Bridging Borders for Adolescent Health: Zhejiang University Children's Hospital Hosted International Summer School
The Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZCH) has successfully held the 2025 Zhejiang University Global Summer School on "Adolescent Medicine: Good Health and Well-being" from July 21 to August 3, 2025. This prestigious international academic event, expertly organized by ZCH, brought together 32 exceptional students from 14 countries across five continents, representing some of the world's most renowned institutions including Germany's University of Munich, America's Brown University, Singapore's National University, Britain's Imperial College London, Thailand's Khon Kaen University, and China's Zhejiang University. The course leader is Professor Fu Junfen, an endocrinologist of ZCH, professor of pediatrics of Zhejiang University.
A Platform for Academic Excellence
The comprehensive program was meticulously designed to provide participants with a multidimensional understanding of adolescent medicine, combining cutting-edge academic lectures, hands-on clinical training, interdisciplinary workshops, and rich cultural exchanges. As noted by Professor Benjamin Wheeler from University of Otago New Zealand during the closing ceremony, "This summer school has not only created an exceptional platform for knowledge exchange but has successfully cultivated an international academic community dedicated to advancing adolescent health worldwide."
The academic curriculum formed the cornerstone of the program, featuring an impressive lineup of lectures delivered by academic leaders in various pediatric specialties. Professor Fu Junfen inaugurated the lecture series with her groundbreaking presentation on "Puberty and Minipuberty," introducing innovative concepts about physiological mechanisms while addressing global health challenges such as adolescent obesity. Her comprehensive analysis of the relationship between early developmental stages and future reproductive health provided attendees with novel research perspectives that many described as "transformative" in their understanding of adolescent medicine.
Professor Ma Daqing delivered a particularly impactful session on "Good Sleep and Good Health" where he elucidated the neuroregulatory mechanisms of sleep and presented compelling evidence about the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and metabolic health. Professor Gao Zhigang captivated the audience with his demonstration of the Da Vinci Surgical System's applications in pediatric surgery, showcasing breakthroughs in treating congenital conditions. Meanwhile, Professor Mao Jianhua employed a case-based approach to discuss kidney development and related diseases, bridging theory and clinical practice. These sessions provided students with a comprehensive understanding of adolescent health, from molecular mechanisms to real-world medical interventions.
International Perspectives and Collaborative Learning
The program's international dimension was significantly enhanced by contributions from global experts. Professor Yiu Fai Cheung from the University of Hong Kong provided a masterful overview of pediatric heart failure management, emphasizing personalized treatment strategies across different developmental stages. His clinical pearls about recognizing early signs of cardiac decompensation were particularly valued by attendees. Meanwhile, Professor Gary WK Wong from the Chinese University of Hong Kong offered profound reflections on the philosophical underpinnings of medical research, challenging participants to consider how their work could most effectively serve humanity.
Through interactive workshops, students engaged with leading researchers on topics like pediatric oncology, zebrafish models, AI in medicine, and rare genetic disorders. These sessions not only highlighted emerging technologies but also encouraged students to think critically about their future roles in global healthcare.
Hands-On Experience and Cultural Immersion
The program’s hands-on activities were just as valuable. At ZCH’s modern simulation center, students practiced important medical skills like advanced airway management and CPR. With help from expert instructors, they moved from feeling nervous to performing confidently through repeated practice and instant feedback. "The simulation training was incredibly realistic," shared one participant from Brown University. "It gave me the kind of hands-on experience that's impossible to get from textbooks alone."
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant aspect of the program was the Child Life experience, which immersed participants in the psychosocial dimensions of pediatric care. Through interactive sessions and hospital tours, students gained profound appreciation for how play therapy, family-centered care, and thoughtfully designed treatment environments can significantly improve outcomes for pediatric patients. The Disney play house and dedicated play areas throughout the hospital served as powerful examples of how medical institutions can balance technical excellence with compassionate care.
Cultural enrichment formed an integral part of the summer school experience. Excursions to the Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum offered fascinating insights into China's ancient medical traditions, with participants marveling at historical artifacts and learning about herbal remedies that continue to inform modern practice. The students also had the opportunity to engage in a Baduanjin (Eight Trigram Boxing) session, an ancient Chinese exercise promoting physical and mental well-being, where they practiced the slow, deliberate movements under expert guidance. Visits to the Zhejiang Museum and Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum further enhanced cross-cultural understanding, with many international students expressing newfound appreciation for how cultural context shapes health beliefs and practices.
Celebrating Achievements and Building Futures
The program's conclusion was marked by an emotionally charged closing ceremony attended by ZCH leadership including Executive Vice President Professor Zou Chaochun. In his address, Professor Zou emphasized the critical importance of investing in adolescent health as the foundation for societal wellbeing, while Professor Fu Junfen reflected on how the program had successfully created lasting academic connections across continents. The certificate presentation ceremony was followed by heartfelt performances from students, faculty, volunteers and staff, showcasing talents ranging from traditional Chinese dance to story-themed skits that humorously revisited key learning moments from the program.
Participant feedback overwhelmingly confirmed the program's transformative impact. Students from diverse backgrounds consistently highlighted how the summer school had expanded their medical knowledge while fostering deep international friendships and professional networks. Many spoke of how exposure to different healthcare systems and research approaches had fundamentally broadened their perspectives, with several describing plans to implement aspects of what they learned in their home countries. The strong sense of global community cultivated during the program was perhaps best captured by one participant's observation: "We came here as individuals from different nations, but we're leaving as members of a worldwide team committed to improving adolescent health."
As the 2025 cohort goes back to their respective institutions across the globe, they carry with them not just enhanced medical expertise but also the relationships and inspiration to drive meaningful change in their communities. The success of this summer school has solidified ZCH's reputation as a leading hub for international medical education and sets a high standard for future programs. With its unique combination of academic rigor, practical training, cultural exchange, and community building, the Zhejiang University Global Summer School on Adolescent Medicine has demonstrated how collaborative education can transcend borders to address some of the most pressing challenges in global health.
Looking ahead, the organizers anticipate that the connections formed during these two weeks will continue to bear fruit through future research collaborations, clinical innovations, and ongoing professional exchanges. As expressed by Professor Fu in her closing remarks, "What we've started here is not an ending, but rather the beginning of what I believe will be many years of productive international cooperation in adolescent medicine." The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine remains committed to its mission as a catalyst for global health innovation, already looking forward to welcoming the next generation of young talents to future editions of this transformative program.
