Shizhong Shen

Shizhong Shen, a second-year graduate student, expresses his sincere gratitude to the Cyrus Tang Foundation for the opportunity to study and collaborate with peers in the United States. Inspired by his mother, a general practitioner in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Shizhong developed an early appreciation for the unique charm of TCM, which sparked his interest in pursuing a career as a general practitioner and advancing his expertise in the field. Since his undergraduate years, Shizhong has been involved with the community outpatient department, gaining valuable insights into the common diseases in the community and their role in public health. He believes community healthcare is an indispensable component of the medical field. It not only focuses on disease treatment but also emphasizes preventive care and health maintenance among the community population. Through his participation in community healthcare practice, Shizhong has had the opportunity to experience firsthand how family physician teams work closely with community residents to provide high-quality medical services. The community healthcare model streamlines the healthcare process for residents and helps alleviate the burden on large hospitals. Additionally, Shizhong has a strong interest in non-drug therapies for treating various conditions. During his outpatient training, he encountered many patients who experienced significant improvement by combining non-drug therapies with medication treatments. One notable case involved a man with an anxiety disorder who struggled with the side effects of anxiolytic medication. Under the guidance of our medical team, the patient incorporated daily walks and nature exposure, while continuing with a prescribed dosage of medication, and his anxiety and depression significantly improved, leading to an enhanced quality of life. This experience reinforced Shizhong’s belief in the importance of non-drug therapies in modern medicine. They not only help minimize medication side effects but also offer patients a more holistic approach to improving their health. Looking ahead, Shizhong hopes to apply and promote non-drug therapies more widely, helping patients find the most suitable treatment options for their individual needs.