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

Chen Yang stood behind the podium, adjusting his breathing.

Below the stage, more than 600 pairs of eyes were fixed on him—the expectant gazes of his teachers, the scrutinizing gazes of his international peers, the trusting gazes of his team members, and the inquiring gazes of his media reporters.

Even though Chen Yang had experienced a lot, he couldn't help but feel excited at this moment.

"Respected leaders, colleagues, and friends..."

"good morning guys."

"First of all, please allow me, on behalf of all my colleagues at Kyoto International Medical Center, to extend our warmest welcome and heartfelt thanks to everyone for coming!"

As he spoke, Chen Yang bowed to the crowd, and applause erupted from below the stage.

After the applause subsided, Chen Yang continued:

“Standing here, looking at this brand-new campus and at everyone here, I am filled with gratitude.”

"I am grateful for this great era."

"It is the prosperity of the country and the strong support of leaders at all levels that have enabled such a national-level medical center, which features traditional Chinese medicine and integrates the advantages of both Chinese and Western medicine, to turn from a blueprint into reality."

"I am grateful to my teachers."

As he spoke, Chen Yang looked at Wen Xiuping, Chu Yiyun, Song Luojun, Wu Yaolin, Gao Mingxuan...

"It is you who taught me the way of medicine, instilled in me a benevolent heart, guided me when I was lost, and gave me strength when I was in trouble. The inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine is passed down from generation to generation through this master-disciple relationship."

"I am grateful to all my colleagues."

Chen Yang looked at the area where the center's team members were located below the stage: "From preparation to construction, from clinical practice to scientific research, it is the hard work of everyone on the team that has led to today's achievements. Every brick and tile of this center embodies everyone's hard work."

"I am even more grateful to all my patients."

Chen Yang said sincerely, "It is your trust that gave us the opportunity to put what we have learned into practice; it is your courage to overcome illness that inspired us to keep exploring; it is your smiles after recovery that tell us that all our efforts were worthwhile."

Chen Yang's gaze calmly swept over the more than six hundred people below the stage...

Shen Yuntao sat upright like a pine tree, Wen Xiuping and Chu Yiyun's silver beards trembled slightly, Williams looked focused, and Stevenson leaned forward slightly.

Further away, Gao Mingxuan clenched his fist, Wu Yaolin pushed up his reading glasses, and Liu Jun was secretly wiping the corner of his eye with his rough palm.

Chen Yang suddenly recalled the opening line of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic: "In ancient times, those who knew the Dao followed the principles of Yin and Yang and harmonized with the arts of numerology."

Chen Yang gently pressed his hands on the podium, feeling the cool touch of the sandalwood from his palms.

"Today, spring is in full bloom and the scenery is beautiful, and all the wise men have gathered here."

Chen Yang's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to every corner of the square: "On this day, this building is completed, but I want to ask: what exactly are we celebrating the completion of?"

Wen Xiuping nodded slightly; Chen Yang had asked a good question.

Buildings are easy to construct, but establishing a spirit is difficult.

Wen Xiuping couldn't help but recall that more than sixty years ago, when he was still an apprentice, his master pointed to the dilapidated clinic and said, "Xiuping, the tiled houses will collapse, the medicine cabinets will decay, but the way of medicine will never perish."

Chen Yang continued, “The Tao Te Ching says, ‘We cut out doors and windows to make a room. It is because of its emptiness that the room is useful.’ The value of architecture lies not in bricks, stones, tiles, and wood, but in the spirit that flows within it, and the life stories carried in those ‘empty’ spaces.”

Chen Yang paused for a moment, then asked the translator to accurately convey this Eastern philosophical statement to the international guests.

"This medical center..."

Chen Yang’s voice was as calm as a deep spring: “It is not a simple combination of Chinese and Western medicine, nor a mechanical splicing of tradition and modernity. It should become a bridge—connecting ancient wisdom with contemporary practice, connecting rigorous science with humanistic care, and connecting different medical civilizations in their common pursuit of life and health.”

Chu Yiyun narrowed his eyes slightly. Chen Yang's words already had the air of a master, neither hurried nor arrogant, based on the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine and with a heart that embraced the world.

The Inner Canon states: "Those who speak well of Heaven will surely find their words resonating with people; those who speak well of the past will surely find their words verified in the present."

A spring breeze swept across the tops of the ancient cypress trees on the east side of the square, carrying the crisp scent of newly sprouting leaves.

Chen Yang quoted extensively from classical texts, his voice flowing gently in the spring breeze: "We study ancient texts not to revive the past, but to find inspiration from the wisdom that has been refined by time to address the challenges of contemporary diseases."

Zhuang Qiwen, sitting in the audience, was deeply moved.

He recalled the traditional Chinese medicine hospitals he saw during his grassroots research—some had blindly Westernized and lost their roots, while others had become stagnant and refused to embrace new knowledge.

What Chen Yang is pointing out at this moment is the most core issue of the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine: how to apply the past to the present.

"The translator must be overwhelmed."

Xia Hongliang whispered to Wen Haodong beside him.

Wen Haodong was taken aback, then said irritably, "That's all you could think of?"

"I'm worried about the translation."

Xia Hongliang laughed and said, "Do you think the translator cursed under his breath?"

Wen Haodong chuckled: "I bet there is."

"The essence of traditional Chinese medicine lies in the four words 'differentiation of syndromes and treatment'."

Ignoring the reactions of some people below, Chen Yang continued, "But this 'symptom' is not just a disease, but also the patient—his constitution, emotions, living environment, and seasonal changes. What a subtle holistic view this is! It requires doctors not only to observe with their eyes, but also to understand with their hearts."

Yu Shiyun held her breath.

She remembered what her grandfather often told her: "A good doctor has skill in his hands and a profound understanding in his heart."

At this moment, Chen Yang's words seemed to echo her grandfather's words, but they were expressed more thoroughly and systematically.

Chen Yang's gaze swept over the international guest area: "Distinguished international colleagues, I know that in your eyes, traditional Chinese medicine may be mysterious, or difficult to fully explain using existing scientific paradigms. But I believe that this is precisely the charm of medicine—human beings' understanding of life will always have unknown areas, and will always require humility and exploration."

"We do not seek to make the world fully understand the language of Traditional Chinese Medicine..."

Chen Yang’s voice was clear and firm: “But we are willing to build a platform for dialogue—using rigorous clinical data, repeatable treatment plans, and tangible patient benefits to demonstrate the contemporary value of this ancient medicine.”

"This center will establish a 'Cross-Civilizational Medical Dialogue Forum,' which will regularly invite practitioners from different medical traditions around the world to discuss diseases and exchange experiences."

Chen Yang announced: "Because we believe that the progress of medicine requires the collision of diverse wisdom, the breaking down of disciplinary barriers, and a return to the most fundamental question: how to better relieve pain and protect life?"

Applause erupted once again, spreading from the international VIP area.

As Professor Robert clapped, he whispered to Professor Muller beside him, "He has completely broken free from the outdated framework of 'Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine' and elevated the discussion to the level of medical philosophy."

After the applause subsided, Chen Yang changed the subject slightly: "However, skills are easy to acquire, but compassion is hard to find. Sun Simiao admonished in 'The Great Physician's Sincerity': 'When a great physician treats illness, he must calm his mind and focus his will, be free from desires and wants, first develop a great compassionate heart, and vow to relieve the suffering of all living beings.'"

"In the days to come, I hope that when you are using the most advanced equipment and researching the most cutting-edge topics, you will not forget this admonition from a thousand years ago. The 'essence' of medicine lies in technology, and the 'sincerity' lies in benevolence. Without the latter, the former is nothing more than a cold tool."

Zhong Dongyang and He Yonghua nodded slightly.

As a surgical expert, he was all too aware of the dangers of technology worship—no matter how well the surgery was performed, if the doctor was indifferent to the patient's suffering, it was a failure.

"therefore,"

Chen Yang's voice became even deeper: "My expectations for this center are not only how many papers it produces or how many complex surgeries it performs, but also what kind of doctors it cultivates—those who are both technically proficient and compassionate; who are both innovative and respectful of tradition; who have an international perspective and are rooted in the local community."

Gao Mingxuan couldn't help but shed tears.

It was joy, it was excitement, Chen Yang, his apprentice, an extraordinary apprentice.

"at last,"

Chen Yang looked at the flags fluttering in the square: "I would like to share a quote from the preface to Zhang Zhongjing's *Treatise on Febrile Diseases* with you all: 'Grieved by the loss of the past and saddened by the untimely deaths that could not be saved, I diligently sought ancient teachings and extensively collected various prescriptions.'"

Chen Yang took a deep breath, his gaze sharp:

"Our ancestors were inspired to write books because of the suffering of all people. A thousand years later, how fortunate we are to stand on a more solid foundation, have more abundant tools, and face the same solemn mission—to relieve pain and protect life."

"May this medical center be more than just a building; it is a spirit. May everyone who works here remember: we have chosen not only a profession, but also a commitment; we have mastered not only technology, but also trust; we have written not only medical cases, but also a solemn poem of life meeting life."

Chen Yang took a step back and bowed deeply.

At that moment, the square fell silent.

"Yang Shen's explanation is excellent."

"Cowhide."

"Some words spoken by certain people sound hypocritical, while others make people think deeply."

"Since his debut, Yang Shen has always set an example by his own conduct."

Online comments flew in, with netizens leaving their own messages.

The applause gradually subsided, but the enthusiastic atmosphere in the square remained undiminished.

Gao Anliang stepped back onto the center of the stage, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Thank you, Dean Chen Yang, for your wonderful speech! Next, we will hold the unveiling ceremony for the new campus of Kyoto International Medical Center!"

Behind the altar, a huge red silk cloth covered the central plaque. Golden ribbons hung down from both sides of the cloth.

"Please welcome our unveiling guests: Minister Shen from the Ministry of Health! Mr. Michael Williams, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mayo Clinic! Professor Wen Xiuping, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering! Dr. Chen Yang, Director of the Kyoto International Medical Center! Professor Robert, Director of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic! Professor Müller, Director of the Department of Heart Failure at the Berlin Heart Center!"

Six iconic figures representing Eastern and Western medicine walked side by side toward the silk cloth.

Shen Yuntao is in the center, with Chairman Williams and Chen Yang on his left, and Wen Xiuping, Professor Robert, and Professor Muller on his right.

The six people stood in a row, seemingly symbolizing the concept of giving equal importance to traditional Chinese and Western medicine and international cooperation.

All the guests in the audience stood up, and the cameras focused on them.

Gao Anliang shouted, "Please unveil the plaque!"

All six people grasped the golden ribbon at the same time.

Minister Shen turned his head and smiled at Chairman Williams: "Mr. Chairman, shall we go together?"

“It would be an honor.” Chairman Williams nodded.

"Three, two, one——"

Six people pull down simultaneously!

The red silk cloth slid off with a sound!

Under the sunlight, the eight gilded characters of "Kyoto International Medical Center" are fully revealed!

Each character is over two meters tall, with vigorous strokes, and shines brightly in the spring sunshine!

"Unveiling complete!" Gao Anliang's voice resounded throughout the square: "I hereby declare the new campus of Kyoto International Medical Center officially open!"

Applause, cheers, and the sound of camera shutters once again created a sea of ​​sound.

Fireworks burst into bloom, and colorful ribbons fluttered in the air.

On both sides of the square, eight large drums sounded simultaneously, their thunderous sound symbolizing the official launch of the center.

After the unveiling ceremony, everyone went inside to visit the International Medical Center.

Chen Yang slowly walked towards the most conspicuous boulder at the entrance.

The boulder was like a monument, inscribed with the full text of Sun Simiao's "The Great Physician's Sincerity". Chen Yang stood in front of it, his eyes fixed on the words.

"What are you looking at?"

A voice came from the side; it was Wen Manlu.

"Actually, I am not a noble person."

Chen Yang stared at the words on the boulder; the bronze characters "Great Physician's Sincerity" gleamed in the sunlight.

"I am just an ordinary person. My initial ideal was to become a doctor, have a good job, have a child with the person I love, and start a family."

As Chen Yang spoke, he looked at Wen Manlu and said with a wry smile, "I don't know when it started, but step by step, I feel like I'm not myself anymore."

"Whether it was my lecture at Kyoto University of Traditional Chinese Medicine or my speech just now, it seems like I couldn't help but say those words no matter where I stood."

"But right now, I'm a little nervous. If I build up this persona, will I fall hard?"

"Won't it be very tiring?"

Wen Manlu took a light step and stood side by side with Chen Yang.

"In fact, many times, people's initial thoughts are different from their later thoughts."

Wen Manlu looked at Chen Yang with a smile: "Cao Cao's initial dream was still to become the General Who Conquers the West."

"Many sages may have initially wished only to have enough to eat and to survive, but because of the times, they had to rebel and eventually became heroes."

"In fact, heroes are just ordinary people. Sometimes they are just forced to bear certain burdens because they have no choice but to do so."

As she spoke, Wen Manlu took Chen Yang's hand and said, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just keep a calm mind. You've always been yourself, but you're just too outstanding."

"You can say this in private, but don't let anyone hear it."

Wen Manlu's words made Chen Yang feel much more relaxed.

It is often said that with great power comes great responsibility, but few people realize that with great responsibility comes great pressure.

As he has come this far, Chen Yang sometimes feels apprehensive, especially at this age and at this level.

"And you've also fulfilled your dream."

Wen Manlu smiled and said, "To have a child with the person you love and start a family."

"um. Thank you."

Chen Yang nodded and looked at Wen Manlu. Every time he saw Wen Manlu, he felt relaxed. Wen Manlu's smile could heal him.

"Let's go in and have a look."

Wen Manlu smiled and said to Chen Yang, "Go take a look, I'll go with you."

Chen Yang smiled and nodded, then glanced at the words on the boulder again and said to Wen Manlu with a smile, "Come on, you come with me."

(Complete the book!)