Editor's Note;

In celebration of International Working Women's Day, we invite a few female role models at ZJU-ISM. Their trailblazing spirit, service mindset, and unique courage not only contribute to medical education and development, but also serve as an inspiration for women. This interview series delves into their experiences, achievements, and the impact they have made in serving their community and empowering women in healthcare.

Associate Professor, PhD

Vice Dean (Admissions and International Affairs)

At ZJU-ISM, we view medical education as more than academics. It is about fostering global - minded, well - rounded medical talents. Dr. Weiying Chen's work in international exchanges, student recruitment, and leadership at the international working group epitomizes this mission. Her efforts have elevated medical education and inspired the entire community to cultivate future professionals collectively. On this special occasion, the power of women is refreshed in shaping medical education for a healthier world.

Achievements in International Collaboration

Dr. Chen has led ZJU-ISM making significant progress in advancing international medical education. The successful partnership with world-renowned institutions such as Mass General Brigham (MGB) has led to new avenues for medical training and research collaboration, strengthening the bridge and building a shared future. Additionally, Dr. Chen took the initiative to invite esteemed professor Paul Rea from the University of Glasgow to the school and introduced an innovative approach to anatomy education by flexibly engaging, ensuring that our students benefit from world-class expertise. The introduction of intercultural training, led by Dutch experts from the University of Groningen, further exemplifies the school's dedication to preparing students for the complexities of global medical practice. Additionally, she has been actively involved in high - profile international events. For instance, she played a pivotal role in facilitating APMEC coming to China. Through this, she provided a platform for faculty and students to interact with leading medical educators from all over the world, sharing and absorbing the latest educational concepts and scholarship. These achievements not only enhance academic rigor but also nurture a learning environment where students develop essential cross-cultural competencies.

The 6i Framework: Roles and Responsibilities

At the heart of ZJU-ISM's internationalization strategy lies the '6i' framework—international concepts, international cooperation, international standards, international services, international ecosystem, and international reputation. These six pillars guide the institution's policy-making and operations, ensuring that medical education aligns with global standards. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, AI-assisted learning platforms, the school bridges gaps between clinical practice, biomedical research, and healthcare innovation. The emphasis on internationalization has led to the establishment of dual-degree programs, student and faculty exchange opportunities, and two international research centers. Furthermore, strong industry connections have paved the way for internships, professional training, and global networking opportunities, providing students with a comprehensive and practical medical education.

Leadership with Humility and Altruism

One of the defining characteristics of Dr. Chen's leadership is her adherence to 'humility' and 'altruism'. She recognizes that true international collaboration is not about top-down dominance but rather about mutual learning and shared progress. Faculty members and administrators continuously seek to understand diverse educational models, medical practices, and cultural perspectives. This humility fosters an environment where students and staff alike are encouraged to be open-minded and adaptable. Altruism is equally integral to the school's ethos—by prioritizing medical education that serves diverse communities, ZJU-ISM cultivates future healthcare professionals who are not only technically proficient but also deeply compassionate. Initiatives such as early clinical exposure, bilateral elective programs and community outreach efforts further reinforce this commitment to local and global healthcare equity.

Establishing a Dedicated International Working Group

To effectively manage and coordinate its expanding international engagements, Dr. Chen was authorised to lead a specialized international working group since October 2024. This team is responsible for overseeing three core aspects of the global endeavors of both the medical school and its hospital: internationalization of curriculum and faculty, transnational education program, and internationalized healthcare. By taking a holistic approach, the working group ensures that collaboration efforts remain well-integrated across all facets of the institution. This initiative also facilitates smoother communication between local and international stakeholders, streamlining the implementation of joint programs and policy frameworks. The working group's structured approach enhances the efficiency and sustainability of international projects, ensuring long-term success in medical education and research.

An Empowering Message for the Future

Looking ahead, Dr. Chen remains committed to empowering students, faculty, and healthcare professionals with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Chen described her vision, stating that the priority would be to enhance the quality of medical education of ZJU-ISM. This would be achieved by maintaining gender equality in the research field, international exchange opportunities and other initiatives, ensuring a fair developmental environment for female faculty and students. Dr. Chen hopes that in the future, alumni can play a more inspiring role in education. She mentioned plans to invite outstanding female alumni from medicine, engineering, and other disciplines to share their career journey with students. These alumni would serve as role models, inspiring the next generation with the 'Her Power' spirit. This initiative is in line with the institution's continuous efforts to create a comprehensive support network for women throughout their academic and professional development.

The institution's leadership emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability, and cross-cultural empathy. By integrating international best practices and continuously evolving its curriculum, she is helping with shaping a new generation of medical professionals who can navigate global healthcare challenges with confidence. The message to students is clear: embrace diversity, seek knowledge beyond borders, and contribute meaningfully to the future of medicine.

Written by: Chen Zixin, Xu Xiaoming

Edited by: Chen Weiying