The First Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital International Undergraduate Group to LLUH: 

Experience the Pure American Medical Education and Directly Contact with Local Medical Students

Huang He, Education Office

Eight ZJU medical undergraduates went to Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) with me for a 12-day learning program from January 31st to February 12th, 2019.

It’s the first undergraduate international learning program initiated by Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. In order to allow the students to experience the pure American medical education and directly contact with local medical students, the program was specially arranged during the school time in Loma Linda University, which is the traditional Chinese New Year holiday at the same time. Different from other summer exchange programs that usually set up separate classes for the visitors, this program stands out because of integrate. Our students were fully involved into the American medical education system by attending the lectures, case study, simulation classes with local students. 

To make full use of this learning opportunity, the schedule was very productive. Though the students could only have a quick meal for lunch because of little break time, no one complained. Everyone made full previews by reading a lot of English materials to understand their lessons better. The night before the Neuroscience Case Studies, the students discussed online until 23 o 'clock. In spite of the short 12 days, the students were under great pressure. The pressure, however, was exactly the motivation for them to go forward.

Students were fully integrated into the classroom of American medical students and participated in various learning forms through the insertion teaching arrangement. In all of the anatomy classes, clinical simulation exercises and inpatient rounds, students were inserted into different local student groups. In the Neuroscience Case Studies, thanks to sufficient preparation and solid basic knowledge, they were highly praised by teachers and gained full confidence. As for the physical diagnosis lab, they practiced history taking and physical examination with standard patients. Having no experience of the simulation training before, the students felt excited about this learning mode. Eight students were divided into three groups and cooperated with other students to finish three cases of dyspnea in two hours, which also made them aware of the importance of teamwork.

In addition to having a clear understanding of the education system, curriculum, and rotation of residents in America, it was the concept of "wholeness", one of LLUH's core values, that resonated among the students. Besides, they were deeply moved by the real and strong humanistic feelings represented by the LLUH’s physicians and faculty.

In the neonatal intensive care unit, there were volume sensors in every room to protect the babies from too much noises. What’s more caring, Babies here could only be discharged until their parents were able to take care of them properly. Thus, there were special family rooms for those who were about to be discharged from the hospital. Besides, there was a room full of neatly ironed baby dresses for the unfortunate dead, which strongly showed concern for parents who lost their child.

During the hospital tour, we also noticed that the art gallery at the children's hospital was filled with photographs of heart transplant patients holding pictures of themselves as babies in hospital. Dick Schaefer, the university historian who had been working at LLUH for more than 40 years, proudly told us about a heart transplant patient who was working as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit now. Each of these photos revealed a miracle of life, which brought endless warmth into our heart。

At noon on February 8^th, the global health institution (GHI) specially prepared various Chinese food for us and other Chinese visiting scholars. The vice dean of the school of continuing education, the director of the department of pathology as well as the director of the department of rehabilitation also joined the lunch together with us. Although the students missed the family reunion in Spring Festival, they had a unique and enjoyable celebration in America.

The most profound feelings of the students came from the deep thinking. Both the President of LLUH, Richard Hard, MD PhD, and the dean of medical school, Roger Hadley, MD, asked us the same questions: Why do you choose medicine? Why do you choose to be a doctor? What does it take to be a doctor? The answers may be the compassion, the sense of mission to help others, and the purest humanistic feelings. 

The Students for International Missions Service (SIMS) program has impressed the sense of mission in every Loma Linda medical student. The program encourages them to serve around the world, with the aim to cultivate caring, international and socially responsible professionals who will continue to promote the health careers for all mankind throughout their lives.

Every day in Loma Linda, we all felt warm and kindness. Everyone we met was trying to help us, regardless of position and age. The American students helped by spontaneously sharing microscopes and infrared electronic stethoscopes with us in classes. While the teachers encouraged the students to ask questions and express their own opinions so that they can be totally involved into the class. They also provided us with the disposable operation clothes and anatomical instruments in the anatomy lab.

With the belief that we will work hard to help those in need, our hearts are as warm and bright as the sun.

We appreciate a lot for the great support from the Center for International Collaboration of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital as well as the Global Health Institution of LLUH. The visit became significant because of the close cooperation between the two departments at an early stage as well as the comprehensive design, arrangement and assistance. And special thanks go to Bing Frazier for her fantastic arrangement.

On our way home, the students expressed their gratitude and expectations: "We are deeply moved by the advanced educational concepts hold by Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Loma Linda University. We sincerely hope that such high-quality international learning programs can be further promoted!"

In 2019, SRRSH and LLUH are ready to continue working together to provide better medical education for Zhejiang University students!