Planting a Seed in the Heart

At the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZJU4H), Frozan Khoshbakht, a master’s student in clinical medicine, is currently interning in the Department of Obstetrics. Originally from Afghanistan, Frozan encountered a heartwarming moment with a patient from the Middle East.

Maya, a pregnant woman from a Middle Eastern country, arrived in Yiwu over four months ago. She had been experiencing severe pregnancy reactions, losing 10 kilograms of weight and struggling to walk. Recommended by a friend, she went to ZJU4H to seek medical assistance. She was treated well by the medical staff and her needs were addressed.

During her treatment, Frozan provided counseling and care under the instruction of her mentor whenever Maya was uncomfortable with the specter of a possible miscarriage. After a week of treatment, Maya fully recovered and expressed her gratitude to the medical staff, saying, “I am not afraid. The medical technology and services here are professional and international. Thank you all very much.”

This experience has further solidified Frozan’s desire to become a doctor in China and help women across the country. She is determined to pursue her dream and make a difference in the lives of her patients. She said, “I want to stay in China and become a doctor. I really want to help my female friends throughout China.”

The Journey of Chasing A Dream

After graduating from medical school in Afghanistan in 2015, Frozan continued her pursuit of a master’s degree. However, her studies were interrupted due to her own pregnancy and relocation to Yiwu. “When I learned that Zhejiang University (ZJU) had an affiliated hospital in Yiwu, I became excited about the possibility of resuming my studies in medicine,” she said.

With the help of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), Frozan contacted Chen Xing, the director of the OIA at ZJU4H, to inquire about admission requirements.

“During the application process, she faced many challenges, but she remained steadfast and did not give up. I was impressed by her love for China and her passion for obstetrics and gynecology,” said Chen Xing.

In September 2022, Frozan’s dream came true. Professor Xu Jian, Secretary of the CPC at ZJU4H and Zhejiang University International School of Medicine (ZJU-ISM), as well as the Director of the Reproductive Medicine Center, became her supervisor.

Frozan now aims to learn Chinese, excel in her medical studies, and stay in China as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Many foreigners, particularly Muslim women, come to Yiwu to join their spouses or families, and some may not be able to communicate fluently in English. These patients have unique customs and religious beliefs, and the unfamiliar environment may make them hesitant to seek medical treatment. “I want to provide as much assistance as possible to make them feel at home here.”

Nothing is Impossible for a Willing Heart

Every Thursday afternoon, Frozan comes to the Twin Café at ZJU4H to brush up on her Chinese language skills.

She has a solid foundation in intermediate and advanced general Chinese and can communicate in Chinese in daily life. However, she finds medical terminology highly specialized and complex.

To help international students like Frozan adapt to medical work and life as quickly as possible, Cai Hechang and Shi Mengze, newly recruited Chinese teachers at ZJU-ISM, provide them with one-on-one tutoring.

“She has been studying diligently all the time, and she digests all the learning materials. After two months, she has made great progress,” said Cai Hechang. Recently, Frozan excitedly shared some good news: she was able to communicate smoothly with Chinese patients.

Every night, Frozan spends 2 to 3 hours studying Chinese. On weekends, she also volunteers in the hospital and some local communities in Yiwu. “Learning Chinese is bittersweet. I am lucky to have the help of so many people,” she said.

International Medical Center: A Dream Destination for International Students

The Zhejiang University International School of Medicine (ZJU-ISM) is located in Yiwu, the world’s largest wholesale market of consumer goods, recognized by the United Nations, World Bank, and other authoritative organizations. Adhering to the spirit of “truth and innovation” (the University motto), ZJU-ISM is dedicated to promoting human health and well-being through excellent clinical education, research, and care. ZJU-ISM, set to open in 2023, will cultivate the next generation of health professionals, foster innovative scholarly activity, and provide compassionate care to the region and beyond.

Since 2020, the school has admitted 363 full-time graduate students and six international students, committed to training future doctors with international perspectives who meet global standards and possess clinical, academic, communication, and collaborative abilities.

According to Xu Jian, Secretary of the CPC at both ZJU4H and ZJU-ISM, the school receives a significant number of international patients from various countries and regions every year. The hospital has full-time international general practitioners, a multilingual volunteer service team, and trainees from different countries worldwide.

Together, ZJU4H and ZJU-ISM strive to establish a world-class international medical center with Chinese characteristics in Yiwu.

Written by Han Qiqi