Editor's Note: In the journey toward a "Healthy China," urology leads the way. From August 9th to 11th, 2024, the eagerly anticipated 2024 Annual Meeting of the Urology Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association was grandly held in Xi'an. With a broad global perspective, the conference showcased the latest achievements in the field of urology from multiple angles, paving the way for a new chapter in China's healthcare construction alongside urology professionals nationwide. After the event, Urology Frontier had the honor of interviewing the conference chairman, Dr. Nianzeng Xing, Vice President of the Cancer Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, who shared insights on the conference highlights, Chinese initiatives, and the training of young professionals.01
Urology Frontier: As the conference chairman, could you introduce the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s CUDA conference?
Dr. Nianzeng Xing: This year’s Annual Meeting of the Urology Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association saw a record-breaking number of participants, with an extraordinary atmosphere at the conference venue. The ancient capital Xi’an, known for its rich cultural heritage and as a meeting point for Eastern and Western cultures, added unique vibrancy to the exchanges in Chinese urology. As the field continues to subdivide, the conference organized 35 sub-forums, fostering in-depth discussions and exchanges among experts in various areas. One of the highlights of this conference was the introduction of special sessions, including those for female urologists, young physicians, and workshops on writing English-language papers, aimed at promoting the development of female and young physicians.
Additionally, to embody the new era’s healthcare spirit of “Respecting Life, Saving Lives, Selfless Dedication, and Boundless Love,” the conference hosted its first calligraphy and photography exhibition. Many experts nationwide enthusiastically submitted their works, showcasing the responsibility and mission of healthcare professionals. Furthermore, as the “home” for urology physicians, the Urology Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association is well-positioned to support the professional development of physicians. This year’s conference also featured discussions on patient rights, emphasizing that doctors and patients should work together as allies to overcome urological diseases. Moreover, we invited the experienced experts’ choir from Xijing Hospital to sing patriotic songs and celebrate the contributions of prominent figures in urology.
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Urology Frontier: In recent years, several techniques, including the “Xing’s Anastomosis,” have propelled China’s urological oncology research to the forefront of global advancements. How can we promote more Chinese approaches internationally?
Dr. Nianzeng Xing: The “Xing’s Anastomosis,” representing a new technological advancement, is well-received for its simple construction method and minimal complications, such as anastomotic stricture, hydronephrosis, and ureteral reflux. International exchange is crucial for medical development, and conferences like the CUDA annual meeting place great emphasis on Sino-foreign collaboration. This year, we specially invited Professor Arnulf Stenzl, Secretary-General of the European Association of Urology, to discuss Sino-European cooperation in urology. We explored several possibilities, including using online platforms for case diagnosis and surgical technique learning, hosting joint academic conferences, and implementing collaborative training programs for young doctors.
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Urology Frontier: The conference introduced special sessions for young physicians and English paper writing. Could you share the reasoning behind establishing these sessions and their value for the development of young doctors?
Dr. Nianzeng Xing: One of the advantages of young doctors today is their strong command of English. Recently, the 2024 Olympics concluded, with China winning the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m medley relay. I noticed that some athletes continued to train the night before the competition to better adapt to the environment, and during the final sprint, the team members gave their all, ultimately securing the gold medal. The medical profession is similar in that, although demanding, young doctors today are equally dedicated, striving to complete their tasks and objectives. Therefore, nurturing young doctors now lays a brighter foundation for the future of medicine. To further enhance the comprehensive abilities of young physicians, this conference established sessions specifically for young doctors and English paper writing to improve their international collaboration skills and global perspective, which is of great significance for enhancing new productivity in the field.
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Urology Frontier: This year’s conference also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the medical field. Could you elaborate on the significance of such collaborations and the role they play in advancing urological research and practice?
Dr. Nianzeng Xing: International collaboration is essential for the growth and advancement of any medical field, including urology. It allows for the exchange of knowledge, techniques, and best practices, which can significantly enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. In the context of this conference, we’ve seen a strong emphasis on global partnerships. The collaboration with European counterparts, for example, opens up new avenues for research, clinical trials, and the development of innovative treatment methods. These partnerships also provide young doctors with invaluable opportunities to learn from and contribute to a global medical community, furthering their professional development and helping them to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in urology.
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Urology Frontier: Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the future direction of urological research in China, and how can events like the CUDA conference contribute to this development?
Dr. Nianzeng Xing: The future of urological research in China is promising, particularly with the ongoing efforts to integrate traditional practices with cutting-edge technologies and international standards. The CUDA conference plays a crucial role in this development by serving as a platform for the dissemination of new ideas, research findings, and technological advancements. It also fosters a spirit of collaboration and innovation among professionals, which is essential for addressing the complex challenges in urology. As we continue to prioritize the training of young physicians and the development of innovative treatment methods, I am confident that China will continue to make significant contributions to the global field of urology.
Dr. Nianzeng Xing:
- Position: Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, and Postdoctoral Mentor; Vice President of the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
- National Representative: Member of the National People’s Congress.
- Awards and Honors: National-level talent in the “Hundreds and Thousands of Talents Project.” National “Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Experts with Significant Contributions.” Recognized as a “National Famous Doctor.” Recipient of the “Wu Yang Award.” Enjoys special government allowances from the State Council.
- Leadership Roles: President of the Urology Physicians Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association. Incoming Chairman of the Urology Branch of the Beijing Medical Association. Member and Deputy Secretary-General of the Urology Branch, Chinese Medical Association. Director and Vice President of the Urology Branch, Global Chinese Medical Association. Standing Member of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the Chinese Hospital Association. Member of the Asian Society of Robotic Urologic Surgery.
- Editorial Roles: Editor-in-Chief of UroPrecision magazine. Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Chinese Journal of Endoscopic Urology. Editorial Board Member of Chinese Medical Journal and Chinese Journal of Urology. Standing Editorial Board Member of Chinese Journal of Oncology. Editorial Board Member of Journal of Urology.
- Expertise: Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urological tumors and minimally invasive urological surgery, with several techniques recognized as leading both domestically and internationally.
- Publications: Authored 388 academic papers, including 137 SCI-indexed papers, and has received more than 10 provincial and ministerial-level scientific awards.
