Honored master pioneers TCM’s future

Zhang Boli, 72, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a pioneer in modern development and high-quality use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

During his 82 days spent in Wuhan, once China’s hardest-hit city by the novel coronavirus, he led a TCM expert medical team that helped the metropolis pull through its worst time.

With the efficacy TCM has shown in treating the virus, Zhang joined dozens of video sessions this year to share his TCM treatment experience on COVID-19 with medics in other countries.

China has now shared TCM therapy, effective prescriptions and clinical experience for tackling COVID-19 with more than 80 countries and regions, according to the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

“The virus knows no boundaries and races. We are always open to sharing experiences. I hope TCM can help more and more people worldwide," Zhang said.

On Sept 8, Zhang attended a meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and was granted the national honorary title "People's Hero" for his outstanding contributions to the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

"This honor was not only given to me as an individual. I share the glory because I am a member of the medical staff who have benefited from TCM," Zhang said.

He is committed to pioneering TCM research with modern technology. “Paired with modern technology, TCM will achieve innovative and outstanding achievements."

Under his leadership a new national-level key research laboratory for traditional Chinese medicine was approved for the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The laboratory will be based at the world's largest traditional Chinese medicine component storage center at the institute, which is now home to 60,000 TCM components.

The institute is expected to release more than 80,000 TCM components and 5,000 TCM compounds over the next five years, which will facilitate development of new drugs based on TCM.

For Zhang, cultivating talents in TCM is a key focus for developing the traditional therapy.

More than 280 postdoctoral, doctoral and master's degree students have received his tutoring, most of whom have become backbones in the field.

At every year’s graduation ceremony of the university, Zhang insists on presenting the degrees in person to nearly 3,000 graduates. "There are some moments in life that cannot be ignored. Although I am tired for a few days, the students will remember this moment.”

“I hope that more Chinese medicine talents will start from here, learn something, and become doctors who save lives and care about patients."

Zhang has donated more than 4 million yuan (about $580,000) of the money he received from awards to set up a scholarship fund for elite TCM majors whose families are facing a financial crunch.