From December 3rd to 4th, the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine was successfully held at the Beijing National Convention Center. With the theme “Diversity, Inheritance, Innovation: Traditional Medicine for All”, the conference attracted 3,585 participants, including 611 overseas delegates from 85 countries and regions. The success of the event owes much to the dedicated volunteer services, with the volunteers' smiles becoming a shining symbol of the conference.
The Beijing Municipal Health Commission, in collaboration with the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League, recruited 69 volunteers from municipal medical and health institutions. These volunteers served as foreign guest receptionists, providing itinerary reception, conference security, accompanying services, and more for ministers, high-level experts, Hong Kong and Macao officials, and ambassadors to China. Additionally, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and its affiliated hospitals mobilized 212 teachers and students to offer comprehensive and high-quality volunteer services, including venue guidance, information consultation, guest registration, channel guidance, social event assistance, translation services, exhibition explanations, and transportation guarantees. Since the volunteers began their work, the total volunteer service time has exceeded 10,000 hours. Their enthusiastic, thoughtful, and professional services have earned widespread praise from both domestic and international guests.
Voices from the Volunteers at the World Conference on Traditional Medicine: Experiences and Reflections
This volunteer experience not only allowed me to appreciate the unique charm of Chinese traditional medicine, but also made me realize its importance to the health of people worldwide. Each communication email with foreign experts and their recognition of traditional medicine filled me with national pride. As young Chinese neurology doctors, we should actively participate in the translational research of traditional Chinese medicine, strengthen the integration of evidence-based medicine with traditional practices, and contribute to the development of our country's healthcare. (Zhou Hongyu, Deputy Secretary of the Youth League Committee at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, provided reception services for international guests.)
Serving as a foreign guest receptionist has been a valuable opportunity for personal growth. It is not only a job, but also an opportunity to broaden my horizon. While accompanying the professor on a tour of the exhibition, I was deeply inspired by his enthusiasm for exploring new ideas and his courage to embrace challenges. During our collaboration, his rigor and dedication to academic pursuits profoundly influenced me, prompting me to reflect on myself and subconsciously strive to learn from him. This experience not only improved my communication and problem-solving skills but also enhanced my sense of responsibility. I will carry this volunteer spirit into my future studies and daily life, to be a person with more sense of dedication and responsibility. (Fu Hanhaoyu, Master's Student in Virology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, provided reception services for international guests.)
Being a receptionist at the conference allowed me to interact with global, national and regional leaders, scholars, and experts who are shaping policies and strategies in the health sector. I was impressed by their professionalism and approachability. As a doctor trained in Western medicine, we must uphold cultural confidence and deeply root ourselves in the rich cultural soil of our motherland. It is essential to recognize that traditional medicine is a product of human civilization, whose historical significance, practical value, and scientific merit have been validated through thousands of years of practice. In clinical practice, we should leverage modern technological advancements to continually explore and promote traditional medicine. (Yang Ni, Resident Physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, provided reception services for international guests.)
It was an honor to participate in the World Conference on Traditional Medicine with my colleagues and students. Once again, I personally witnessed the growing global influence and recognition of traditional Chinese medicine. The students, with their strong resilience and solid English proficiency, demonstrated confidence and composure as they successfully completed bilingual interpretation services for both the public and industry exhibitions at the conference. Their outstanding performance showcased the excellent qualities of students from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The students also deeply valued this opportunity for international exchange in TCM and look forward to contributing even more to the global promotion of TCM culture in their future studies and careers. (Shao Yingjun, English Teacher at the School of Humanities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, provided bilingual interpretation services.)
It was a great honor to lead students from the School of Humanities at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in participating in the World Conference on Traditional Medicine. With professionalism and enthusiasm, the students showcased the profound essence of TCM culture and shared its ancient wisdom with the world. Whether managing traffic flow with dedication to ensure the smooth progress of the conference or breaking language barriers through fluent communication, they excelled in every role. It was truly a privilege to witness their transformation from campus learners to global ambassadors, shining brightly in their respective positions. Their efforts not only highlighted the achievements of our school’s education but also contributed youthful energy to the internationalization of TCM culture! (Li Ziming, Secretary of the Youth League Committee of the School of Humanities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, providing security services)
Throughout the service process, I deeply realized the tremendous effort and collaborative spirit behind the successful hosting of an international grand event. Listening to President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message during the opening ceremony, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and an even stronger sense of mission as a conference volunteer and a student of traditional Chinese medicine. Through this experience, I gained a profound understanding of the Party and the nation's strong commitment to the development of TCM, as well as the vital role traditional medicine plays in promoting human health and fostering cross-cultural exchange. This has further strengthened my determination to dedicate myself to the inheritance and advancement of TCM. (Meng Chuchuan, Undergraduate Student, School of Acupuncture and Massage, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, provided on-site services for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the welcome banquet)
