Q1: What are the educational vision and missions of ZJU-ISM?

Our international medical school stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and progress in the realm of medical education, offering a transformative experience for aspiring students from around the world who aspire to become future doctors. As we welcome students from diverse corners of the globe to our campus in Yiwu, China, we embrace the rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each individual brings. In doing so, we not only enrich our learning environment but also lay the foundation for a truly global medical community built on understanding, collaboration, and mutual respect.

At the heart of our institution lies a profound commitment to fostering a new generation of medical professionals who transcend borders, cultures, and languages. Our vision is clear: to cultivate compassionate, competent, and culturally aware physicians equipped to tackle the complex healthcare challenges of our interconnected world.

Our mission is multifaceted, yet singular in purpose. We are dedicated to providing a rigorous academic curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and cutting-edge research. Through innovative teaching methodologies, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on clinical experiences, we empower our students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers capable of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Moreover, we recognize the importance of fostering a holistic approach to medical education—one that encompasses not only the acquisition of medical knowledge and technical skills but also the cultivation of empathy, integrity, and cultural competence. In a world plagued by disparities in healthcare access and quality, we strive to instill in our students a deep sense of social responsibility and a commitment to serving the underserved, both locally and globally.

Dr. Chen is communicating with prospective student's parent at the ZJU4H

Q2: What kind of expectations could the international students hold towards ZJU-ISM?

ZJU-ISM is China’s first and sole med school that adopts a “longitudinal dual mentor system”. Fostering outstanding students requires a collaborative effort between the institution and individuals, with each playing a vital role in supporting and nurturing student success. I would like to emphasize three aspects that the students could expect to come to ZJU-ISM.

Firstly, it is the holistic support system. ZJU-ISM is committed to providing a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of our students. This includes academic advising, mentorship programs, counseling services, and extracurricular opportunities. By fostering a nurturing environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive, we lay the groundwork for their success.

Secondly, it is the diverse experience and fruitful opportunities. We foster international partnerships and just in one year’s time, we have set up overseas elective exchange programs with esteemed partners in Thailand, the UK, Canada, Japan, and Sweden. Students can spend one to three months in our partner institutions to do clinical electives. And our organization and operation are also innovative. The International Institutes of Health, and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital together with this med school, form an integrated health center under one umbrella with the ultimate goal of improving health.

Thirdly, it is personal responsibility and accountability. While the institution plays a crucial role in supporting student success, individuals must also take ownership of their learning journey. This means attending classes, actively participating in discussions, seeking help when needed, and taking advantage of the available resources. Becoming a future doctor is certainly no easy process. By cultivating a sense of personal responsibility and accountability, students become active agents in their own education, driving their success through dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

Dr. Chen attends International Women's Day event

Q3: As a student, how do I stand out and achieve my learning goals here?

As future healthcare professionals, students must embody the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. This includes treating patients with respect and dignity, upholding patient confidentiality, and adhering to professional codes of conduct. Through ethics training, role modeling by faculty, and real-world clinical shadowing, we instill in our students the values and principles that are essential to their role as compassionate and ethical physicians.

In addition, learning doesn’t end with graduation—it’s a lifelong journey. We instill in our students a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, encouraging them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in medicine, technology, and healthcare delivery. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, we empower students to adapt to change, embrace innovation, and excel in their careers. Our institution will always serve as a pitstop along students’ career journey.

Written by Xu Xiaoming

Edited by Chen Weiying