April 16, 2025 – Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) hosted the 132nd installment of its acclaimed NCG Forum series, featuring Professor Yao Zhibin, a distinguished scholar and pioneer in medical humanities. The event, titled "Illuminating Medicine with Humanities," drew over 400 attendees, including NCG President Tang Tao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Science, Party Secretary Li Jianchao, faculty, and students. Professor Zhang Mingyuan, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, moderated the session.
Distinguished Speaker Profile
Professor Yao Zhibin
• Doctoral Supervisor, Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine
• Chief Expert of Science and Humanities, Guangdong Medical Association
• Editor-in-Chief, Anatomical Research; Director, Journal of Practical Medicine Editorial Board
• Former Standing Committee Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)
• Former Vice Chairman, Guangdong Provincial CPPCC
Keynote Address: Bridging Science and Soul
Professor Yao opened with gratitude for NCG’s invitation, framing his lecture around five pillars:
• Defining Humanities: Beyond disciplines, humanities embody empathy, ethics, and the essence of human dignity.
• Medicine’s Inseparable Bond with Humanities: "While technology cures, humanities heal."
• Modern Medicine’s Paradox: AI-driven diagnostics risk eroding doctor-patient trust; commercialization threatens healthcare’s altruistic core.
• Pathways to Reform: Advocate for systemic healthcare reforms prioritizing accessibility and equity.
• Cultivating Humanistic Physicians: "A doctor’s toolkit must hold both a stethoscope and a poet’s sensitivity."
Quoting Zhuangzi’s adage, “The greatest utility lies in what seems useless,” Professor Yao emphasized that humanistic values—reverence for life, emotional intelligence, and moral integrity—are non-negotiable in medicine.
Cultivating Humanistic Qualities in Physicians
Professor Yao elaborated on enhancing physicians’ humanistic inner quality through interdisciplinary engagement and personal anecdotes. He emphasized:
Multidisciplinary Knowledge:
• Advocated studying Tang and Song poetry to grasp cultural nuances and Chinese porcelain appreciation to refine aesthetic sensibilities.
• Highlighted the importance of diverse knowledge: “A physician’s mind must be as expansive as the humanities themselves.”
Literary Immersion:
• Recommended global literary masterpieces like “Dream of the Red Chamber” (China), “The Doctor” (Chekhov), “Love in the Time of Cholera” (Márquez), and “War and Peace” (Tolstoy).
• Explained: “These works dissect life, death, and suffering, revealing humanity’s brilliance and complexity. They teach empathy—the soul of medical practice.”
Cultural Exposure:
• Urged visits to domestic museums (e.g., the Palace Museum) and international institutions (e.g., the Louvre) to cultivate reverence for life and history.
• Shared: “Art transcends time. A Ming vase or a Renaissance painting reminds us that healing is both science and art.”
Interactive Dialogue: Q&A Highlights
During the Q&A, faculty and students raised critical questions:
Student Question: “How can medical schools integrate humanities into technical curricula?”
Professor Yao:
• Curriculum Design: Mandate literature and ethics courses alongside clinical training.
• Mentorship: Pair medical students with artists or philosophers for cross-disciplinary projects.
• Clinical Narratives: Train students to document patient stories, not just symptoms.
Faculty Question: “Can AI replace human compassion in healthcare?”
Professor Yao:
“AI excels at pattern recognition but fails at emotional resonance. Future doctors must balance data with discernment—algorithms inform, but humans heal.”
Closing Ceremony: A Symbolic Gesture
President Tang Tao presented Professor Yao with a Guangzhou embroidery masterpiece titled Lychee, symbolizing the fusion of regional heritage and academic innovation.
President Tang’s Remarks:
“Today’s dialogue reaffirms our commitment to holistic education. At NCG, we mold professionals who wield scalpels with skill and hearts with empathy.”
Student Reflections
Hu Yue (Medical Laboratory Technology, Class of 2022):
“Professor Yao redefined healthcare for me. It’s not just tests and treatments—it’s about touching lives with humility and warmth.”
Lin Siying (Chinese Language and Literature, Class of 2023):
“As a humanities student, I now see medicine’s soul. Empathy isn’t optional; it’s the bridge between science and humanity.”
NCG’s Vision: Integrating Humanities and Innovation
This forum exemplifies NCG’s “Applied + Liberal Arts + Global” model. By embedding humanities across disciplines, the college nurtures professionals who innovate with both technical mastery and moral clarity.
Source：https://www.nfu.edu.cn/info/2131/113611.htm
