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.

Dr. Fang Jiajia,

Chief Physician of Neurology Department

Ph.D. supervisor

Q: Dr. Fang, could you share what initially inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and specifically, what led you to choose neurology and epilepsy research?

A: I've always been drawn to the intricate world of science, and during my college years, I discovered a profound interest in the human body's complexity. The idea of using medical knowledge to alleviate suffering and improve lives was incredibly appealing. When I first encountered neurology, I was immediately captivated by its complexity. It's a field that requires a deep understanding of neuroanatomy. Epilepsy, in particular, intrigued me because of its significant impact on patients' lives. The challenges it poses, both clinically and scientifically, motivated me to delve deeper into this area.

Q: As a female physician in neurology, what unique perspective do you bring to patient care, especially in treating epilepsy?

A: The physician-patient relationship in neurology requires exceptional empathy and communication skills. For epilepsy patients, particularly women, there are unique challenges related to hormonal influences, pregnancy concerns, and social stigma that I'm especially attuned to address. This understanding prompted me to establish Zhejiang's first epilepsy fertility joint clinic. Medical care isn't merely about treating symptoms; it encompasses understanding patients' lived experiences. As a female neurologist, I find patients often share intimate concerns they might hesitate to discuss, allowing me to provide more comprehensive care addressing both physical symptoms and psychological well-being.

Q: What innovations in epilepsy treatment have you developed that specifically benefit female patients?

A: We've established an epilepsy pregnancy joint clinic staffed by epilepsy experts, obstetricians, and pharmacists. Our multidisciplinary approach to treating refractory epilepsy particularly benefits women patients. This clinic offers comprehensive education and management regarding fertility, genetics, and other issues for women of childbearing age with epilepsy. It also provides guidance on medication use for female patients with child - bearing needs. We have also carried out a number of research projects. These include studies on the impact of medication use by pregnant women with epilepsy on the brain development of fetuses, as well as research on the effects of such medications on fetal bone metabolism

Q: How have you balanced your multiple roles as a clinician, researcher, administrator, and mentor?

A: Balancing these responsibilities necessitates exceptional organizational skills and prioritization. I view my various roles as complementary rather than competing: my clinical work informs my research questions, while administrative duties allow me to implement systemic improvements benefiting patients. Leading both the Teaching Department and Clinical Research Center enables me to integrate cutting-edge research into clinical practice while mentoring the next generation of neurologists. This integration creates a virtuous cycle where patient care constantly improves through evidence-based innovations. I'm particularly proud of our departmental model that bridges clinical practice and scientific research, ensuring patients receive the most advanced care based on sound scientific principles.

Q: Your work includes significant public health initiatives. As a female physician, how has your perspective shaped the community outreach efforts?

A: The "Healthy China, Zhejiang Fourth Hospital in Action" campaign, which I spearheaded, has reached over 30,000 people through 420+ outreach events using our mobile CT vehicle. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to bringing quality healthcare directly to communities, particularly benefiting women who often postpone their own healthcare needs while caring for others. The innovative approach earned our team the "Innovative Team" honor in Chinese hospital humanistic construction and the silver award in the 2023 Chinese Hospital Management Awards. These achievements demonstrate how feminine values of care, accessibility, and relationship-building strengthen public health interventions.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations, especially in terms of further empowering women in healthcare and improving the lives of female patients?

A: In the future, I aim to expand the epilepsy pregnancy joint clinic and offer more comprehensive services to female patients. We plan to conduct more in-depth research on the impact of epilepsy and its treatment on women's health, including long-term effects on reproductive health and mental well-being. I also hope to mentor more young female doctors and researchers, especially those interested in epilepsy and women's health. Additionally, I'm committed to advocating for policies that support women's health and promote gender equality in healthcare. Through these efforts, I believe we can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system that better serves the needs of all women.

Q: What advice would you offer young women considering careers in neurology or medical research?

A: My advice to young women interested in medicine is to stay true to their passion and never be afraid to dream big. Remember to embrace the unique perspective you bring to medicine as a woman. The field of neurology, particularly areas like epilepsy treatment, benefits immensely from diverse thinking and approaches. Throughout my journey from Sichuan University to Zhejiang University, I've also found that integrating scientific rigor with compassionate care creates the most effective treatment approaches. So, build a strong foundation in basic medical knowledge and clinical skills, which are the building blocks for success. Also, don't shy away from pursuing specialized research in areas like women's neurological health, as these represent significant opportunities for meaningful impact.

Written by: Zhao Ziqian

Edited by: Chen Weiying