As the calendar pages turn and we reach the end of another year, it's a time for reflection and appreciation. The end of the year gives us a chance to slow down and look back at the ways our community has come together and learned in the last twelve months. From the celebration of our anniversary and the numerous academic and cultural exchanges, to the arrival of our esteemed anatomy teacher, Prof. Paul M. Rea, 2024 has been a year of growth, connection and collaboration within ZJU-ISM.

This year marked a decade of service and excellence for our Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZJU4H), an occasion we celebrated with the Development and Innovation of International Health Professions Education Programs Symposium. This symposium was a gathering of distinguished overseas experts and professionals in the field, focusing on the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in health professions education. The event was a testament to our hospital's unwavering pursuit of excellence over the past ten years, also a reflection on our journey from a young institution to a leading provider of healthcare services. The symposium served as a platform for medical educators to network, share experiences, and explore innovative strategies to better prepare health professionals for the future.

As always, ZJU-ISM has been at the forefront of medical research. The cells in our body function like "miniature computers," incessantly receiving, processing, and transmitting information, and promptly reacting to these signals. Pioneering research from Dr. Shao Jiawei's team at the Regeneration and Aging Center, unveils a groundbreaking tristate-based logic synthesis framework known as TriLoS. This innovative framework 'programs' human cells to engage in intelligent bio-computation and to serve as a foundation for cell-based therapies. By harnessing the concept of bio-computing, programmable human cells can be engineered to execute digital logic-based treatments for complex diseases. This approach promises to transform disease management, making it smarter, more targeted, and tailored to individual needs.

This summer, ZJU-ISM's Bilateral Overseas Elective Program kicked off formally, with students from Glasgow and Chulalongkorn engaging in clinical rotations at ZJU-ISM, while our students gained their international learning experiences in Thailand and Australia. These exchanges enriched academic and cultural perspectives, contributing to the development of globally-minded physicians.

On September 5th, ZJU-ISM ushered in the new semester by welcoming 98 MBBS students from 25 countries. The White Coat Ceremony opened by Dean Huang Hefeng emphasized academic excellence and global responsibility, marking the start of a new medical journey in Yiwu.

The year concluded with the exciting news of the arrival of our visiting professor of anatomy, Paul M. Rea, from University of Glasgow . His expertise and international teaching experience have been invaluable to our institution. Paul has not only enriched our curriculum with a global perspective but also inspired our students with his passion for anatomy and dedication to medical education. His presence has been a catalyst for enhancing our international reputation and fostering a more diverse learning environment.

In conclusion, 2024 has been a year of significant progress and international engagement for ZJU-ISM. As we look forward to the new year, we carry with us the lessons and achievements of 2024, committed to building on our successes and continuing to shape the future of medical education on the global stage.

Written by: Chen Weilong

Edited by: Chen Weiying