Famous Chinese Physicians

Li Wenliang was a dedicated Chinese ophthalmologist who raised concerns about early COVID-19 infections in Wuhan. Despite initially sharing information within a WeChat group of Wuhan University alumni, he unintentionally became known as a whistleblower when the report spread publicly. Li contracted COVID-19 while treating patients and sadly passed away from the disease. Following his death, an official inquiry exonerated him and he was posthumously awarded the May Fourth Medal by the government. Li's actions ultimately shed light on the emerging SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

Liang Wudong was a dedicated physician at Xinhua Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei, who tragically became the first doctor to succumb to COVID-19 as a result of a nosocomial infection. His professional life was characterized by a commitment to caring for patients and serving his community. Through his work at the hospital, Liang Wudong made significant contributions to the field of medicine, demonstrating compassion and expertise in his interactions with patients and colleagues alike. His legacy continues to inspire others in the medical profession.

Han Suyin, known as Rosalie Matilda Kuanghu Chou, was a Chinese-born Eurasian physician and author who wrote in English and French on modern China. She gained recognition for her novels set in East and Southeast Asia, as well as her autobiographical memoirs that spanned the history of modern China. Han Suyin was known for her support of the Chinese Communist Revolution and lived in Lausanne, Switzerland, for many years.

Hua Tuo was a prominent Chinese physician during the late Eastern Han dynasty, known for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine. He was the first in China to utilize anaesthesia during surgeries, using a mixture of wine and a herbal concoction called mafeisan. Beyond his expertise in surgery and anaesthesia, Hua Tuo was highly skilled in acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and medical daoyin exercises. He also developed the Wuqinxi, a set of exercises inspired by the movements of animals like the tiger, deer, bear, ape, and crane.

Li Shizhen was a prominent figure in the Ming dynasty as a skilled acupuncturist, herbalist, naturalist, pharmacologist, physician, and writer. His most notable achievement is the 27-year work, the Compendium of Materia Medica, which contains detailed information on over 1,800 traditional Chinese medicines, along with illustrations and prescriptions. He developed innovative methods for classifying herb components and medications for treating various diseases. The Compendium covers diverse subjects like botany, zoology, mineralogy, and metallurgy, showcasing Li Shizhen's comprehensive knowledge and dedication to advancing traditional Chinese medicine.

Zhang Zhongjing was a distinguished Chinese pharmacologist, physician, inventor, and writer during the Eastern Han dynasty. He emerged as one of the most prominent Chinese physicians in the later years of the Han dynasty. His professional life was marked by the establishment of fundamental medication principles and the consolidation of medicinal knowledge up to his time. Zhang Zhongjing's significant contributions greatly influenced the development and advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine, leaving a lasting impact on the field for generations to come.

Bian Que, an ancient Chinese physician during the Warring States period, was renowned for his exceptional medical skills. Originally known as Qin Yueren, he was so proficient in his practice that he was eventually given the name Bian Que, after the legendary doctor from the time of the Yellow Emperor. He was a native of the State of Qi and is considered the earliest known Chinese physician. Bian Que's expertise and healing abilities earned him a lasting legacy in the field of medicine.

Frederick Pei Li was a renowned Chinese-American physician known for his groundbreaking discovery of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a condition linked to p53 gene mutations that increase cancer risk in families. He conducted pioneering research at the National Cancer Institute and served as a distinguished professor at Harvard Medical School. His contributions to cancer research have left a lasting impact on the medical community. Li's professional legacy continues to inspire advancements in understanding and treating genetic predispositions to cancer.

Li Zhisui was a Chinese American physician known for being Mao Zedong's personal doctor and confidant. He studied medicine during World War II and later emigrated to the United States. Li gained notoriety for his controversial biography of Mao, where he portrayed the leader as selfish and cruel. During the Cultural Revolution, Li faced danger when Mao's wife accused him of poisoning her, forcing him to hide. Li also had an interest in psychiatry and contributed to the field by writing a preface for a Chinese textbook on psychopharmacology.