journals have helped elevate Renji Hospital’s academic profile and global influence in the field of gastrointestinal oncology.

Excellence in Medicine and Education: A New Model for Mentorship and Medical Teaching

  Professor Cao Hui, PhD supervisor, Director of the Department of Surgery Education and Chair of General Surgery at Renji Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), also serves as Director of both the Standardized Surgical Residency Training Base and the National General Surgery Specialist Training Center. With over three decades of experience in clinical care, medical education, and scientific research, he has been instrumental in shaping the future of surgical training in China.

  A firm believer in leading by example, Dr. Cao has always remained active on the front lines of clinical work, teaching, and innovation. His approach to mentorship blends academic rigor with ethical responsibility and humanistic care. Through compassion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the healing arts, he has guided generations of students toward excellence. He has also been a driving force in educational reform—modernizing curriculum content, pedagogical methods, and instructional materials to enhance the clinical competence and holistic development of future surgeons.

  Dr. Cao is co-author of several national standardized textbooks, including the widely used Surgery textbook, and has contributed to numerous academic monographs. His achievements in medical education have earned him prestigious honors such as the Baosteel Excellent Teacher Award, the National Physician Excellence Award, the Shanghai Outstanding Specialist Award, the “Mentor in the Hearts of Residents” Award from the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and multiple accolades from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including the “Excellence in Teaching” Award and the Outstanding Faculty Award.

  Under his leadership, the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery has become a designated training base for doctoral, postdoctoral, and master’s students. With 6 doctoral advisors and 10 master’s supervisors, the department has trained nearly 100 graduate students in the past decade. It also serves as a core teaching unit for the School of Medicine’s clinical surgery curriculum and plays a vital role in national-level residency and specialist training programs.

  As Director of the Surgical Residency Training Base, Dr. Cao places strong emphasis on structured, high-quality training for junior physicians. His leadership extends beyond mentorship into systemic reform: he has championed policies that reward excellence in teaching and establish long-term academic career pathways for clinical educators. In 2018, Renji Hospital became one of the first institutions in China to reform its faculty promotion system—introducing a dedicated track for teaching-focused physicians. This innovation significantly raised morale and engagement among frontline educators.

  Aware of the uncertainties often faced by young doctors, Dr. Cao openly shares his own career path to encourage and guide them. He stresses the importance of developing well-rounded surgical professionals—those with strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, communication skills, and a deep sense of responsibility. Over the years, he has chaired hundreds of complex case discussions, ensuring rigorous patient care while cultivating a vibrant learning environment for students and staff alike.

  As a graduate advisor for over 20 years, Dr. Cao has mentored nearly 100 master’s and PhD students with a blend of high standards and paternal care. Known for his integrity and exacting guidance, he has helped shape a generation of young medical professionals who now serve in leading academic and clinical roles across China. His students are a living testament to his dedication—carrying forward not only surgical expertise, but also the values of compassion, discipline, and lifelong learning.

  Dr. Cao’s contributions exemplify the highest ideals of Chinese medicine: technical mastery, moral character, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence in service to humanity.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Innovation and Keeping Pace with Surgical Trends

  For Dr. Cao Hui, the future of gastrointestinal surgery lies in the seamless integration of minimally invasive techniques with advanced surgical technologies—particularly robotic-assisted surgery. As laparoscopic skills continue to evolve and minimally invasive principles become widely accepted, the unique advantages of robotic systems—enhanced precision, stability, and control—are increasingly vital for treating tumors of the digestive tract.

  Compared with conventional laparoscopy, robotic surgery offers distinct benefits in anatomically constrained areas, enabling more refined and delicate procedures. This is especially important in complex cases such as ultralow rectal tumors or patients with a narrow pelvis, where sphincter-preserving surgery is desired. Robotic platforms give surgeons greater dexterity and precision, making previously difficult procedures more achievable.

  Still, Dr. Cao emphasizes that innovation must always remain patient-centered. The ultimate goal is not technological novelty, but better outcomes—both in terms of survival and long-term quality of life. While robotic surgery represents a major leap forward, it is not suitable for all patients. Those with advanced tumors involving extensive tissue invasion or large tumor burden may not benefit from robotic techniques. For this reason, careful patient selection and ongoing evaluation of technological limitations are essential for the responsible use of innovation.

  In Dr. Cao’s vision, the ideal evolution of surgery involves the convergence of four principles: standardization, minimally invasive approaches, precision, and personalized care. He acknowledges the growing "involution" in the surgical field—a term describing increasingly intense internal competition—but sees it as a potentially healthy force when guided by reason. “If competition remains orderly and constructive,” he explains, “it becomes a win-win—for both patient outcomes and professional growth.” Through strict adherence to oncologic principles and thoughtful case selection, advancements in surgical technology can enhance China’s contribution to global gastrointestinal surgery and benefit a broader range of patients.

  From a clinical perspective, Dr. Cao believes the focus should not be on chasing novelty for its own sake, but on choosing the technique that best serves the patient—ensuring safety, oncologic completeness, and improved outcomes, while preserving function and dignity.

  One significant challenge to the widespread adoption of robotic surgery is cost. Dr. Cao is hopeful that Chinese manufacturers will continue developing high-quality, lower-cost alternatives to international systems like the Da Vinci robot. In recent years, China’s domestic surgical robotics industry has made rapid strides. Several homegrown platforms have already received regulatory approval and entered clinical use. While there is still room to improve user experience and ergonomic design, domestic systems have achieved breakthroughs in areas such as image-guided navigation and remote operation. With increasing competition, robotic surgery is expected to become more affordable, compact, and user-friendly.

  Looking ahead, Dr. Cao sees intelligent and remote robotic surgery as a key area of future growth. With the support of dedicated network infrastructure, surgical latency can now be reduced to around 20 nanoseconds—making remote procedures and distance-based teaching increasingly viable. However, further improvements are still needed in system stability and cybersecurity, particularly for remote clinical applications. Dr. Cao remains optimistic that within the next decade, China’s surgical robotic systems will continue to evolve, achieving broader adoption and more advanced capabilities.

  Renji Hospital’s Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery stands at the forefront of this transformation—not by coincidence, but through a combination of institutional foresight, clinical excellence, and the steady efforts of a disciplined and forward-thinking team. From gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers to complex conditions like portal hypertension, the department continues to demonstrate outstanding technical capability, strong research capacity, and a culture of innovation that positions it as a leader in surgical advancement.

Public Service with a National Vision: Advocating Policy and Fulfilling Civic Duty

  Although not affiliated with any political party, Professor Cao Hui has long demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and national development. Motivated by a deep sense of social responsibility, he remains actively engaged with public policy and regulatory reform. Within his department, he promotes alignment with national healthcare goals—encouraging colleagues to integrate public policy awareness into both clinical care and hospital management. As a department chair, he leads by example, ensuring that institutional values are closely linked with broader social priorities.

  In recognition of his professional accomplishments and civic engagement, Dr. Cao was elected to the Pudong New Area Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) for four consecutive terms (3rd to 6th). During his tenure, he submitted thoughtful and well-researched proposals on public health and healthcare reform, many of which were formally adopted at the district level. These proposals reflected his deep understanding of medical systems and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of public services.

  Dr. Cao also serves as President of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine’s Association of Non-Party Affiliated Intellectuals, where he helps foster a culture of inclusive dialogue and constructive participation among medical professionals. In this role, he supports university development initiatives, promotes academic exchange, and encourages democratic consultation.

  In 2022, Dr. Cao was elected as a Deputy to the 16th Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, marking a new phase in his public service career. “Becoming a representative of the people has broadened my perspective,” he remarked. “It’s no longer just about hospitals and patients—it’s about the well-being of the entire city, good governance, and sustainable development.”

  In his first year as a legislator, Shanghai faced one of its most complex periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on his frontline medical experience and the public health goals outlined in the municipal work report, Dr. Cao submitted a legislative proposal titled “On Accelerating the R&D and Application of Locally Produced COVID-19 Vaccines and Antiviral Drugs.” His proposal identified key barriers in drug approval and market access, and offered targeted solutions to help fast-track domestically produced pharmaceuticals. As a result, Chinese-developed antiviral medications and vaccines were approved and distributed more quickly—delivering timely and cost-effective solutions that significantly improved access and public confidence in pandemic response efforts.

  Looking ahead, Dr. Cao remains committed to his role in shaping healthcare policy. He plans to continue submitting evidence-based proposals focusing on public health, access to care, and health system improvement. His unique dual role—as both a practicing physician and an engaged legislator—positions him to bridge clinical insights and policy development. In doing so, he brings both hands-on experience and long-term vision to the evolving landscape of public health in Shanghai and beyond.

Editor:
Chen Qing, Li Yijing @ ShanghaiDoctor.cn 
If you are interested to contact to Dr. Cao, please be free to email us with Chenqing@ShanghaiDoctor.cn.  

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