On June 14th, the statue of the late Academician Qiu Fazu at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology （HUST）, was once again surrounded by an array of flowers, marking the 16th anniversary of his passing. Qiu Fazu, a distinguished medical scientist and pioneer in organ transplantation in China, continues to inspire the medical community and students with his profound legacy.

A Day of Remembrance and Inspiration

The anniversary was observed with a ceremony at Tongji Square, where faculty and students of Tongji Medical College of HUST recited the medical student's oath, reaffirming their commitment to the health and lives entrusted to them.

Inspiration from Academician Qiu's Life

Dong Yimin, a Ph.D. student at the affiliated Tongji Hospital and a recipient of the 2024 Qiu Fazu Scholarship, shared his personal journey and the motivation he draws from Academician Qiu's life and work. He expressed his aspiration to follow in Qiu's footsteps, stating, "Every time I see the statue of Qiu on Tongji Square, I am inspired by his stories of healing and saving lives."

Pioneering Contributions to Medicine

Academician Qiu Fazu's contributions to medicine, including pioneering organ transplant research, establishing China's earliest organ transplant institution, and diagnosing the world's first clinical case of cerebral schistosomiasis, have left a lasting impact on the field.

The Qiu Fazu Scholarship: A Beacon of Excellence

Established in 2008 to honor Qiu Fazu's memory, the scholarship has since been awarded to 155 students, symbolizing the highest honor for medical students at HUST. Qi Haibo, Deputy Director of Student Affairs and Director of the Medical Student Affairs Office, highlighted the scholarship's significance in commemorating Qiu Fazu's influence and inspiring students to excel.

Cultivating Future Medical Professionals

The words of Qiu Fazu, "Be content in life, know your shortcomings in work, and never be satisfied in learning," and his belief in the importance of virtue and talent in medicine, have shaped the values of generations of medical students. Dong Yimin and Zhou Zihao, the youngest recipient of the 2024 scholarship, exemplify the dedication and commitment to embodying Qiu's teachings through their academic achievements, volunteer work, and community service.

The Enduring Spirit of Academician Qiu

The statue of Academician Qiu Fazu stands as a daily reminder and source of inspiration for the students of Tongji Medical College of HUST, guiding them on their journey to become compassionate and skilled medical professionals.