On the occasion of the 7th Chinese Medical Workers' Day, the Branch for Education, Science, Culture, Health and Sports of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) the Workers' Union announced the list of the first "National Medical Masters," which includes 20 distinguished medical professionals. Among them, Academician MA Ding from the Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) was awarded the title "National Medical Master", making him the only medical worker selected from Hubei Province.

The initiative to select and promote the first "National Medical Masters" was launched in March by the Branch for Education, Science, Culture, Health and Sports of ACFTU. The campaign, themed "Promoting the Spirit of Craftsmanship to Support the Construction of a Healthy China," focused on identifying top talent from frontline levels, emphasizing innovation, and addressing critical healthcare challenges. It also highlighted the importance of key disciplines and the health needs of the people, as well as the unique features of traditional Chinese medicine.

After a rigorous selection process, 20 individuals were chosen from 64 candidates nominated by 29 provinces (regions, municipalities) and hospitals directly under the National Health Commission. These individuals are recognized for their high visibility in the medical field, solid foundation of honors, and their exemplary role in leading the sector.

Academician MA Ding, currently the head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Tongji Hospital, has been working on the medical frontline for over 30 years. He possesses a solid theoretical foundation and extensive clinical experience, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological tumors and diseases. He has performed more than 10,000 gynecological surgeries, demonstrating expertise in gynecological operations, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery.

As a scholar with a dual focus on clinical practice and research, Academician MA Ding has edited the national medical textbook "Obstetrics and Gynecology" for eight-year medical students, an English medical textbook for medical students, and the "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Gynecological Malignant Tumors" (5th edition). He has led numerous national scientific research projects, including the National 973 Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China's key projects, the National Key R&D Program, and the National Science and Technology Support Program. He has received two second-class National Science and Technology Progress Awards, two first-class awards from the Chinese Medical Association, and has been granted 21 national invention patents.

Academician MA Ding's innovative "neoadjuvant therapy" has completely rewritten the traditional approach, with 83.9% of patients receiving surgery-based treatment methods. This new approach has been highly praised by experts both domestically and internationally and has been included in both domestic and international guidelines and consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.