【Editor’s Note: Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZCH) is one of the best children’s hospitals in China and has abundant experience in teaching and training medical students, residents as well as fellow doctors.  ZCH also have international fellowship, resident and medical student training programs tailored for those who are interested in gaining a valuable pediatric experience in China. In this article, Dr. Lee Poh Ching from Malaysia shared her inspiring learning experience at ZCH. You are welcome to contact the International Affairs Office via chghb@zju.edu.cn and get more information through http://en.zjuch.cn/education/index.】

Dr Lee Poh Ching

Ob-gyn Malaysia, Reproductive Medicine

Fellow in Subspecialty Training PAG

Choosing China as the destination for my subspecialty fellowship has always been my dream. With an increasing number of countries sending their medical students abroad, China has gradually become a hot spot for overseas fellows. I am honored to share my experienceat the Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZCH), which serves more than 4 million patients and provides multidisciplinary consultations to over 1,800 children annually. It gives me great pleasure to learn in the renowned PAG centre. I feel grateful to have learned Mandarin during my childhood, which has helped me to immerse deeply into this wonderful environment. My journey in China began in December 2023. Thanks to the help of my supervisor, Dr. SUN Liying, Director of Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology Department of ZCH and my team members, I could make full use of this chance to broaden my clinical experience.

The team welcomed me warmly upon my arrival. I was deeply touched by well-prepared accommodations offered by the Children’s Hospital and their thoughtfulness and hospitality. Dr. SUN is an excellentand wonderful teacher who selflessly shared her years of clinical practicewith me. She and the outstanding team members made my journey incredible.

At ZCH, I had the opportunity to meet doctors from various specialties, broadening my view and experience. Joining the Specialty Excellence project with Boston Children's Hospital was a golden opportunity since I could participate inthe heated case-based discussions with excellent experts from across the world.

I had the incredible opportunity to learn from the MDT Multidisciplinary Team in Disorder of Sex Development. Thanks to this experience, I have gained knowledge on how to effectively take care of rare DSD patients. The team consisted of experts in psychosocial care, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric gynecology, pediatric surgery, and genetics. Witnessing their collaborative strength and ability to offer the best opinions for patients' dilemmas was truly inspiring. They formed a cohesive and unbreakable unit.

In the realm of illness-bound children-related cancer, the healthcare team's considerations extended far beyond the children's welfare. Through joint efforts between the oncology, surgical, radiology, and pathology teams, doctors were able to provide top-notch care and support to the patients' families. While in China, I visited a sponsored accommodation place for families of patients who are chronically ill. It was great to see the support and care being provided to those in need.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to share my experiences with Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology Training (PAG) in Malaysia and discuss with FIJIG, an internationally recognized PAG federation. During my presentation, I was thrilled to receive insightful opinions from my colleagues, which allowed me to gain valuable clinical perspectives. It was an honor to have my voice heard and to work alongside supportive and encouraging colleagues. Additionally, Dr. SUN invited external PAG experts to share their perspectives. It was inspiring to see how these insights will be integrated into the practice.

I also went on a trip to Suzhou with my new colleagues to join the FD/MAS (McCune Albright Syndrome) patient association discussion. This was my first exposure to significant, supportive communities that always rise up to all challenges and make every move valuable.

Being Enrolled in the Chinese Panorama was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to immerse myself in Chinese culture. From visiting the Leifeng Pagoda and the famous West Lake in Hangzhou to celebrating the New Year Celebration and various occasions, I had the opportunity to personally experience Chinese hospitality. Joining my friends' family for lunch was a particularly memorable moment.

As a working professional, becoming a student again was a delightful experience that provided me with not only a new spectrum of clinical experience but also great life value. I met many great friends.The relationships and moments we shared will last a lifetime. This short attachment made me realize that there is so much to learn, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share my thoughts and passions with others. My study experience here has greatly helped my clinical practice, providing me with a new spectrum of precious experiences that will stay with me forever.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. SUN Liying, her inspiring team members, and all my incredible friends at ZCH for being a part of my life and for making me a better person than I was yesterday.

Source: Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine