Scientists in Dialogue with Medical Students: Motivate the Latter to Become Innovative Talents in the New Era

To inspire the enthusiasm for scientific research and innovation among young medical students and pass down the spirit of scientists, a special themed event "Scientists in Dialogue with Medical Students" was organized during the recently held International Conference of Genomics on Eye 2023 (The 6th ICG EYE).

The event invited Professor Fan Xianqun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI), Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dean of the School of Medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Professor He Wei, Elected Trustee of the Council of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), Deputy Leader of the National Prevention of Blindness Technical Guidance Committee in China, and Founder of He Eye Specialist Hospital (HESH); Professor Pang Jijing, a famous gene therapy expert and Director of the Gene Therapy Clinical & Translational Research Institute of He Vision Group; and Dr. Wang Zhuoshi, Deputy Director of the HESH Precision Research Institute and graduate advisor at Dalian Medical University. The four scientists had a passionate dialogue with student representatives from the He University.

As the Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Academician Fan Xianqun said that the Ministry of Education is currently deeply promoting the development of new medical science which aims to closely integrate medicine and information technology, in response to the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation. Against this backdrop, medical students should not only acquire a solid understanding of the fundamental theoretical knowledge of basic medicine and clinical medicine, but also learn about artificial intelligence, big data information technology, and some humanistic knowledge to adapt to the development and changes of this era.

As the Founder of He University, Professor He believes that the digital age has not only changed the world, but also the way of changing the world. The evaluation standard - which used to be examinations in traditional education - may turn its focus to students' learning and creative abilities. Therefore, medical education needs to evolve towards the goal of cultivating inter-disciplinary, outstanding and innovative medical talent. Meanwhile, medical students should have a critical mindset towards scientific issues as well as an inquisitive and truth-seeking approach to learning. 

As an expert focusing on genetic research and treatment, Professor Pang noted that although today's medical technology has significantly advanced compared to that of more than 100 years ago, the phrase "sometimes cured" is a brutal fact for patients with inherited retinal diseases. Nevertheless, the development of this kind of diseases follows a certain course. If doctors inform patients of prevention knowledge, it will slow down the development of the diseases, which can truly improve patients' quality of life. Moreover, many patients suffer from not only physical illnesses, but also psychological torment, and this is where doctors come in - through rich scientific knowledge and modern medical treatment, they need to bring hope to patients and heal their both body and mind.

During the event, scientists shared their experience and stories to encourage young students to champion their ideals and beliefs, adhere to the original aspiration of medicine, be brave in taking on responsibilities and contributions, and strive to become new talents of the era who can shoulder the important task of national rejuvenation. At the end of the event, the moderator Dr. He Xingru also shared with the students the story of Natty, a 2017 international student from He University, who returned to her motherland setting up an eye clinic and using the knowledge she acquired to benefit the local people. The story is to inspire all students offline and online to actively take part in big health projects of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries, serve the BRI with Chinese wisdom, and become an international talent with a global vision.