A delegation from the University of Michigan Medical School recently visited the Xiangya School of Medicine to strengthen and expand their cooperation in medical education, talent cultivation, and faculty exchange. The delegation included Joseph Kolars, Vice Dean of the Medical School, Eugene Chen, Professor at the Cardiovascular Medicine Center, and Amy Huang, Director of the Asian Programs of the Medical School.

In the afternoon, a symposium was held in the second conference room of Xiangya School of Medicine. Attendees included Li Zhihong, Vice President of Central South University, and key representatives from Xiangya School of Medicine, the International Cooperation and Exchange Office, the Hospital Administration Office, Xiangya Hospital, the Second Xiangya Hospital, and the Third Xiangya Hospital. The symposium was presided over by Chang Shi, Party Secretary of Xiangya School of Medicine.

Vice President Li Zhihong extended a warm welcome and sincere thanks to the University of Michigan Medical School delegation on behalf of Central South University. He noted that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the relationship between the two institutions, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of Xiangya Medical Education. He emphasized the deep-rooted cooperation and promising future between the two schools. Central South University remains committed to deepening its international collaboration with world-class universities, working with the University of Michigan Medical School to advance shared goals and forge a new model of Sino-American cultural and medical cooperation.

Professor Joseph Kolars emphasized the high value the University of Michigan Medical School places on its partnership with Xiangya School of Medicine. He expressed readiness to face future challenges in international cooperation together with Xiangya and to jointly promote the internationalization of medical education, thereby making greater contributions to human health. He also looked forward to reuniting at Xiangya’s 110th-anniversary celebration to celebrate the fruitful results of the collaboration between the two schools. Professor Eugene Chen, reflecting on the decade-long cooperation, highlighted the joint efforts of both institutions in cultivating future medical talents with international vision and innovative capabilities. He stressed that this achievement is a testament to the importance and value of the collaboration.

During the meeting, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions about existing cooperation projects, future cooperation directions, and medical education exchanges.

Before the symposium, Li Xuejun, Vice Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine, presided over the Pre-departure Exchange Meeting for the University of Michigan MD+PhD Dual Degree Program and the Central South University Sinocare Fund Program.

At the meeting, Chang Shi, Party Secretary of Xiangya School of Medicine, expressed heartfelt thanks to the University of Michigan, the Sinocare Diabetes Foundation, and the Central South University Education Foundation for their strong support of the project. He emphasized the establishment of a valuable platform for training future physician-scientists and urged Xiangya students preparing to study in the United States to embrace challenges, adapt to new learning and living environments, and contribute to the advancement of medical science with doubled efforts and unwavering conviction.

Professor Joseph Kolars remarked that students represent the future of the medical field and the greatest asset of the collaboration between the two schools. He anticipated continued deepening of cooperation to jointly cultivate more outstanding medical talents and advance human health. Professor Eugene Chen elaborated on the initial intention of establishing the project, aiming to cultivate excellent talents for human medicine. He encouraged the students to study hard, continuously improve their abilities, and contribute to the development of human medicine. Director Amy Huang praised the outstanding performance of Xiangya students and affirmed the full support of the University of Michigan Medical School project team in providing the best learning and research environment.

Li Shaobo, Chairman of Sinocare Inc., recalled the joint conception and promotion of the Central South University Sinocare Fund Program with Professor Eugene Chen and leaders of Xiangya School of Medicine in 2014. He expressed pleasure in continuing to support the project’s development and encouraged the students to cherish the opportunity to study at the University of Michigan, integrating different cultures, learning new knowledge, and mastering new technologies to lay a solid foundation for their future medical careers.

Zhang Xuemei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Central South University Education Foundation, thanked the Sinocare Diabetes Foundation for its strong support in talent cultivation and discipline construction at Central South University. She hoped that the students would uphold the Xiangya spirit of seeking truth and precision, striving for excellence, and climbing the heights of medical science.

During the exchange meeting, the participating students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, their commitment to hard work and diligence, broadening their horizons, and living up to expectations to contribute to the future of human health.

(First Review: Zhou Xingcan; Second Review: Li Ruijun; Third Review: Li Xuejun)