Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

At nine o'clock on Monday morning, several black cars drove smoothly into the hospital area and parked in front of the main building.

Shen Yuntao got out of the car accompanied by his secretary. He was wearing a dark gray jacket and had a tall, straight figure. Accompanying him were the deputy director of the National Health Commission in charge of traditional Chinese medicine and heads of relevant departments, a group of seven or eight people.

"Minister Shen, welcome to our visit and guidance." Chen Yang led his team to greet them, and the two sides shook hands.

"Director Chen, I came here specifically to hear your good news." Shen Yuntao smiled warmly, shook hands with Chen Yang, and then greeted Xiao Jingyun, Gao Anliang, and others one by one. He could even call out the names of some of them, which made people feel very close to him.

Everyone took their seats in the conference room. After a brief opening, Chen Yang began his report.

"Minister Shen, distinguished leaders, I will now report on the construction progress and future plans of the new campus of Kyoto International Medical Center." Chen Yang stood up, walked to the projection screen, pressed the remote control, and opened the carefully prepared PPT.

Chen Yang gave a systematic report on five aspects: project progress, functional layout, equipment procurement, talent reserves, and distinctive innovations.

Shen Yuntao listened very attentively, occasionally taking notes in his notebook and looking up to ask questions, all of which were to the point.

When Chen Yang was explaining the specific process design for "certification of folk TCM practitioners," Shen Yuntao interjected, asking, "How are these certification standards formulated? How can fairness and impartiality be guaranteed, and how can we avoid making it a mere formality or causing new conflicts?"

Chen Yang looked at Yu Shiyun and encouraged her with his eyes to answer.

Yu Shiyun took a deep breath, stood up, and said, "Minister Shen, we suggest that a certification committee composed of respected seniors in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, top clinical experts, pharmaceutical experts, and some management experts be formed to develop multi-dimensional evaluation standards that include theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, special expertise, and medical ethics."

"The certification process will include theoretical assessments, case analysis, on-site skills demonstrations, and patient follow-up feedback, and will also consider incorporating peer review and patient satisfaction surveys. The entire process will strive for openness and transparency, and will be subject to industry and public oversight."

After a pause, Yu Shiyun added, "Moreover, we believe that certification itself is not the end point, but rather a starting point."

"Therefore, we have designed a series of support measures, such as the 'Inheritance Studio,' 'Empirical Prescription Transformation Fund,' and 'Apprenticeship Clinical Learning Program,' with the aim of enabling truly skilled and certified folk doctors to obtain a platform for legal medical practice and resources for further development. Their valuable experience can also be systematically organized, verified, and passed on, preventing the loss of skills upon the death of the practitioner."

Shen Yuntao nodded in satisfaction, a look of approval on his face: "You've thought it through very thoroughly, especially the concept of 'certification is the starting point' is excellent."

"There are indeed many treasures in folk medicine. Some methods and prescriptions are very unique. The key is to have a good mechanism to discover and pass them down, and to standardize and ensure their safety. Only in this way can they truly benefit the people and enrich our treasure trove of traditional Chinese medicine."

The report lasted an hour and a half. After it ended, Shen Yuntao led the applause, and the meeting room erupted in applause.

Afterwards, Shen Yuntao turned to Li, the deputy director of the Health Commission who was accompanying him, and said, "Let's go, seeing is believing, let's go to the construction site and take a look."

The group drove to the construction site of the new hospital campus not far away. Although still under construction, the main structure had already risen from the ground, with scaffolding and safety nets covering the reinforced concrete frame. Tower cranes were slowly turning, and the construction site was orderly with materials neatly stacked and workers performing their respective duties.

Donning a white hard hat, Shen Yuntao, accompanied by Chen Yang and the construction manager, carefully inspected the construction progress of major buildings such as the outpatient building, inpatient department, and research building along the planned safety passage. He frequently inquired about details such as building material standards, seismic resistance levels, and energy-saving designs.

"The area is indeed much larger than the current campus, and the functions are more complete."

Standing in front of the research building that was about to be completed, Shen Yuntao looked around at the bustling scene and sighed, "Xiao Chen, the hardware is up, but the software needs to keep up. Talent, management, technology, and culture—these soft power elements are the core. You have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders."

"Please rest assured, Minister Shen, we will certainly live up to your expectations, build and operate the new hospital well, and strive to explore a new path for the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese medicine," Chen Yang nodded.

The inspection ended at noon, and Shen Yuntao declined the invitation to lunch prepared by the center, saying that there was a meeting in the ministry that afternoon.

Before getting into the car, he gestured for Chen Yang to come closer and said to him alone, "Chen Yang, I am very satisfied with your work. You are motivated and have good ideas."

"But I must remind you that reforms will always encounter resistance, and the more fundamental the reforms, the greater the resistance may be. Some of your recent ideas and practices, such as your reflections on certain traditional apprenticeship models and your systematic organization and improvement of folk remedies, have received some dissenting voices in the industry, and some veteran comrades have also expressed some doubts."

Chen Yang nodded, his face still bearing a calm smile: "Minister Shen, I understand what you mean..."

Shen Yuntao waved his hand, interrupting him: "I'm not criticizing you. On the contrary, I think your direction is correct. If traditional Chinese medicine is to develop and truly move towards modernization and internationalization, it must be brave enough to break down some inherent barriers, be inclusive, and also establish a more scientific and standardized evaluation and development system."

"I'm just telling you to be mentally prepared that this road won't be smooth sailing. At the same time, you also need to be strategic, unite the majority, and let the facts and results speak for themselves."

As he spoke, Shen Yuntao patted Chen Yang on the shoulder, the pat light but conveying trust and support: "Go for it! The ministry supports your explorations. If you encounter any insurmountable difficulties or need to coordinate important resources, you can report directly to me."

"Thank you for your trust and support, Minister Shen," Chen Yang said with a smile.

Chen Yang guessed correctly. Shen Yuntao came not only to inspect the work, but also to encourage him and give him confidence. He came to tell him that he could put aside some unnecessary concerns and focus on his work.

This Minister Shen seems to be an ambitious leader who wants to get things done.

“Xiao Chen,” Shen Yuntao looked at Chen Yang with the care and sincerity of an elder, “you are a rare talent. You are highly gifted, willing to study, and have a compassionate heart for the common people. This is very rare. In fact, we are not unaware of the problems and opportunities in medical reform, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, nor are we unwilling to do something about it.”

"But sometimes, doing things isn't so easy. The traditional Chinese medicine system is vast, with a long history and many schools of thought. Many senior figures are highly respected, each with their own thoughts and concerns. A small change can have far-reaching consequences. Some things may have great ideas, but they are difficult to implement. They require the right timing, and they also need a pioneer like you."

“I know the sincerity of people like Elder Chu and Elder Wen for the country and the people, but they are getting old and their energy is limited. When they push things forward, they have many concerns and their efforts are inevitably limited.”

Shen Yuntao looked at Chen Yang and said seriously, "But you are different. You are young, have superb skills, are enterprising, and have the ability to build a team and promote specific tasks. So I trust you to try and break through in many things."

"I understand, thank you for your heartfelt words, Minister Shen." Chen Yang nodded deeply.