The SIMS Delegation from Loma Linda University (LLU) Embarks on a Cross-Cultural Medical Exploration at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH)

From the Wellness Secrets of Western "Blue Zones" to the Mysteries of Eastern "Meridian Therapy": The SIMS Delegation from Loma Linda University (LLU) Embarks on a Cross-Cultural Medical Exploration at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine!

Recently, the Summer International Health Volunteer Services, a collaborative initiative between SRRSH and Loma Linda University (LLU), concluded smoothly in Hangzhou. This volunteer program brought together medical teams from multiple campuses of SRRSH and the Students for International Mission Service (SIMS) delegation from LLU. Through health education, Sino-U.S. medical exchanges, and traditional Chinese cultural experiences, the initiative further deepened medical and cultural interactions, promoting the integration of the "Healthy China" vision with global health practices. The SIMS delegation was led by Dr. Angelika Ashburn, associate professor from the School of Nursing at LLU and Dr. Alvin Rosete, along with undergraduate and graduate students majoring in healthcare disciplines.

SRRSH has been hosting the SIMS program from LLU since 2011. Both institutions are committed to providing health education services to underserved populations in China. The purposes include promoting high-quality healthy lifestyles and nurturing the younger generation of healthcare professionals to become responsible and compassionate practitioners.

On July 24 and 25, 2025, the medical team from SRRSH and the SIMS delegation jointly conducted "Health Service Day" and an "International Health Fair Event & Health Volunteer Education Services" in local communities of Shangyu, Shaoxing, as well as at the Grand Canal Campus of SRRSH, to serve local residents.

On July 23, the day the SIMS delegation arrived in Hangzhou, SRRSH organized a unique Sino-U.S. Medical and Education Seminar. Faculty and students from both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on key topics such as "Understanding Nursing Education Systems," "Cultivating Core Competencies of Outstanding Global Pharmacists," and "Career Development Planning." Both sides agreed that the seminar not only facilitated professional exchange but also broadened international perspectives in medical education and practice.

To further enhance communication between Chinese and Western medicine and foster cross-cultural understanding, SRRSH arranged for the SIMS delegation to participate in an immersive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture experience at the Qingchun Campus. Activities included making traditional sachets, learning basic TCM theories, identifying medicinal herbs, studying meridians and acupoints, etc.

As the nine-day program came to a close, members of the SIMS delegation said that the experience had made them fall in love with China, and they hoped to participate in future exchange programs organized by SRRSH. We also look forward to welcoming more friends to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital for learning and exchange in the future!