Credit: TMUCIH
Cultivating top medical practitioners and researchers has always been at the centre of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (TMUCIH)’s remit. The training arm of the hospital is now one of the largest bases for cancer training and research in China.
Providing quality education
Since its early days, the institute has recruited experts in cancer education, including renowned the oncologists Shuling Li, Jiarui Jin, Tianze Zhang, Deyan Wang, Deyuan Wang, and Chinese Academy of Engineering academician, Xishan Hao.
TMUCIH also values international partnerships and has formed affiliations with top cancer centres around the world, with whom they conduct collaborative research projects and student exchanges. Students also benefit from TMUCIH’s close collaboration with medical research centres in nearly 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Germany.
Graduate, Jingya Wang, outlines her excellent academic and clinical training, as well as the research opportunities she had while studying at TMUCIH. “In my final year of study, I participated in the annual postgraduate academic conference, which allowed me to share my research, pick up skills on academic communication and build confidence,” she recalls. Wang, who now works in TMUCIH’s Department of Pulmonary Oncology, also appreciates the pastoral side of the education she received. “Our teachers inspired us to take a dedicated attitude towards patients, and encouraged our curiosity,” she adds.
TMUCIH’s success in developing top medical talent is also reflected in the students’ achievements, including publishing of their research in top cancer journals.
The hospital was commissioned by the Ministry of Health to establish a National Oncologist Training Course, which they have delivered since 1954. Many of the early trainees returned to their local areas and founded cancer hospitals, becoming directors or technical leaders.
Spacious and modern training facilities
To keep up with the growing number of students, the institution has 55 doctoral and 155 masters supervisors, who have expertise in 14 different majors at masters level and 10 at doctoral level.
With 15,000m2 of laboratory space, the institute has established a specific pathogen free (SPF) laboratory animal centre, a public platform for large instruments, a high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics platform, and a tumour sample bank.
The Clinical Skills Training & Education Center (CSTEC) includes endoscopy/lumpectomy training, robotic surgery training, microsurgery training, and simulation training. It provides training for clinical staff, trainees and postgraduates to improve their surgical and clinical skills, and to demonstrate and exchange knowledge on new technologies.
As TMUCIH celebrates its 160th anniversary, it is committed to following its development strategy to achieve high-quality, all-round, high-level and sustainable development.
Part of this vision includes the building of an international first-class large tumour research centre integrating treatment of difficult and serious diseases, medical education and training, and clinical application.