The China-U.S. Youth Health Academic Visit officially kicks off at the Yushan Campus of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital on April 13. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
As part of the "Bond with Kuliang" 2025 China-U.S. Youth Exchange series activities, the China-U.S. Youth Health Academic Visit program takes place in Fuzhou from April 12 to 14. Hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People's Government, Fujian Provincial Health Commission, and Fuzhou Municipal People's Government, the event brought together over 40 young participants from China and the United States. They gathered to discuss "health and wellness", honoring the enduring bond symbolized by the "Bond with Kuliang".
China-U.S. youth unite to explore innovations in health and medicine
On April 13, the China-U.S. Youth Health Academic Visit officially kicked off at the Yushan Campus of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital. At the opening ceremony, six youth representatives from both countries delivered speeches, offering insights into medical education, scientific research, and clinical practice. Their contributions reflected the professional depth of a new generation of medical talent, as well as a shared commitment to advancing global health.
Participants from China and the United States listen attentively during the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
Marina Khreizat, a medical student from the University of Michigan, said, "I was deeply impressed by China's efficient public health system and the integration of traditional medicine with modern technology. The country's grassroots healthcare network, especially in managing chronic diseases, offers valuable lessons. This exchange has strengthened my belief that joint efforts between China and the U.S. can drive even greater progress in global health."
After the opening ceremony, participants visited various departments at the hospital, including those specializing in minimally invasive surgery, neurosurgery, gastric surgery, cardiology, and oncology. These tours provided hands-on exposure and fostered academic dialogue.
"We gained valuable insights into endoscopic techniques and surgical training through this visit," said Liu Lei, an attending physician in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. "I hope we can continue to collaborate and learn from one another in the future."
Advancing research together: Stem cells and liver cancer vaccines
In the afternoon, the youth delegation visited the Tatting Campus of the Fuzhou Second General Hospital, where they attended an academic symposium and toured several specialized areas, including the traditional Chinese medicine hall, the hospital journal office, and staff facilities. They also explored the hospital's advanced rehabilitation technologies and medical equipment.
At the symposium, Chen Shunyou, assistant to the president of the Fuzhou Second General Hospital, and Liu Xiaolong, Party secretary of the Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, gave presentations on "Advanced Research in Stem Cell Culture" and "Tumor Neoantigen Vaccine Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma". Their talks sparked enthusiastic discussions among the participating youth.
Chen Shunyou (top) and Liu Xiaolong share insights on frontier topics in stem cell and liver cancer vaccine research during the symposium. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
Beyond the hospitals: Discovering the cultural heart of Fuzhou
The exchange program extended beyond hospitals to the vibrant city of Fuzhou, where its deep cultural roots brought new meaning to this cross-Pacific journey. During the two-day visit, participants explored Kuliang, a historic site that has witnessed over a century of people-to-people ties between China and the U.S., experiencing the profound bond between the two nations firsthand.
Participants attentively view a photo exhibition at the Kuliang Club. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
Participants stroll through the Yantaishan historic district. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
They also wandered through the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys historic district, immersing themselves in the city's living history. A stroll through the Yantaishan historic district offered a glimpse into Fuzhou's distinctive blend of Chinese and Western architecture, a testament to the city's unique cultural fusion of past and present.
